Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-02-10
Ti2 1-2 Gents Siingisl

interests, and their sufferiogs are in
common with their constituents. Are
they actuated by prejudice or stimula-
ted by resentments? They have Moth
ing personal. Theirinsults 8: injuries
have seen the insults and injuries of
their country. What then is to be
done! States, towns and indivi-
duals have their favorite projects.
The Union have theirs.-Thus lar.
ring, are we, with augmented resent
ments, to rush together in ruinous
collisions Are we with mutual ha-
treds to rend asunder the bands which
have united us ITO throw from our
vitals the shield which protects them
A good government is heavens
richest gift. Past events will shew
the worth of ours. Calamities form
ed and introduced our federal Constis
tuition. Its adoption, the desired and
long suspended hope of our citizeas
was hailed and truly as the salvation
OF our country. Experience has ex-
allied its value, and disclosed more
and more, its practical excellencies.
1t rs worthy the wisdom and labors of
Its preservation. Our history winch
preceded its adoption, furnishes exam
pies, which are fraught with admoni-
lions. Our government was humble
AID lncfficien,.-Our Union & thread.
Our Commerce unregulated and un-
protected. Our revenue nothing.
Our faith periidy. Our credit bank
ruptcy, and our privstions the want of
every thing. Individuals were en-
oarrassed; grievances complained OF,
our rulers censured, town and country
resolutions published, Combinations
formed, non compliance with the law
announceli-Govern.nent opposed.
property sold for one third Its value.
tender laws made, the insolent impri-
soned, and our courts OF justice stop
ped. But government must then be
supported and its laws be respected.
Troops were detached, armed men pa
.roied our streets aud we saw them
with a joy inspired by the idea of pro-
lection and security, from the exe;uti-
on OF the law and the energies Of its
oiEsc.s. Itis prev n5:se a.rsins. az
these and worse calamities COW to be
abandoned and these and worse ones
to be invoked 20 afnict US?
Should the northern, the middle or
the southern states, should Virginia,
or could Massachusetts, any oil her
towns or citizens, dictate measures to
Congress and by opposition or con-
vulsed state of things force their a.
doption. Then indeed, would State
nave obtained a disastrous triumph o.
yer the ". States. Then we would
have conquered ne union, then should
we have prostrated this government
and have trampled under our feet the
last reserve Of nationalpower. Could
the opposition prevail, part coerce
the whole, our rights and our strength
would be scattered to the winds. As
a nation, we should perish, as freemcn
he lost. Our palladium, our ark, our
matte, al bulw Ks would be shattered
and broken to atoms. Then might
their fragments float by the licences
of Our enemies. Then might we sim
gle handed meet the crisis and buffet.
ting the destruction threatened from
the deep conflict with the clouds above.
which, in angry collision, are ready to
break ON our heads.--But this can
never be. Society is yet strong. A.
mericans virtuous and enlightened.
Americans steady and determined.
will continue their confidence in their
Efforts. They will rally around the
national constitution, cling to their go-
lvernment, and should it be driven to
the edge of the precipice, keep their
!hold in the extremity of its exit and
sink with it into the awful abyss.
| The Importance and the interesting
and perllous nature of the crisis, has
compelled me, thus long, to dwell up
on it, and to hope from the wisdom of
our Legislature, some reconciling ex-
Ipedient, to quiet the agitated minds OF
our citizens.
l. it the idea, that there are no dan
gers that it can be said, thus far shall
tine excitement come and no farther.
and here shall its effects be STAYED I
| Let us not he deceived TL;s - ,l