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III

and welfare of the whole would be most effectually promoted. The result of the experiment has been attended with the most complete success and proves that it is the dictate of prudence and patriotism to adhere strictly to the provisions of the national compact, and to preserve inviolate the harmony of the Union as the firmest guarantee of our independence and prosperity. It becomes therefore, the duty as well as the interest of the individual States on all occasions to respect the legitimate authority of the General Government, and to yield a ready compliance with its laws, and acquiescence in its constitutional measures. In the language of Washington, "these are duties required by the fundamental maximum of true liberty." But while the legitimate authority of the General Government, as exercised by its legislative, executive, and judicial departments, is thus fully and cheerfully acknowledged, the individual States from regard to their own preservation, are bound to protect their limited sovereignty from violation, and have a constitutional right to require of that government a performance of all those obligations intended for the protection and benefit of each separate State of the Union. The relative rights and obligations, existing between the National and State Governments, have often been the subject of public inquiry among other States, and from its reference to the pending question in relation to our North Eastern boundary, has now become one of much interest to the people of Maine by the Federal Constitution, the power of declaring war, making treatises, and the management of all our relations with foreign powers is confided exclusively to the General Government. They are also under obligation to protect each of the States against invasion. And though Congress has power to dispose of the territory