The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1811-05-15
MISCELL ANY.
From the Boston l'alriof.
TO TIE


resistance TO law, have shewn that this lu-
sistcncc can be made open by open, law less,
physical force. The awful consequence ct
such measures it has been my object to c%-
pose.
The resolutions do indeed affect to depre-
cate torcibe resistance. They recommend
the election OF suoh men to the various Off
ccs OF the state government, as will oppose,
by peaccablc, but firm measures, the execu-
tion of laws, which if persisted in, must and
ssiN De resisted"
Tc oenose The erecution of laws by he0ceG-
bic means, seems to be AN absurdity in terms.
But it is not consistent with your good sense
to suppose that such serious propositionswere
either desgnedly ambiguous, or destitute of
meaning. The nerves of the other probably
trembled when he wrote them, and involved
his ideas in paradoxical expressions.
hesitate in believing that you have APP
proved the only meaning of which they seem
10 be susceptible. But Mr.. Quincy has de-
clared in Congress, that IA certain other lsw
of the land will justify a separation of TIE
States, "neacea5iy If they can, soRcIBLy iE
THEY MUST" The same idea is conveyed
to my mind by the resolutions adopted in
federal caucus. The plain English of the
declaration is, that law OF Congress shall
not be executed in this commonwealth 10
prevent its execution officers must be chosen
who will array the power of the State against
the Union I; instead of resistance by law
less, undisc iplincd multitude, Commander
in Chief must be elected who will take ufrm
measures J" that is, organize the Military
force of the State against the Officers of the
Union. Other Officers must be cloathed
with power who will sanction with LeGisla-
tive authority noncompliance with the law,
and make the Judiciary Of the Commonwealth
city of refuge from prosecutions under the
authority of the national government.
Iappcal TO the common sense OF the COM
language bat if you deny the interpretation,
it will give me pleasure TO acknowledge the
mistake. Yet, sir, what other mode OF fea-
cea5ie resiStence can there be, thsN TO set ono
law in opposition to another, to use the legis-
ativc aut hority Of the State as counterpoise
to that of the Union to declare by the pow
er Of the Commonwealth, that obedience TO
the general government should be punished
as crime to indemnify the vioators of
publick law, against tho penalties they would
incur, and Justify them in the brecah {
Such resistance is more dangerous than RI
otous assc cmblies, and violence OF arms. The
latter enlist against themselves, the good feel
inps Of every honest and sober citizen, and
would soon be suppressed tho former, un-
der the specious appearance oil right, usurp
! the powers of the federal government, make
| the State rebel in the coniederacy, and per-
| plex the understanding of common minds be-
! tween the contraricnt obligations Of alcgi-
| ance 1t would end by dissolution OF the
| Union. If the publick mind can be elevated
! to this warmth, it will shatter the fabrick Of
! government, and scatter the Union in pieces.
| A NORTHERN coNFEDERAcY will take place
| of our present happy constitution and the
( inevitable effect of our diminished strength
/ would be an alliance offensive and defensive
! with Great Britain.
| am ,:ot sure but all this may be accom-
| plished by tolcraby peaceable means. The
states south Of the Dclewarc have as little
! need of us as we have oil them. They would
riditule our folly, and harGr wish, much less
| fight 10 detain us. At home it might pro-
1 ducc ouly the ruin of few individuals, lit
tie prescription and burning of property by
way of terror, and a few murders for the sake
Of example Perhaps, in the rapidiy OF our
| change from one government to another,
! there would be but little plundcr and robbery.
| A few patriolick citizens who remembered d
| the oath which bound them TO the present
constitution, might be sacrificed few towns
which did not readily acccde to the alteration
might be vauagcd little blood would be
shed over the tomb of our mar,yFed rcpub-
lick but new government too strong for in
ternal resistance of any kind, too despotick to
perni, the murmurs of future disailection,
would rise on It's ruins, ami erect perpetual
throne on the broken symbols and neglected
! emblems Of liberty.
Did these reflections enter into the contcm
pla,ions of those who voted for hcaeea6le ~.
rislanec TO law Is this the scenery which
such resolutions, if carried into effect, will
play before our eyes And will you PLEDGE
your hiP h and responsible name to messui. $
of this kind viii you lend the weight OF
...,.,. ...n.anal and nGicinI character 10 81