The brief filed on behalf of the plaintiff in error recited the facts contained in the bill of exceptions and documents attached thereto, in chronological order, and concluded thus:-- [G]overnment is instituted by the people, and for the benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community. And that when any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish the same, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal. [A] revolution to change the form of a State government can never be resorted to within the limits of the United States Constitution, while a State remains in the Union.
Undoubtedly the courts of the United States have certain powers under the Constitution and laws of the United States which do not belong to the State courts. But the power of determining that a State government has been lawfully established ... is not one of them. Upon such a question the courts of the United States are bound to follow the decisions of the State tribunals.Imagine that, the US Supreme Court stating 'while a State remains in the Union'. Not that it cannot leave. And even then, the decision is not up to FEDERAL authorities.