Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1804-06-19
BOSTON, June S.
Hsaas Of, Rebressataavss, tune Z.

The comn1iStee to whom was referred
THE speech Of His Exceliency The governor
reported an answer, which was debated
and accepted; and the committee which
{ drafted it, appointed to present the same
{ ANS1YEROF TIE HOUSE.
Bay it please gotsr E9eelracy,
/ IdE House OF representatives, deeply
! Impressed with the obligation they l1ave ta-
ken upon themselves TO perform The public
] duties, iocumbenr upon them, agreeable to
/ the rules anI regulations Of the constitu-
ton. vii OF their parl faithfully endeavor
10 proeect ghair fellow citizens in the en-
/, ioynent O. theirlives, liberty and prope. y;
aid scrupuIoasIy observe the principles Of
| the constitution and constantly adhere to
, those Of piety, justice, moderation, tempe
rance, industry and fTugality, in the forma-
! ton o. the laws pecessary for the good adj
ministration ofthe Commonwealth.
We are highly sensible Of the importance
| of an impartial distribution OF justice to all
/ the people, to preserve al equaLity among
/, them; and to enable them to enjoy thar
liberty, which, under the protection OF law,
secures their lives ard property and to
unite them more closely together, & attach
them more firmly to he State.
We perfectly and most sincerely agree,
with your Excellency, in your sentiments
of civil liberty IN your estimaton Of Or
| der and regularity in societ;, and in your
definition OF equality.
Although it be obvious to thinking and
cultivated minds, that nothing can be more
| opposite to liberty, ,aan RIGHTEOUSNESS yet
it is no less obvious, that by the undistin-
gushing, the one is frequently coaiounded
with the o7her.
TO destitution Of correctness, of the
! pubic sentiment, on the subject, IS argues.
tionably to be imputed most of the evils,
! which have in ancient as well as in modern
times dlstnbed, convulsea and 5ubgeued
/ 10 .nsir foundations. snose sections or the
! World, on which attempts have been made
to maintain republican forms Of Govern
! ment.
/ Knowing-as we do know-that it is in
| hnitely easier to kindle enthusiasm and to
set on fire the zeal-rhan to inform The an
| derstandiug Of Man; We cannot watch too
critically, or shield ourselves too strongly,
| against ambitious and designing men, wac
! assume the garb Of patriotism and employ
their talents to intlarae the passions OF the
people and excite their contempt OF al de-
ccncv and order.
Its utterly impossible FOR Us to hest
tate to concur with your exceilency in the
position, that ali other equality than that
Of rights, is wholly inconsistent with the ma
ture of things.
Liberty aud equality, as defined by those
European Philosophers, who have adop ed
the scheme, that Lore and reason impose
upon each individual every necessary res
| traint and who, with RAPID strides, are
travelling On with man, to the perfectabhi-
| ty of human nature, are highly calculated
toundermine all rational liberty to pros
trate all civil society and to blot from the
face of the Earth ali sorts Of government.
Your exceIleney may be assured, that we
will spare no exertionts to assist cur fellow
citizent, in forming correct opinions OF the
! terms, liberty and equakty.
We are fcelingly alive to the Importance
| Of the experiment, now making IN ouI land,
as to the capacity of the American people
TO ENJOY perfect i erty with moderation,
which has hitherto proved happily success
! full. We shall certaiRly be so!icitous to con-
tribute to its successby a faithful discharge
rof our duty. And we sincerely reeiprocate
the sentiment, that all the efforts oi Iegisia-
tive wisdom VIII be undyaaing, without the
aid Of those institutions, which form the
manners and morals of the people, and
which tend to inspire them with veneration
for the SUPREME BEING. with reverence