Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-02-09
THURSDAY, february 9.
IMPORTAN N REPORT.

from the people Of number OF towns IN
this state, praying the interpretation OF the
Legislature in their behalf, n the present
situation Of our public affairs made report
in part.
After an able and highly interesting pre-
amble. The committee recommended the
passing Of the following resolves and act.
RESOLVES.
Resolved, That the act of the Congress
Of the United States, passed or the 91h day
of January, in the present year, for eniorc-
inp the ael isyt1g an embargo, and the Sc
vefal acts supplementary thereto, is, in the
opinion OF the legislature, in many respects
unjust, oppressive and unconstitutional, and
noe Legally binding on the citizens OF this
state. But Notwithstanding this opinion, in
order finally to secure a certain and pcrlna-
inert relief, it is earnestly recommended to
all parties aggrieved by the operation Of this
act, to abstain from forcible resistance, and
TO apply Tor their remedy in peaceatle
manner to the laws OF the commonwealth.
Resolved, That suitable remonstrance
be prepared, and immediately forwarded to
the Congress OF the United States from this
Legislature, expressing their opinions and
feelings, nthe several suojccss Of complaint
contained i. the said petitions, and partcu-
larry urging the repeal OF the SAID act OF
Congress, passed on the 9.h Gay OF January
last.
Resolved, That the Legislature of this
commonwealth, will zealously co-op4rate
with any OF the other states, in ali legal and
constitutional measures FOR procuring such
amendments to the Constitution of the u,
States, as Shall be judged necessary 20 OBJ
tain protection and defence for commerce
and to give to the Commercial States their
fair and just consideration il the govern
ment OF the Union, and for aEorCinp per.
manent security as well as present relief,
from the oppressive measures under which
they now suffer,
Resolved, That the hon. the president Of
the Senate, and the hon. the Speaker oi. the
House OF Representatives, be requested 70
transmit d copy OF this Report, and the re-
solutions thereon, to the legislatures ofsuch
OF Our sister states, as manifest d.spos-
ton to concur Wit. Is Iii measures 10 rescue
our common country from impending ru;a.
and to preserve jnvioate the Uaion of tn.
states.
THE ACT.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
AN ALI TO secure the beople 81 this cam
nonzvec!M against unreasonable, ar5,tya-
fY and unconstitutional searches IN their
d1UeAaAe h0u2es.
Whereas it is declared and provided in |
and by the fourteenth article Of the decI.ra |
ton of rights OF the inhabitants Of Massa |.
chusetts, that every subject has right to |
be secure from all unreasonable searches &
seizures Of his person, his house, his pap9rs
and possessions, and that all warrants are
contrary to this right, if the cause Or toun-
datlon OF them is not previously supported
~ oath Or affirmation.
And whereas, it is also provided in and
~ the fourth article of the amendments 70
he constitution OF the y. States, that "the
tights OF the people to be secure in their
persons, houses, papers ard effects, against
unreasonable searches and seizures shall not
Dc violated, and no warrants shall issue bat
'Pon probable cause, supported BIZ oath OF
affirmation, and particularly describing the
,lace to be searched and the persons or
1iags to De seized. And it being the duty
# the legislature to protect tbs citizens Of
his state against the intringements Of their
essential rights, and to provide eGectually
or the punishment of those who yioIate
hem Therefore, /.