Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-01-18

I ihcdSuiSS "a ltiS stunllnlSiratl0n nave para
! lied every branch of industry, reduced
the value of property, distressed all classes
of orr fellow citizens, extingnished com
merce, discouraged agriculture, nearly an
| nihiiated the public revenue, and must e.
ventually load the people with heavy and
/ oppressive taxes.
Resohed, That the amendment to the
| Constitution of the u. States declaring tina.
I" the rigiit OF people to be secure in their
/ persons, houses papers and effects against
unreasonable searches and seizures shall not
be violated; and that no warrant shall issue
! upon probable cause, supported by oath or
! affirmation, and particularly describing the
| place to be searched and the persons or
things to be seized, " and that 6 excessive
bail s!,.ill not be required nor excessive fines
imposed, are essential to the enjoyment OF
liberty and property, but that the act max
/ rug further provision for enforcing the en-
barge is a violation Of the same Iaasmuch
as the executive officers are authorised, up.
On their OWE mere suspicion, to enter any
place aot excepting even our dwelling
houses where specie or goods of domestic
growth and manufacture are deposited, and
take the same into their custody, or may
stop and detain any vessel or any sort Of
earrings by land apparently going towards
the territories OF foreign power or to-
wards tll9 vicinity thereof all which they
may do without oath, without the inter-
position OLA civil magistrate or process of
law, s wighaat being obliged to assign any
cause ion such violence /: Inasmuch as the
president oreyen any person he may choose
5ya simple mandate 70 appoint,,nay cali out
the land ard naval forces OF the United
States 20 assist in enforcing this provision
of the act--inas,nuch as the President is
Invested with the power. to give secret in
ssrue;ions at his will and pleasure to his va
riops deputies, which are TO be their guide
il the execution Of the said act which they
are bound to obey, and which are to be their
complete protection against any appeal to
the law Of the land at the suit Of the ag-
grieved laasnlch also as IN many cas2s
excessive bonds are required, and the citi-
zens subjected to enormous penalties and
vexatious suits, in which Innocence is no
defence, followed By ruinoas judgments a
gainst which there is no possible relief, but
bysapplication to the mere discretion OF the
very ministerial officer at whose recommen-
dation this odious law was adopted in al
which and several other provisions Of the
said act, it IS in our Judgment, arbitrary,
Oppressive ard unconstitutional.
Resolpesl, hat we are ready to expose
ourselves 60 every hazard, and every sacri-
fee OF lie and fortune to preserve the safe
ty,honos., peace, and liberties Of the coun-
try.
Resolved, That whist we cannot forbear
to express a wans of confidence i'll the wis
dom ana the impartiality of our present ru-
lers, vet in period OF SO much difficulty
aud danger, We feel it oar duty solemnly to
call upon our .sci!ow citizens, however ag-
grieved to act with the utmost caution and
moderation, and TO abstain from every thing
that migat endanger the peace and safety OF
the country, or put the union Of the states
IN jeopardy.
ResoIued, That it be recommended to our
fellow citizens throughout this state peacea-
b!y to assemble in their several counties, to
take into consideration the alarming crisis
os our public affairs to unite with us in our
endeavors to obtain redress OF grievances,
and BY averting the calalnities which threat
en- our boloved country restore 1t to Its eie-
waited prosperity and honor, which 1t ENJOY
ed under our Immortal Washington.
EGBERT BENSON,
Chairman.
EDWARD DuNscoMB, Secretary.
A Spanish vessel, bound to New York,
l,ac or,.;..ed At n NV 7 andnn In a short pas.