Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-10-19
Though the following paper was received
and should have appeared long since, We thint
it Ito use our correspondents expression,'
f" bsfser iafe fAqn necer."
FOR THE ARGUS.
DUTY OF THE STATEg

The pressure of the war has ut length awak-
ened some of the States that formerly opposed
the prosecution of it, to TRUE sense Of their
duty The opposition which, for the two las,
years, they have manifested towards the gene
raj government, has not only been highly inju-
rious to the public interests, but was, in fact,
treason against the constitution. Whateyer
discussions may be allowed, or resistance be
proper, ~ relation 20 the passage Of law, when
there is conscientious beliefthst the law, II
passed. would be pernicious, there is no point
OF Obedience TO government more firmly esta-
bhsl,ed, than that whichinculcates the vigor-
-ous support of q law after IL has been eaaced. -
the press that it has become stale. 1t is never
theiess absolutely true, and ought to have ITS
due weight on every patriotic mind. IF every
law may be resisted, weakened, aud palsied by
open opposition or covert arts, after the maio-
Fifty of the people have sanctioned it, society
would be mere st;cS of anarchy, and the body
polite diseased and convulsiyc Institution.
It must, then, be admitted, that obedience to
and support of the laws are incumbent on every
good citizen. AMI how much more is it the du.
ty of State. ONE of the constituent common
weatths OF Che Union, to set an example assub-
ordination and virtuous energy We hear a
great deal said on the necessity of entertaining
ajeaious vigilance with respect to the proceed
jngs osthe general government; But il II ina
gined that certain rights were reserved to the
States, merely that they might be the catch
dossto guard against entertainments, by the ma.
tionaI administration! Their duties, it appears
70 us. are ratker Of higher order fpr, aitlo'
undoubtedly. q due degree Of vigilance is in
dlspensable or tie part Of the States yet, NJ
man who pretcnds 10 understand the federal
constitution will deny, that in TIM of war, when
the whole force and wealth ofthe country ougi,
TO se brought into operations it is imposed Ell
tire Skates, By paramount obligations, 10 afford
every aid their power in furtheranoe 81 the
common cause. Indeed, it is very doubtful,
considering the peculiar organization Of our
political institutions, whether the Stale govern
ments have any right To- interfere at all in the
question al fo.eign peace or wap The power
to declare war and make peace is confidcd
exclusively TO the general government. The
questions concerning them are never, in any
legal shape. brought before Tie State Legsia.
lures The whole people of tie United States,
acting through their national representatives,
gre the only persons to whom tlib.e who. adj
minister the general government are constitu..
ticnaily amenab,e. i,ut il the State Legisla-
tues, WILL interfere aud, apd set themselves
up as ssli-created judges Of the Conduct of our
national rulers, ant( sometimes condemn those
rulers with Rsperity, it follows, as u congo
9lence, from this usurped power of conlemna,
ton, that the same Legislatures are bound al
timeiikc the present, to put forth, by every
means Ia their control, The whole strength OF
their states respectively
The late bar3arous inroads of the savage En-
glisb, have brought most Of the oppugnant state
authorities 10 their senses in this respect and
among them, as standing foremost in the pro-
mitigation ct just sentiments, is Governor
Chiuenden, OF Vermont, whose recent procla-
nation is remarkable for accuracy of thought
and Rropriety of expression. It enforces tie
only doctrine that can make the American pso-
pie great and digni6ed nation. The ,lnng TO
rublicaas have held the same language for
years past. We will say, however, of Govern.
or Chi;tenaen, on this occasion, that, it is 6e.
ter lue Ma. nerer.