The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-06-24

divided wish of remaining at peace, so long
as is consistent with national honor and So
vereignty. And as for the reasons above
suggested, we consider departure from ex-
:ss:ss inevitably involving us
war; we cannot too solemnly deprecate the
Injurious tendency or theresolutions to pro-
duce such an event (; an event replete with
the most gloomy anticipations. and incalcu-
liable in its consequences.
5th. Because we conceive the probable effect
of the resolutions. by showing a distrust, at
this alarming crisis, in the measures OF the
government, will be to invite evasions of the
embargo, and to excite resistance to the
laws.
9th. Because we consider the resolutions,
by adverting to the late administration OF
the general government, and bestowing on
them aNtheir appreciation, in relation to the
preservation and prosperity of commerce, ma
vigation and the fisheries, as intending the
inference. that the present administration
have neglected to foster objects so essential
to the interests of the United States, and pc
culiarly dear to Massachusetts.-lf such be
the intent of the resolutions, we deem it un-
| just In no instance have Our commerce,
navigation and fisheries prospered SO cxtcn-
| sively, as many years under our present ru-
lers. At no period have they embraced SO
large an amount, as i'll the year ending in
September last. And we cannot conceive
| how an administration whose financial ope-
rations, both in relation to the payment of our
national debt, and its own support, are ex-
| clusively predicated on commercial arrange
| mentS, can be deemed DESTROYS of annihilat-
ing them. Indeed, had the same causes ex-
istcd under the former administrations for
Imposing an cmbargo-had the convulsions
and injustice of the old world reached us in
u similar manner as at present, with their
desoiating effects; we are confident the mea-
sure would have been resorted to, as the last
anchor of hope, and the only ark of safety to
| our sovereignty and peace.
7th Because the preamble or theRcsoluti
| ons state as their cause, the circumstance o.
| others having passed the last session of the
| Legislature, of different natuTe-and re-
presents as their object, the re knowing of "a
ny false impressions, which may have been
excited, respecting the views Of this state in
regard to the Embargo 1t WILDE recol!ec-
ted that the Resolutions of the last session
went to support, not to paralite the nation
al administration, in this alarming crisis of
our affairs. Their object was to strengthen
the public arm, and not to weaken it. To
inspire general confidence, and not excite
universal distrust. But the present Resolu-
tons, we apprehend, will have an opposite
| tendency. While they embrace the sinews
OF the citizen at home, they will add new vi
| gor to the belligerent abroad, ia pursuing
| their atrocious system ofinfracting the rights
| of neutrals. Europe will consider us a di-
vided and distracted people.-She will gain
! fresh hopes from nnr disnninn and nerhaps
| will contemplate with satisfaction, that the
pressure of her injustice, will have the two
fold effect OF compelling us to accede TO the
most dlshonorable terms, and of giving
new sanction to the principle maintained by
despots, THAT THE PEOPLE ARE
THEIR OWN WORST ENEMIES.
9Th. Because we conceive the reposing
proper degree of confidence in the exercise
OF executive power according 10 the forms
and spirit of the constitution, as the most
important Of civil duties. If, in times of cri-
teal anxiety and apprehension, this conf
dence can be shaken without an essential
cause, it will prove ultimately fatal to all
Republican institutions. By introducing con-
tinual vibrations of the public sentiments,
and fluctuations of individual opinion, with
out proper reasons, the way is paved, bv al
terlng the general sentiment, fora radical
change i'll the substance of our social insti-
buttons; and affords to the enemies of our
happy constitution, an opportunity to intro
duce systems where force will govern instead
of popular opinion, and 7vhere the strong
arm, Of tovver will nor even desire rea-
sonaofe ccf!hacnce IN refaf1oH to IT'S measures.
Signed by 16S members.
AL the public business having been pas
sed upon, Joint committee was raised to
acquaint the Governor thereof, and request
recess until November. But the Govern
or and Council having adjourned, before the
committee could execute their mission, the
House adjourned until to morrow, at 9
O'Clock.
SATURDAY, June 1.-THE committee on
the pay roll reported the same, amounting
to 1890 dollars.-Read and accepted.
The Secretary came in with a message
from His ExcelIency the Governor, infor-
ming the House that His EXcelency had APP
proved of a number of acts passed the pre-
sent Session, the heads of which he read,
but want of room obliges us to omit publish
ing them TIL our next.
The Secretary also at the same time COM
municated the following message from His
Excellency the Governor.
= The Hon. Mr.. Mo";on made motion that
a Committee be raised to suspend for short
time, the message of adjournment, in order
that the house might take into consideration
the subject of His Excellency's last message
The House entered into an animated debate,
and were seriously engaged in it, when in
the midst of the debate the Secretary came
IN and informed the House that it was His