Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1805-03-01

we are In political me- Teams VIII e'eA.'
which illustrate these ideas. They apply
to no subiec. with more aptitude, than to
the agency of the Federal government IN
the investigation and disposal OF the Yazoo
claims. 1t is not my purpose to draw the
features of this monstrous affair, 70 poins
you to its loalhsome origin, or 10 un.cld It's
wicked and dscordant effects. The SUBJ
iect has been too infinitely detailed IN PRINT
too amply elucidated ia debate to render
such an effort interesting. Whatever might
be my wishes, living as | do In astqres'-
cred spot, with no access to necessary 90
cumen,s. | have not the materials tor graft
tying them. he facts OF the subject too
seem Cruuded or mutilatet. II is not easy
to CLEAN clear impressions, ncr TO systemic
tie them whepe leaned. These reasons
conspire with others equally iorcloie 10
determine from method and detail.
shall merely present few desuitorv
! speculalions which were erected by reading
in late number of the Enquirer some qae-
ries and propositions which, If Inaccurate
deus.ve, cali for comment with peculiar en-
ergy, because sanctioned by the most res
! peetabe authority. The paragraph 10
which aliude is imposing. but It will not
! bear the probe CT analysis. With many
! Fundamental p,:Hcples which the most H.
credulous viii not cisal!ow, it interweaves
| noveltie. in the sciences ofpollsics and jH-
risprudrnce. shall not examine these
queries severally, but shall respectfully
touch some OF the notions which lhey en'
brace.
Can subsequent Legislature repeal the
acts oftheir predecessors no man denies
| their rjghrul powers. They are co-ordl-
nate. This IS the doctrine OF savlilans x
statesmen and i; corresponds exactly with
the reason OF the subject. Yet is law OF
general nature to be disting uished from
limited and specific compact. The one is
liable to repeal, the other is held sacred.
Infinite distrusr, insecurity, and confusion
would arise from the reverse principle.
We are not permitted to violate the stip-
aatious of our agents, if they have adhcr-
| ed to the instructions with which we fur
! nished them. This is the rule il the traffic
Of social life, and in tribunals OF justice.
VIII it be urged that states and nations
! have less stability and integrity than pri.
vat. men? The advocates OF the PR nciPle
GU ght to blush in It's avowal.
|, is thus clearly demonstrated, for
will not amplify that compact made by
legislature is irrevocable by its successors.
But convention of the people is a resump-
ton of the powers of government. Con-
cede it; is it not sephis,ical blunderIngs to
eopfound the naked abstract power, with
the rights which have accrued from its no.
nest constitutional exercise! Admitting
the legislature TO be corrupt, as their au-
thority was comprten, their acts are valnd.
The same argument which wrests from a
company its just requirements, may snatch
from an individual the fruits of his toll.
Shall it be said, that if the people Of Vir
giuia assemble in convention, they may
recall the grants Of lands made by succes-
sive legislatures Sir, trust that such
opinions will NOT be sported. In days oil
revolution they will: visit lis with disaster
and ruin. The political bark ought to be
so strong as to bid the storm of defiance.
The opinions that combat make integrity
trembIe, and the hand Of industry recoil
from ,he plough. That principle which
involves the last and dearest stake OF soCie.
ty, ought to be manlained however hate
ful it may appear from adventurous cir
cumstances.
If the United States have a recessionary
or controlling power their interference is
authorised; ii rot, let them pause at The
threshold Of the s,cial temple, ere they bu.
~ its altar in ruins.
The destruction Of the records of '95,
by the Assembly Of '96 is applauded. Are
these paans prompted BY Misguided enthu-
siasm, or BY sober reason? The precedent
being set, may not The Assembly of ",
make bonfire of the records of '96! But
it is said. that such pollution should be
blo,trd from the annals of mankind. Who
is to decide the rectitude or iniquity OF
Legislative act! 1t is answered, posterior
assembly. But caprice or the reigning
impulse may misinterpret the most salutary
r ooI II.