Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-02-16
ANSWER
Ofthe hon. SENATE Of Massachusetts,, to
the SPEECH Of the 1t. GOVERNOR.
ANSWER
NAY 1T PLEASE YOUR HONOR,

Tenn dispensations of divine providence.
which has deprived the commonwealth OF
its chief magistrate, they earnestly beseech
the father of lights to endue you with WIS
dom to discern, and fidelity to pursue the
path of duty, in the discharge OF the high
I and responsible trust, which in consequence
of this event, the constitution has tlevoiyed
upon YOU. Assisted in council by men
distinguished for their talents, experience
and integrity, we trust that while they VIII
share with YOU the responsibility, their ad-
vice will have a proper influence in the dl-
rection OF the measures OF the executive ae-
partment.
Deeply impressed by the perilous and dis
trsssing aspect ofo public affairs, we as
sure your honor of 6 our best eXerrions Tor
the general welfare"
We are happy to accord with you :" that
our enemies alone could have represented
the New England states as prepared Tor OPP
position to the authority OF the law, ana
Iipening for a secession from the UNION.
We believe with your honor that :" such
suggestions" in regard to New England
are unfcunded." C 1t cannot indeed
g be concealed that III this state existing oii-
fculties, and apparent indications OF greater
ones" have, as in a former memorable PERT
cd ofour history, reused the spirit OF our
citizens bur we trust with your honor
8 that their character IS not marked with
propensities to outrage, disorder and blood.
IN the contrary, that as they correctly un-
rstand their duties, they will steadily, and
plutely maintain their rights.
fhe people of New England perfectly IN
sand the distinction between the constl-
and the administration. They are as
+ Exaely attached to the former as any sec
.Eof the United States. They may be
at under the ban Of the empire, but they
snaveno intention of abandoning the union.
And VIC have the pleasure explieitly to de-
clare our full concurrence with your honor,
6 that such suggestions are not less libel
upon the great body of the New England
people, than OH their patriotism"
As the government OF the union is con.
federation of equal and independent states
with limited powers, we, agree with your
honor 6 that it is not unbeceming any mem
hsr of the union with frinness and modera-
ticn to question the business or policy OF
measures while they are pending and ripen-
ing for adoption, and we learn with con-
Germ from your honor, that there are stag
es when question" without even except
ing questions involving unalienable rights
--sscan be no longer open to controversy &
opposition '--s' stages when an end must be
PsEs-,s debate, and a decision thence resulting
bersspected by its prompt and faithful exc
cution, or government loses its existence
and the people are ruined"
Even ifyour honor filnclpie were cor
rect. can # r. ;.,iagined that "we are" as
,.,... nonor is pleased to intinaate) "noW in
this stage, on the great questions of non-in-
tercourse and national defence?" These
measures are still pending and ripening
for adoption" Is it then "unbecoming"
for this state to question their business or
policy?
But with great Difference to your honor,
we apprehend that this principle if carried
into effect, would render our free govern
snent despotisnn, and bring inevitable g ru-
in upon the people," live apply it to one
of the cases mentioned BY your honor, the
embargo, the principle will present itself i'll
some of its defornity. 1t is well known
that the act imposing the embargo passed
the senate fthe United Statesin the course
OF few hours, and passed all the forms of
legislation in tour days after that measure
was recommended by the President.
The people of this state, therefore, could
not by any possibility have had an opportuni-
ty" to question ITS business or policy" and
even senators, IN Congress, were not allowed
the time they requested for that purpose
and are the people of Massachusetts to un-
derstand, that a decision of this nature,