Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1821-03-01
S 24s,347 20
S24s.347 20
THOMAS WOODS, Cashier.
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
a WORD OLE EAII.I,Ln -


a WORD OF CAUTION.
10 the MeNbfrs Of the Congress Of the u. S.
Perhaps this hasty note may reach Won in
time The great question of Missouri NAV
hhger 10 the last day OF your session in which
case, tnese rapid lines may strike yonr atien.
tion.-Ihey are from The pen of a mau, who
saw this Missouri Question when il was bot a
sPeck on the horizon, and who has watched
Its varying phases, until il now assumes a dn TX
and lowering aspect.
But let us view il "a il really Ia mi throuoh
the medium OF disordered imagisation.-It
has been sore and agitating question.-It h ,s
put men asundeT who were bound toy Their II "
common interes;.-It has arrayed the north
against the southland in this general whirl,
wind ct the passions the public Interest has
deeply suffered from the negiec; of oar rep.
reseniativeS.-Alt this is trne.-It is true also,
that il il most desii able TO close this question
at once-and hope, you will vet be able to
effect it-but il is not true, that YOU should
sacrifice principle TO expedeDcy. and settle
THIS question upon unfair and dislionorabIc
TERMS This il the danger il is one which
springs from the anxiety of so many of YOU
10 bury the question for ever; aud therefore
u rs, that one who is fresh, as il were, from
the bodyof the people. aud participating their
sentiments, ventures 10 address this hasty
caution TO their representatives, who have
ofeaihed for so many weeks the air of WASH
ington.
settle this question, if yon can. upon fair
and honorable principles. Your duty 10 the
country calls upon yon to do il but the same
dufy calIsup you 10 beware of auy settle
ment upon unfair and dishoborabIe conditions.
Remember the joint conference of the Houses
last winter. Remember the disgraceful com.
promise OF that era and beware of simjIa
error. w hat overwhelming msfortunes will
betai US from suspension of the measures p
what calamities equal to surrender of the
constitution, OF the tights of Missouri of the
rising rights OF Florida, of the Arkansas of
the immense territory to the North of y6 30
twhicb L, for one will never pledge myself TO
yield up TO the uDhalowed hands of usurpa.
tioh.l Wnat mischiefs will arise from sus
pension, that can possibly compete with sur.
render OF the principles of the constitution ?
IL Missouri does not enter the Union under
your immediate auspices, through any act of
t0e present Congress, we shall witness some
heaTi-burDlugs, some excitement some plot-
iings and caballiDgs among the Cuslimanites
OF the North but what else Missouri will
stand by ms, and we will stand by her. She
VIII not madly rush from the sphere of this
Union ; but she will be cool, deliberate, and
determined. And should your successors rnad-
ly attempt TO redRce her TO territorial snblec-
ton il the swoid is threatened to he drawn.
and the bleod OF our couBtrymeH is to be sh I'd
10 this uuiigbteons quarrel: then will il be
time for her and for us TO weigh the mailer
cooIIy and take our stand But sufficient
for that day, be the evil thereof"
Beware then OF precipitation liz you
are called upon 10 choose between sus
pension of her admission, aud a sacrifice
Of your principles, hesitate not a moment
BuDg quiet conscience back with you tc
your retire Misunderstanding Tie consequen
| ces TO God aud 10 your country.
Beware therefore OF adopting any com.
| promise III any shape, which may expires,
an opinion that the free people Of celou
are citizens IN The eye of the constitution
! Do not require Missouri 10 subscribe 4,
any such Interpretation for she " i'll no
and she ought moi. r. quire no such mo
I dlflcsilon Of her state constitution bn
whatever you do, leave that question opei
as II ia in all The original states, TO III
| judicial tribunal. Provide, il you do az,
thing al all. that her decision upon
may be conclusive and not be submit
led 10 the cognizaDce and discretion %
tie next COugress.-As 90 The resolution
OF The select committee, the act IL aske,
of Missouri was harmless and luoperaiiv,
snrplusage only, which presents no bs