Delaware advertiser and farmer's journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1831, 1829-03-12

mene Of the leaders, The judicial courts |
were on their side. and the juries we're as
he pretends, contaminated. A golden oppor-
tuhity had arrived. Nov vast winter of
their discomfort made glorious summer All
the cofhbustibles for revolution were ready.
When, behold! instead Of dismembered
Union, military movement, northern con-
sederacy, and British alliance, accomplish
ed at the favorable moment of almost total
prostration Of the credit aud power of the
national rulers. small and peaceful depu-
tation OF grave citizens, selected from the
ranks of civil lite, and legislative councils,
assembled at Hartford. There, calm and
collected, like the Pilgrims, from whom
they descended. and not unmindiul OF those
who had achieved the independence OF their
country, they deliberate on the most efIee-
tnal means Of preserving for their fellow
citizens and their descendants the civil anA
political liberty which had been won, aud
bequeathed TO them.
The character Of this much injured as
sembly has been subjected to heavier impu"
tations, under an entire deficiency not only
Of proof, but Of probability, than ever betel
any other set Of men, discharging merely the
duties of a committee OF legislative body,
and making public report of their doings
to their constituents. These imputations
have never assumed a precise form;Dnt vague
opinions have prevailed Of combination
to separate the Union. AS Mr.. Adams has
eondescended, by the manner in which he
spenks Of that convention, to adopt or coun-
lteuance those imputations on its proceedings.
We may be excused for making few more
remarks on the suject, although this is not a
suitable occasion to go into full explana-
ton and yiudication Of that measure.
| The subject naturally resolves itself into
four points, or questions:
First, the constitutional right Of State to
appoint delegates to such convention:
1 Secondly, the propriety and expediency
of exercising that right at that time:
| Thirdly, the objects intended to be attain
ed by il and the powers given forthat pur-
pose by the state to the delegates; and
1 Fourthly, the manner in which the dele
gates exercised their power.
As to the first point it win not be doubted
that the people have right in an orderly and
peaceful manner to assemble to consult upon
the common good,' and to request OF their rul
ers by the way of address, petitions or remon
sIrances, redress Of the wrongs done them, ant
ofthe grievances they suffer- This is enumer
ated in the constitution of Massachusetts, among
our natural, essential, and unalienable rights
and it is recognized in the constitution Of th'
United States; and who then shall dare 10 sc
limits to Its exercise, or 10 prescribe to US TN
manner in which it shall be exeredf We hav'
already spoken of the state Of public aiiars ant
the measures of the general. government, IN thI
year 1914. and of the degree of excitement, a
mounting n9arly to- desperation, TO which the.
had broughtthe minds ofthe people in this an'
I the ABIDING States Their suiferings and appre
tensions could no longer be silently endured
and numerous meetings of the citizens had beef
held on the occasion in various parts ofthe coun
try, twas then thought that the measures call
ed for in such an emergency would be nor
prudently and safely matured and promoted b.
the government Of the State, than by unorgaU
I, ized bodies Of individuals, strongly excited b.
: what they considered to be the unjust and op
pressiye measures Of the general government,
n all Tie citizens had the right, jointly and sew
orally, to consult for the comraon good. aud /
i'esk for redress y n griesapses, VI N ~
can ~ gwen Why tier Legislative assembly
! which represents them all, may not exercise tn
same right in their behalf We nowhere fin
/. any constitutional prohibition or restraint Of tn
exercise of this power by the State; and if nc
3 prohibited, it is reserved to the State. w
: maintain then that the people hal an unquei
+ tionable right in this well as in other modes
y to expose their opinions Of the measures Of til
general government, and to seek, 'by addresses
s petitions, OF femonstrances," to obtain relres
o Of their grievances and relief from their suife
!, ings.
4 II there was no constitutional objection to hi
e mode Of proceeding, it will be readily admite
o that it was in all respects the most eligible. |
the state OF distress and danger which then OF
e pressed all hearts. it was to be apprehended, {
!, before suggested, that large and frequent Al
!. sembes of the people might lead to measure
!, inconsistent with the peace and order Of tn
! community. Ifan appeal was to be made I
the government Of the United States, ii wa
likely to be more effectual, if proceeding froi
the whole State collectively, than IL from inst
8 lated assemblies Of citizens; and the applcatio
n in that form would tend also 10 repress the pull
c lie excitement, and prevent any sudden and III
;, advised proceedings Of the people, by holdin
: out to them the prospect Of relief through tn
i influence Of their State government. This Ia
J, ter consideration had great weight with the Il
: gslature; and it is believed to have been n
i only motive that could have induced some
the delegates to that convention to quit the 81
= clusion to which they had voluntarily retired,
D expose themselves anew to all the fatigue an
e anxiety, the odium, the misrepresentation, CT
e iumAes, and unjust reproaches, which so fr,
d quently accompany and follow the best exc
: tons for the public good
). If each one Of the States had the right thus
:, seek redress of grievances, it is clear that tw
+ or more States might consult together for III
! same purposei and the only mode in which the
y pointment af delegates for that purpose.
Go be concluded nert tUeek.
y y