The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1809-02-10
DOMESTIC.

80 NH&
state house yard, in consequence OF the call
upon them to express their Misrepresentation of
the embargo, and of the <.Entorcing Act"
Commodore THOMAS T~TUxTuN. was u
unanimously called to the clair, and Geo. CIV
mer Esq. appointed Secretary.
The following resolutions were proposedto
the meeting and adopted.
WHEREAS it is the constitutional right of
the people, pcaceably to assemble together
for the common good, and freely and uneuui-
voeally to offer their advice, aud express
their opinions with regard to the measures
OF government. And whereas in the opinion
of this meeting. the u States are now pla-
ced in a most critical and cilaInicous condi-
ton, in which national independence is en-
dangcred from abroad, and union and liber-
ty are 'menaced ut home, in which CommerCe
is suspended. many of the usual pursuits of
industry impeded, and the people thrown
from high prosperity into great distress and
nrivatla..
In order, therefore, to make known our
sentiments to our rulers and our country,
ReSoiOed, That the union OF the states
formed by the wisdom which planned, and
consecrated by the sacrifices of those who at
chieved our independence, is cndeared to us
by every affection and remembrance which.
is gratifying to us as men, and by every in.
terest and duty which we hold slcred as CT
tizens: and that viewing it rs the main pill
far OF national Independence, individual hap
piness, and public security, we will steadi-
~ support 1t against all attacks, whatever
may be the errors of the administration, and
however severe the pressure which these cr-
rors may have accustomed.
HeSoiVeds That we view with deep and
unaffected concern the articles and publica-
tons which arc daily used and sorted to,
IN order RI Iicccrn;,ot. ,,~c..ll -
ons and alarms, and to encourage the belief,
that there is among those opposed to any OF
the measures of the present administration "A
spirit OF disaticction to the union and indie
pendencc OF these states. In the opinion Of
TINS meeting all such publications and arti.
noes, particularly, when sanctioned by men
OF high station and authority, nave Z direct
and necessary tendency to increase the reli-
ance OF foreign nations in our internal divi-
sions; to embItter the animosities of party.
and by spreading the influence of terror and
hatred, to disable the citizens from making
aust and constitutional opposition to the nm
wise and destructive measures of govern
ment.
Resolved, That we deem a longer CONT
ance of the laws imposing the embargo as
UNJUST, oppressive and impolitic. In our opi-
mon, experience fully demonstrates, that the
embargo, asa measure of coercion, is weak,
ihethcient and useless and while a great
and profitable trade may be carried on, not
understanding the orders and aecrees of the
behigerent powers of Europe, it is disllonor-
aoie 90 abandon rights to the ocean, which
form an essential part of our national cha
racteT and independence
ReSoLUeG, That we consider the act of @
Sress commonly called 1.-the Enforcing law"
to a dirct invasion of the established prin-
ciples ofcivil liberty, and of the express pro.
visions OF the constitution; as arbitrary and
severe TO a degree unnecessary, ever to ac-
coniplish the objects for which the law ispro-
iessed to have been enacted as creating an
enormous and dangerous augmentation ofex-
ecntIve Influence and power, and as unne-
cessarily exposing the citizens to the mise
rics OF civil discord, and military execu
ton. That the ninth section of the act which
authorlses a ministerial officer, without hro-
cess q lu7o, to seize goods at his discretion
under a pretence that there is reason TO be-
heUe they are intended for expectation, or
apparently on the way to the territories of a
foreign power, is in our opinion a breach Of
the fourth article OF the amendments to the
constitution, which provides that the right of
the people to be secure in their persons.
houses, papers and effects against unreason-
dOle searches and seizures, shall not be vio-
lated and or the fifth article of the amend
mcntS which declares, that no man "shall
tie deprived of life, liberty or property but
by due process o~flaw."-That the ninth Sec
ton is contraryto the true spirit of the con-
stitution, inasmuch as it ~vests.in the presi-
a legislative authority, by giving to his
instructions, III certain cases. the force of
And that the 18th section of the act
a political and civil right, more sa-
cred than any constitution, in authorizing the
to ire upor the people, without the
sanction or ~interposition &C the civil author
Ivy. The principle contained in this section.
If much further extended, might with com
petent force, convert our government into an
absolute despotism.
heSDfUed, That we arc coolly and inhex-
IDLY determined to support the rights and IL
berries which have Seen bequeathed to us by
our ancestors, or acquired by our own cx-
erti 'ns, and that in maintaining this deter
minaIion, we shall neither be shaken by the
menace of faction, nor influenced bv the ait
thority Of power. But it is our earnest adj
vice to orr fellow citizens every where. to
avoid aud discourage violations of the en-
barge laws. While the elective franchise
remains pure and uninpaired, there must
finally be 4 remedy for every grievance-and
before this remedy Can be applied, militia
ry force should be resortcd to, the laws and
independent tribunals Of our country NAV
yet afford dress.
ResofOed, That a committee be appoint