Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-12-30

ons he has expressed upon the manofactu-
ting system, in relation 20 the Commercial
/ have t1ken more pains in repelliug th S
extraordinary jealousy or suspicion, IN tie
hope that in correcting the public sentiment,
in this respect, it would, at the same time,
Idisspate a great portion OF the objections to
the embargo laws, which seem to me at thil
time, to be imperiously demanded, by the
extraordinary crisis of our foreign relau-
ons
am now approaching q part of this sub
ject, Mr.. President, which fills me with re-
greet. know its delicacy, Sir, aud deeply
regret the necessity which impels the exa-
mination of it. 1t is how ever rendered in
dispenslble, perhaps, by exterior events !;
but certainly by observations made in the
course of this debate. l allude, Sir, TO the
inexecution of the embargo laws; or, ra-
Their, Sir, to the suggested incapacity OF the
government to enforce their observance.
The gentleman from Connecticut Mr.. Hill
hosse) tells us, directly, that the govern
ment has not power to enforce the execute
on ofthese laws. The gentleman from Mas
sachusetts (Mr. Lloyd even points out the
mode of resistance. He tells us they may
be resisted, first, by town meetings, then
by petitions, then by Legislative resolutions,
and, finally, by insurrections and rebellion.
Mr.. Lloyd rose toexplain. He said, he
did not say that this would be the course of
events. He only stated them, abstractly,
as probable results from those laws The
gentleman is correct in his statement.
meant to be understood, as stating his oh.
servations in that way. 1t Cannot escape
observation, however, Mr.. President, that
this is the practical process now going on
in the state, the gentleman has the honor
to represent.
It is submitted to the patriotism and good
sense of those gentlemen tn determine, whe-
Their mentioning these circumstances, even
ia that way, may net have some tendency
to produce effects, which must be so much
deprecated by all and permit me to hope,
Sir, by none more than by those gentlemen.
And whether, Sir, they are not calculated
to keep up the delusions in foreign nations,
which, l believe in God, to be the principal
causes of our present emoarrassments.
These circumstances were the less TO be eX-
pected from gentlemen, who, few years a
60, arrogated to themselves the exclusive
appellztion of lovers Of order and good
government, whist their political opponents
were denounced as anarchists and disOrgan
zers, and not even possessing virtue aud
honesty enough to be trusted with the pub
lie treasury. This, Sir, was an imposing
appelauon and as long as It's sincerity w3S
cOnfdei in, it preserved these gentlemen in
the dominion of the United States.
It was hardly to have been expected that
these gentlemen would now be found the
first TO sound the alarm, in favor OF anarchy
and confusion nor was it to have been eX
pected, Sir, that the eastern states, win oh
were the first to press the constitution upon
us, and which have reaped golden har-
vest from It's operations, should be the first
to wish to absolve themselves from its sa-
crtd obligations.
| But, Mr. President, believe this govern
ment does possess power sufficient to enforce
the embargo laws. The real character of
our government seems TO be entirely misun-
dersJood by foreigners and not fully appre-
ciated by some OF our own citizens. 1t has
all the strength of execution, with the most
despotC governments upon earth. 1t is aid
ed, too, by the knowledge of every citizen /;
that when its will is pronounced, it is the
fair expression of the Will of the majority
fhe checks of this government are eXclu-
sIvely upon its deliberations, not upon It's
powers Of cEecHtioH So far from II, that
The constitution has expressly provided, that
TIE government should possess all means
necessary and proper for executing its spe-
Iciiied powers.
i mere IS no INN sIdllOD1 WIldISVGTs upon llt
means for executing the general will, wher
fairly and deliberately pronounced. Moth
ing could be more absurd than to suppose
that after so many checks had been impos
ed upon deH5eration N pronouncing the
public will, after that will was pronounced
that any means, whatever, for its eEecHftO1
should be withheld.
/. Again, sir, the fundamental principle o
our government is, that the majority sinai
govern. This princple is known and re
} spected by every citizen, and by none NOR
than the people of Massachusetts,. The,
1 are taught to respect it from the cradle t
z manhood. First in their town meetings
. then in their legislature-andh finally, in tn
4 general government. They know too we
the fatal consequences of resisting it.
have perfect confidence, therefore, in tn
e people of Massachusetts and, if their c
e lectioneering leaders and partizans, shout
. unfortunately stimulate some OF them I'M
e1 insurrection, have no doubt but that tn
n militia of that state, when lawfully Gale
70 on, will obey the call, and will do their DIT
( Y. Such a movement would share Il
f fate of all similar attempts, which ha'
n preceded il; and Its only consequence
), would be, that its authors, as they would
b the first to merit the fate, 50 they won d b
j. come the first victims of it. But, sir,
Il have but little apprehensi on from the