Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-08-21
III IL Gems Single.1

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the territory advanced in agriculture, com.
merce, population and real wealth.
FrAow Gsixens Of me Legislanpe cornell,
now come TO the. period at which your
Iabors commented, and permit me IL IS
I sure you Of my great. admiration of the
Judgment you have manifested in seie. e.
ing proper objects Of Legislation. Your
code OF criminal law, exhibiting a system
at The same time mild and energetic the
JudIcious innovations which you have oc-
4 casionaily made in the municipal arrange.
I, ments OF the country; the wise acts YOU
nave passed FOR the convenience. epcop-
iragement, and protection ofcomrnerce. a.
i well as for the internal Improvement of
The territory; and above all, the laudabIe
provision you have made for the introduc.
ton of science and literature, and for The
education of the rising generation, will re-
main lasting testimonies of your abilities,
discretion and real patriotism. With res,
4 pect TO the laws for the organization of
the militia, have great confidence ii, their
success but a sufficient tine has NOT
elapsed 10 give the operation ofthcn7 a fair
triai. Within period so limited as that
| or your sessions, and with such siivsrsi-
~ OF duties before you, more could not
have been expected, and il is su5iecl Of
congra,ulation that so much has been
done, and done so well.
Another important change in the nature
Of our government, now awaits US. The
congress OF the United States, ever jusffo
fnesr engagements, and fruitful 70 me inss-
rests % al within shcir protection, have as
signed the period at which Louisiana is 70
become one the sovereign and indepen-
dent states of the American union, in the
mean time the right of self government is
extended TO this district, under the ike
restrictions which have been laid on our
fellow citizens, in the other territories of
the United States. This species of TEN.
porary government has been found COM
mensurate 10 the protection Of society.
and the advancement of the general veal,
and is certainly well. calculated for The
| gradual introduction OF those Ieprescnta-
tive principles, on which the fu,ure con-
stliution Of the state {wlien ereGledl must
necessarily be pfedcated. Bu, possibly
there may be many, whom this new form
OF government will fail to satisfy. Iswould
1 indeed, be presumption unwarranied by
experience, 60 caicAlete on rniYersal ap-
/ probation of any measure. The ,sst OF
men may occasionally differ in political
sentiment, and the investigation of their
opinions iead TO truth, and may be eonsi.
dered one of the salutary incidents If po-
iiiscai freedom. But, unfortunately, soci.
eiyis sometimes infested with member,
who argue, not to eniighteD, but To mis-
lead their fellow citizens, and Who from
motives of disingepuous ambition, or
from malice, LABOR necessarily 10 raise
themselves on the ruin of others.--That
there have been, and still are, few indi.
yiduhs among us of that description, IS r
tear 700 true. Under their patronage ca
iumny may recommence its effofts--It
may distort the most innocent actions, and
perycrt error into crime II may enter the
threshold OF domestic life, harrow up prI-
vate feelings, and produce private dis
tress; But the dis,rust or the DISCERNING.
and the contempt of the good, will SOON
sr or later, drive the authors into obscuri.
y.
Feltozv Citizens of the Cou7eH,
After the political change, on the eve
q which we now are, there remains but
one more which this territory is destined
to experience, and that is, IFS complete
incorporation into the American Union.
| We have heard idle reports Of various
4 kinds, respecting new Territorial divisions,
and partial, and sometimes total retfoces-
sions to foreign powers; bat these eeem
to me 10 be the fancifoI chlmerss ofanre-
1 heeling minds. My firm belief is. that
The Mississippi viii cease to flow, ere size
ceases 10 behold Louisiana attached TO The
empire Of American Frcedom.--A dispo.
sition toencroachonths,e Observation-Disclosures,
] is foreign 10 the nature Of our govern.
ment; but the perfect preservation Other
own, is enc of It's vital principles. just TO
the rights Of others, the American natl
on will preserve her own inyiolate, or Pc
rish with them.
! Ftiio7y Cifizens ofthe Council,
fear the range have taken has been
TOO extensive, and that trespass upon
your polite attention. Your duties ar.
closed--f declare your session prorogued,
enc dc. You viii retain my aHe6,ionats
rsmembrsnce, and my best wishes accom-
nany Won.