Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-02-17

his tpostulates.' The latter were to all intenls
and purposes, to use hislangsage, 'consumma'-
ed
Laws unconstitutional in the public opinion
had been enacted. A great majority OF an ex
asper ated people were in state OF the highest
excitement The legislature Gf his word be
taken) was under the management OF the lead,
ers.' The judicial courts were on their side, 4
sthe juries were, as he 2relends, contaminated
golden opportunity had arriyed.-'Now was
the winter Of their discomfort made glorious
summer All the combus,ibles for revolution
were ready When, behold! instead OF dis
membered Union, military movements, a north>
ern confe6eracy, and British alliance, accom-
plished ut the favorable moment OF almost to-
tai prostration Of the credit, and power OF the
national rulers, small and peaceful deputauon
Of grave citizens selected fl ON the ranks oil cl-
vii life, and legislative councils, assembled al
Hartford. There, calm and collected, like the
Pilgrims, from whom they descended, and not
unmindful Of those who had achieved the inde,
pendence Of their country, they dellberated on
the mos, effec,ual means of preserving for their
fellow .ciiizens and their defendants The civil u
political liberty which had been won. and be-
queathed TO them.
The character Of this much in ured assembly
has been subject to heavier impulalions, under
an entire deficiency not only OF proof, but OF
probability, than ever befel any other set OF men,
discharging merely the duties Of committee
Of legislative body, and making public re-
por tof their doinsg TO their constituents. These
impula,ions have never assumed precise
form; but vague opinions have prevailed OF
combination TO separate the Union. AS M.
Adams has condescended, by the manner in
which h. speaks OF that convention, to adopt
or countenance those impu,ations on its pro-
ccedngs, we may BE- excused for making few
more remarks on the subject, although this is
not a suitable occasion to go into a full exPa-
nation and viudic alton of that measure.
The subject naturally resolves itself into four
points, or questions:
First, the constitutional right Of a State 10
appoint delegates TO such conventions:
Secondly, the propriety and expediency OF
exercising that right al that time:
Thirdly, the objects i9tended to be attained
by il aud the powers given Tor that purpose by
ire state TO the delegates; and
Fourlhly, the manner in which the delegates
exercised their power.
AS 10 the first point, it will not be doubted
tha, the people have righ' in an orderly
and peaceable manner 10 assemble TO consult
upon the common good and to reques, Of their
rulers by the wav oil addresses, petitions, or
circumstances, redress Of the wrongs done
them, and Of the grievances they suffer This
is enumerated in the constitution Of Massao hu.
sets among our natural, sential, and unalirn-
able rights; and it is recognised IN the consu-
tuition OF the United States; and who then shall
dare to set limits to its exercise, or 10 prescribe
to- US the manner in which il shall be- eXerttd {!
We have already spoken OF the state OF public
affairs and the me assures Of the general govern
ment in the year 1914 and Of the degree of ex-
element, amounting nearly 10 desperation, 10
which they had brough, the minds OF he peo>
pie 10 this and the adjoining states. Their SUI
ftrines and aDprehensions could no longer be
silently endured, and numerous meetings OF The
citizens had been held on the occasion in va.
rious paris OF the country. 1t was then thought
that the MEASURE O. allied for in such an emer-
gency would be more pruden,ly and safely ma
tured and promoted by the government OF the
STATE. than by unorganzed bodies OF individu-
ais, strongly exci,ed by what they considered
10 he the unjust and oppressive measures OF he
genrr al government. lfall the citizens ha! the
right, Jointly and severally, 10 consult for the
common good, snd to seek for dress oil
their grievances, no reason car be given why
their legislative assembly, which represents
them oil, may not exercise the same RICH, in
their b.half We no where find any constitu.
uunal prohibition or restraint Of the exercise Of
this power by the State; and if not prohibited
H. is reserved 10 the State. We maintain then
tina, tie people had an unques,ionable right in
this as well d, in other modes, TO express their
opinions Of the measures of the general govern
men,, and 10 seek, by addresses, petitions, or
remonstrances,' TO obtain a redress Of their
grievances and relief from their suff rings
If there was no constitutional objection ~
this mode Of proceeding, it will be readily adj
milted that i, was in all respects the most ELI
gible. In the state Of distress and danger which
then oppressed all hearts, it was 10 be appre,
heuded, a, before suggested. that large and fire.
auent assemblies Of the people might lead to
measures inconsistent with the peace and order
Of the community. If an APPEAL was TO be
made TO the Government OF the United Sla'es,
i, was likely to be more rffectual. if proceed
ing from the whole Stale collectively, than
if from insulated assemblies Of ci,izens; and
the application in that form would Tend also
TO repress the public excitement, and prevent
any sudden and unadyised proceeding Of the