Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1815-01-19

partmeut OF Government, and spread cor
ruption through every region of the State,
when these are clothed with the forms of
law, and enforced by an Executive whose
will is their source, no summary means Of
relief can be applied without recourse to
direct and open resistance. This experi
ment, even when justi6able, cannot, fail 10
be painful to the good citizen; and the
success of the effort viii be no security a.
gainst the danger Of thesexample sPreee
dents OF resistance to the worst administra-
ton are eagerly seized by those who are
naturally hostile to the best. Necessity
alone can sanction resort to this measure
and it should never be extended in.duration
or degree beyond the exigency, until the
people, not merely in the fervour of sud
den excitement, but after a full delibera
ton. are determined to change the Con
stitution
IL is a truth, not to be concealed, that a
sentiment prevails to no inconsiderable ex-
tent, that Administration have given such
constructions to that instrument, and prac-
tised SO many abuses under colour of its
authority, that the time fora change is at
hand. Those who SO believe, rega I'd the
evils which surround them as intrinsic, and
incurable defects in the Constitution ---
They yield to persuasion, that no change,
at any time, or on any occasion, can ag-
gravate the misery of their country This
opinion may ultimately prove to be correct
But as the evidence on which it rests is not
yet conclusive, and as measures adopted
upon the assumption of its certainty might
be irrevocable, some general considerations
q e,ho fo1 In e
all to course of moderation and firmness.
which may save them from the regret in.
cident to sudden decisions probably avert
the evil, or at least insure consolation and
success in the last resort.
The Constitution of the United States.
under the auspices of wise and virtuous
Administration, proved itself competent to
all the objects of national prosperity, com
pretended in the views of its trainers No
parallel can be found in history. of transi.
tion so rapid as that of the United States
fsom the lowest depression to the highest
felicity from the condition of weak and
disjointed republics, to that Of great,
united and prosperous nation.
Although this high state of public hap
piness has undergone miserable and af-
ficting reverse, through the prevalence of
weak and profigate policy, yet the evils
and affections which have thus been in
duced upon the country are not peculiar to
any form of Government The lust and
caprice of power, the corruption of patron,
age, the oppression of the weaker interests
of the community by the stronger, heavy
taxes, wasteful expenditures, and unjust
and ruinous ways, are the natural offspring
of bad Administrations, in all ages and
countries 1t was indeed to be hoped, that
the rulers of these States would not make
such disasterous haste to involve their in
fancy in the embarrassments of old and
rotten institutions Yet all this have they
done and their conduct calls loudly for
their dismission and disgrace. But to at
tempt upon every abuse of power to change
the Constitution, would be to perpetuate
the evils Of revolution.
Again, the experiment of the powers Of
the Constitution, to regain its vigor, and
of the people to recoverfrom their decisions,
has been hitherto made under the greatest
possible disadvantages arising from the state
of the world The fierce passions which
have convulsed the nations of Europe,
have passed the Ocean, and finding their
WAY u lu6 DuSOtHo VA wi N'sAEtho, HdFV
afforded to Administration the means of
perverting public opinion, in respect to our
foreign relations, SO as to acquire its aid
in the indulgence oe their animosities, and
the increase of their adherents. Further,
reformation of public opinion, resulting
from dear bought experience, in the South
ern Atlantic States, at least is not to be
despaired Of They will have felt, that the
East .rn States cannot be made exclusively
the victims Of capticious and impassionee
policy. They will have seen that the great
and essential interests of the people, are
common to the South and to the East
They will realize the fatal errors Of sys,
tenn, whic h seeks revenge for commercial
injuries in the sacrifice OF commerce, and
aggravates by needless wars. to an i'm
measurable extent, the injuries it processes
to redress They may discard the influence
| of visionary theorists, and recognize the
benefits of practical policy. Indications