Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-08-24

country
We may differ points which affect our internal
policy only without responsibility to others But our
conduct in this affects the security OF the social law OF
all mankind q which ali nations interested to sus-
tain They have the right to sit n3udsmen' upon us.
That part Of the lazy of nations which commands the
observance of treaties is the ay OF the Whole human
amly.-Though the present measure may not imme-
diately affect them and they may have no right to IN
terere, yet they have the right for their own security
to put IN action the moral feeling OF the worid gainst
the effect of our example. Whatever our opinions
may be of the invasion of France question OF on
glnal interference the powers of Europe were lui
justified In the measures which they TOOK IN 1919
on tho return of Buonaparte from Elba as the vio,
lator oftrcaties, he had placed himself onc OF CIVIL
and social relations. There no security for any
government. it dangerous an example by snch
formidable power, should have been able to sustain
itself have nothing To say of the subsequent as
position of his person 1t does not concern the ques-
ton before But the opinion OF mankind sustained
his expulsion from France if not from Europe, " his
tory will sanction The eye OF other nations is
now fixed upon Our friends are looking VIII
fearful anxiety to our conduct in this matter.
Our enemies too are Watching our steps Phey
have lain in wait for US for half century and
the passage of this Bill will light up JOY and hope i'll
the palace of ever despot. 1t will do more to
destroy the confidence of the world in free govern
ment than all their armies could accomplish.
Our friends every where will be compelled to hang
their heads AMI submit To this repraach of principles.
1t will weaken institutions at home and infect the
heart of our social system 1t will teach cur people
to hold the honor of their government lightly and
loosen the moral feeling OF the country Republics
have been charged too with insolence and oppression
in the day of their power. History has unfortunate
lv given us much proof of is truth and we are about
to confirm by example But, Sir, we must stand
at last at the bar of posery and answer there for
ourselves and country. If We look for party
fluence to sustain now, 1t will Fail there. The
little chickering's in which now hustle and show off
Importance, will have then ceased ana been for
gotten little understood. There will be time
serving purposes to warp the ludgment-no temp
taon to eniice into error-no adulation offer
powe- or to win the favor of the great-no ambition
to be exalted and venal press to shelter wrong
misrepresent the truth calumnate the motives of
those who now forcWarn you of your responsibility
The weight ola will not sustain you there, and
no tide OF popularity will carry you along phant
,iy. Our country will BE- brought by the historian
cutadin fdeiis reruw-to that standard of universal
morality which VIII guide the Judgment and fix the
sentence of poSteriy. 1t Will be pronounced by the
impartial Judgment of mankind aud stand forever r-
reversible. The character of his measure Will then
be known it is. Tne full and clear light of truth
will break upon 1t and will stand out history in
bold relief. The witnesses who will then speak will be
those ustrious men ohave lived to see this day.
Your hstory-your treaties and your statutes will
confront you. Yhe human heart will be consulted
the moral sense of all mankind will speak out fear
Ilessay, aud you will stand condemned by the law of
God as we'll as the sentence of your telow men.
You may not live to hear it, but there will be no re-
fnge for you in the grave You will yet live in hsto-
ry and If your children do dsown their fathers
they bear the humIliatiDg reproaches of their
name Nor Will this transaction be put down in his
tory party measure. Our country too must bear
the crime and thu shame | have been party man
Sir. perhaps too much so-and have contributed
nothing to place the present chief Magistrate in the
station which he now huds-ns yet under the cons-
tuition and not above it But should deem it les
ser evil and more suppnrtable calaruity-and de-
clare 10 you that had rather him any othe
man created Dictator at once and let him sway our
destines fof life at least, than suffer for snule
hour the shame of feeling that my country gust sub
NIT before the Christian world to the disgrace of be-
ing Sc down in history the volator of treaties
and he oppressor of this helpless people who have
trusted so confdingly to her faith.
But 1 will not despond or give up all for lost.
When it IS considered how little, after all, these
States really have at stake this question and how
trng the acquisition of this paltry territory must
be, l cannot believe that they will refuse to make
some sacrifice concession OF feeling to the reputa-
uon OF The country Is not our honor ana our repu-
tatIon-our interests and glory theirs? Are they
not bound up with US IN one common lot for good or
evil, long this constitution and our Union shall
endure and until the blessings which under the good
ness of Providence 1t may long dispense to our COM
country, shall be forever withdrawns-uHe that
appalling night of despoiism shall descend upon the
world and lower upon the whole family of man. when
this bright constellation shall have set end the last
hope Of human freedom has been forever aXtnguish
ed? What these miserable remnants of Indian
land worth them to if, in settling abstract
question of jurisdiction, We are about to expose
selves and them to the imputaton of bad faith. New
York, Pennsylvania Virginia and Ohio. have all
yielded to the constitutional authority of the Union,
points quite essential in their opinion to their
sovereignty as this. There is nothing to be won in
this controvery that is worth moments thought, in
comparison with the condemnation that lie. beyond It,
To avert such calamity, / will yield much-very
much. l will give up almost any thing here will
claim nothing of these States that shall offend their
pride The point Of honor shall be conceded to them
and good faith shall be vndicated by concession
from their patriotism l will not yet give up even
this hope. Nor will believe that the Chef Magis
trate will suffer the reputation Of his administration
and the country to be furnished will look there
too for better councils, and deliberate examin
alton of the ground which he has placed himself
Whether favored bis elevation to his present sta
ton not, may all unite in wishing tina he may
leave it with solid reputation. and that be may ad-
the honor of his country beyond the hopes
Of his friends. We all interested in his fame,
for it is identified with his country. There are
nober examples for his emulation than Spain Car
thage Let him vindicate the public faith of his
and he shall he hailed indeed n her Saviour