Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1808-06-23
apswer Of the House Of Representatives OF
& MasSc husetts, 10 the Governors Speech
HOUSE, OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
June 9, 1909.

ly 10 consider the origin and operation OF the
several laws respecting the embargo, as the
legislature has, at the present session. adopt
ed certain resolutions expressive of their OPT
sion upon this interesting subject more fully
3 than could BE done in the present address.
The House of Representatives, although
they might adduce the example of other
states as precedents In animadyerting on nea-
sures OF the general government, approach
with caution subjects OF national concern. a
conviction trat the resolutions which were
passed by the Legislature Of the last year,
might lead to misconception of the feelings
and interests of the people of the common
wealth, was the most powerful inducement
~ the expression of the sense of this Legis-
lature, upon the subjects embraced ii those
resolutions I'VE are happy that we now
have yonr excellency's example to sanction
the propriety of making this interesting mea-
sure the subject of Legislature consideration.
he sentiment OF warm attachment to the
independence of our country, expressed by
yohr exceileacy, meets the cordial recipro-
Grafton OF evs 81 member of this house; while
every real american will acknowledge the
Weakness and danger of depending on any TO-
reign power for protection. But at the same
time 1t IS to be remembered, that a wavering,
partial, short sighted policy, the usual off
spring of tiraidity, in the management of pub
hc affairs, may involve nation in as,great
distress, and lead ultimately TO the same fatal
catastrophe.
We trust the time is fast approaching when
reliance viii be placed, under Divine Proyi-
dence, upon our own resources, upon our ma
tional energies directed by wisdom and nerv-
cd by valor.
We are fully convinced that an admins
tration which pursuing an enlightened, hber-s
al, and impartial policy, shall disclose to the
people Its own views and their situation that
such an administrators will gladly restore our
former prosperity, will retrieve the character
OF the American people and will receive the
warm support of the citizens OF Massachu-
setts.
Your excelIency has been pleased to call
the attention of the Legislature to the bene-
Ets derived from our national union; to de-
scribe the distressing evils which would re-
xali from s an opposition of one or more
states to the authority of the national govern.
ment,'' and 10 point on. the necessity of the
free exercise OF the general government in all
concerns within It's powers as delegated by
the people We assure your excellency that
upon these important points We know no diff
ference of opinion. The opposition, which
met the establishment of our national go
yernment prior to the adoption Of the consti-
tntion, and which has occasionally discover
ed symptoms of dissatisfaction since that time
in different parts of the United States, ap-
pears 10 have Yielded to an attachment to the
union founded upon experience of its advan-
tages, and guaranteed by the strong ties of
common interest. 1t surely cannot for mo-
p,ent ne supposed that those men who estab-
Ishcd the government, and who have for SO
loag time been Its support, can entertain
wish for its destruction.
In all countries, which have preserved even
he shadow of freedom, an obvious distinction
between, the government end its administra-
ton has been recognised. In this country
liberty of speech, the freedom of the press,
aid Of debate In our Legislative assemblies,
have been most expressly and particularly
guaranteed by our constitutions Indeed the
whole theory of our government is built upon
the position, that public men and measures
are the objects of freeenquiry and discussion.
The doctrine that the individual states should
be Jealous of the general government, and
that our great danger arose from the proba-
biIity of consolidation of all the states under
one government, have heretofore been consi-
dered by many as orthodox articles in the re-
publican creed.
We conceive, therefore, may it please your
excellency, that if ever it shall be considered
criminal to investigate the conduct of our rul.
ers, or to express our opinion of the mea.
sures of government with freedom; if ever
the mandate Of authority shall suppress en-
curry, or stiHe the voice of public complaint,