Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-08-25
The following letter of Mr.. JEFFERSON to Mr.


MADISON, with the annexed paper, in the form
of a Declaration to be adopted by the State OF
Virginia, relative to the right Of the General
Government to prosecute INTERNAL IMPROVE
MENrs through the country, will be read with
interest by every one. This letter, with the do
cumeut, are taken from Mr.. Jefferson's papers,
now in course Of publication, and are pre-
sen,ed to the public by the editor OF the Char
lottesville Advocate.
1t 10 to be presumed that Mr.. MADISON did
not agree with his excellent friend, as TO the
propriety Of the policy recommended 20 be
pursued by the State, or in some other point,
as nothing was ever done with the Declaration
here given.
What q contrast does The course here recon-
mended, and the sentiments here incuicated,
present TO the reasonable language and actions
OF some Of our Southern politicians! MIR. JEFF
ferson, although as conscientiously opposed 10
the power claimed by Congress, and as tho
roughly convinced Of its improperly as they
are, does not proclaim war, open war"-he
does not talk Of "arter exhaus,ing the argu-
ment, stand by our arms--he does not Z" be-
gin 20 calculate he value Of the Union"-he
docs not treat those who differ with him as
aliens and enemies he does not look upon the
States in favor Of the policy he condemns, as
"leagsed TO Cypress and plurder the Soutb."-
Nothing Of all this. He is willing 10 grant
freedom Of opinion TO all, and, acting up to the
republican maxim that the ma jori'y mus, rule,
is ready to make every sacrifice not inconsist-
ent with principle and honor.
We trust the document will lead to reflection,
on the par, of some Of those who appear mad
y ben. on .ssins 81 opposition 10 the
measures Of Government; i, shows that the
States who think their rights in danger, can
support those rights without dissolving the
Union, or entering ln.o any violent or harsh
proceedings.
TO JAMES MADISON.
Monticello, December "a, 1926.
DEAR SIR,-I have for some lime considered
the question of in'ernal improvement as despe-
rate. The torrent OF gene, al opinion SETS so
strongly in favor of it to be Irresistible. And
] suppose that even the opposition in Congress
thug can be done which may give q CLEAN Of
ems engagement 20 our friends, or alarm their
opponents in their fancied security. learn
from Richmond, that those who think with us
there are in state OF perfec, dismay, no, know
ing what TO do, or what TO propose. Mr.. Cor
don, our representative, particularly, has writ
ten 10 me in very responding terms, not dspos
ed to yield indeed, bu, pressing for opinions and
adj ice on the subject. | have no doubt you
are pressed in the same way, and hope you
have devised and recommended something 10
them. Ifyou have, stop here and read no more
but consider all that follows as non-aUe.ue
shall be better satisfied To adopt implicitly any
thing which you may have advised, rhan any
any thing occurring TO myself. For have
long ceased 10 think on subjects Of this kind,
and paw little Affection to public prooeedings-
But if you have done nothing IN it, then risk
for your consideration what has occurred to
me, and is expire ssed in the inciosed paper
Bailey's propositions, which tame to hand since
wrote the paper and which suppose to have
come from the President himself shew a little
hesitation in the purposes Of mis- party; and in
that STATE Of mind. a bolt sho, critically may
decide the contest, by its effect on the less bold.
The olive branch aeld out to them al this mos
men, may be accepted, and the constitution
thus saved at moderate sacrifice. / say moth
ing OF the paper, which will explain ITSELF
The following heads Of consideration, or some
of them, may weigh in It's favor.
n may iniimidae the wayering. 1t may
break the western coalition by offering the same
thing in different form. 1t will be viewed
with favor in contrast with The Georgia oppo- /
sitiofs and fear of strengthening that. 1t will
be an example Of a temperate mode of opposi
ton IN future aud similar cases. 1, will give |
Us the chance Of better times and Of intervening
accidents; end in DO way place US IN worse
than our presso, situation. 1 do not dwell on
the Sc topics; yoss mind will develope hem
Thr first question is whether You approve of
doiag any thing Of the kind. 1t not, send it
back 90 me, and i, shall be suppressed; for ]
would no, hazard so important measure a
gains, your opinion, nor even without its sup |
bort. If you think il may be a canvass on