Again it is said, that the States by their treason and rebellion,
levying war upon the National Government, have _abdicated_ their places
in the Union; and here the argument is upheld by the historic example of
England, at the Revolution of 1688, when, on the flight of James II. and
the abandonment of his kingly duties, the two Houses of Parliament
voted, that the monarch, "having violated the fundamental laws, and
having withdrawn himself out of the kingdom, _had abdicated the
government_, and that the throne had thereby become vacant."[21] But it
is not necessary for us to rely on any allegation of abdication,
applicable as it may be.