Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-08-27
DOM ESFEC.
From the Yankee.
BOSTON TOWN MEETING.

Reid AT FANUEIL HALL-AUGU ST g.
A this meeting two distinct and highly in
tereSting subjects were proposed for the con-
Sideration VT the inhabitants If the town.
LIST. The eXpediency of choosing dele
gates to correspond with and meet such o.
ther delegates as might be chosen in state
convention provided the public exigencies
shall appear to require the meeting of such
conventions. &c.
ID. The alarming attack on the liberty
of pnion and of the press at Baltimore =:
aad he adoption of such measures for aid
ing the civil authority, i'll the preservation of
the peace of the town, and in the suppressi-
on pf all riots and tumults.
On motion, seconded and carried without
debate, the Cd article was acted upon first :.
and set of resolves, which has been publish
ed in the papers of the town, finally adopt
ed. After these resolves were readily Nm
III. Sumner, esq one of the committee who
reported them-a motion was made bv Gro.
Blake, esq. for their recemmtmcnt, for the
purpose of striking out some expressions
which he conceived Objectionable, in order
chat they might obtain that unanimous an
probation in their form and phraseology to
which their subject matter entitled them
The resolves were however accepted as re.
ported atter short debate and the sub
jcct Il delegates taken into consideration.
On this subject the hon Samuel DcrkeT
rose and delivered, i'll his uusal strain of
Commanding eloqucRce, an argumentativ,
and most impressive speech, Of which the
following is faint outline, sketched from
the imperfect recollection of the wri.er.
Mr. DeLter said he rose to move an indie
finite postponement of the subject proposed
for the present consideration of The town .
and rs he Was aware that on this subject he
entertained sentiments diff reut from ma
ny whose character aud opinions he had
been ~ the haDit Of respecting, lie would of
ter ~ his fellow citizens the reasons on which
he founded his motion.
nc people Of Boston, as he apprehend-
ed, were called upon in their capacity as a
primary assembly, to take measures for con-
trolling OF altering the national government.
He Omitted that all governments, and most
emphaticaliy our own, emenated from. and
were liable to be controlled and altered by
the people.
There were but three cases that present
ed themselves TO his mind which authorised
conventions of the KIND now under Consider
alton.
1st Where the people were without a.
ny established government.
ID. Where those entrusted with the 90
Yernment wantonly and manilestly abuse the
authority with WHIT h they are entrusted.
Sd. Where those who govern assume new
aud extraordinary powers which are not de-
kgtted a. them, and exercise such powers
TO the injury Of the people whom they ought
~ govern bf known and established avs.
Neither Of these cases exist at present.
1t is admitted by all that our national 90
Vcrnment has the unreasonable right TO de-
clare war. 1t is clearly vested with the h;pb
authority &c judging when, with whom. and
Ter what causes, We shall 60 to war; When
has made up and pronounced its iudg-
nent, " becomes the law Of the land and
We are bound 90 respect and enforce il ~
pe5' II right so far, it necessarily follows