The Arkansas advocate., 1831-10-12
AT. WEDNEsDAY, la- 1sal-


 receivcds but that of necessity. The distinction between murder and yelufr tary mal'slaughtcr, should be abolished in all cases where q dirk, pistol, or other deadly weaponis used, except in neccs- sary sclt-dcfence. If case of extraor- fdinary provocation might form reasona- ,. hte exceptions to the general rule t ' would be better to leave them to the consideration of the Executive, under 1 the influence of public opinios-gener- lally inclined to the side of mercy--lhan 10 destroy that rule which has been found necessary in ali ages to the the seeu- rits of human life. Should the Gener. lal Assembly deem il improper or inex. pedient to change the law to the extent suggested, l trust you will adopt the rule proposed, so as to reach all cases of homicide perpetrated by dirk, pistol or other deadly weapon, except in cases of scIt-defence, or otherwise we shall soon become as famous for using secret daggers as the Spaniards have ever been for the use of the stiletto. A man, con scious of his own integrity of purpose, unless he has special reason to appre- hend danger, ought not to carry such weapons, in the civil and social walk of life; and he who wears them, should be held toarigid accountabilityfo for their use Many subjects which deserve your consideration, have probably escaped my notice, ard l must trust to your bet ter knowledge ofthe concerns and wants of the people, and the defecls in the laws or their administration, to supply what lmaJ have omitted in this commu- nication.
 For the peace, happiness, and gener- eral prosperity with which we arc sur rounded, let us offer up our grateful thanks to the Author and Giver of eve ry good thing.
 In conclusion, l have 10 assure you. lot my prompt concurrence in. any and every measure calculated 10 ad- vance the prosperity and happiness of your constituents, and the general vel fare of the Territory.
 JOHN POPE. ,, To tte Editor ef fhe U. Sfates 4'eiegrapi..
 BATM COUNTY, Va. Aug. 2i, 1851.
 The recent exposition given to the people of the United States, by the Vice President, of hls opinions on the rela- i've powers of the General and State Governments, Is worthy of the distin- guished citizen who prepared it, and is entitled to the respectful and serious consideration ofevery reader who is in search of truth, and wishes to perpetu- l ate the free institutions under which we live. t $ act my purpose, at this time, to examine the doctrines of this veteran statesman and patriot, with d view eitherto criticise or censure them; but discarding the use ofcabaIistlc phra- ses and odious epithets, so fashionable among the partisan politicians of the day, l claim the right ofan American citizen, who has largely participated in the elevation of the present chiefmagis- trate, and still appreciate his virtues and eminent services, to make d solemn call on that high officer, who stands be- fore the people for reelection, and who seeks no concealEent of his opinions on all great questions involving constitu. tional law, for q paper similar to that with which Mir. Calhoun has favored us. The subject is one of vital importance, and has been so considered and treated. from the commencement of the govern ment up to the present moment ;and the crisis has arrived which must result iu the establishment of the supremacy of ' the general government, yielded by an impotent majority, with constructive powers, subject only to the will Of the dominant party; of the recognition of the original and reserved rights of the Siates, with the reasonable means of as. serting them, without resort to force . or violence. Task, then, in the name oI the people of the several States. who will shortly be required 10 elect the first officer Q! the government of # the the United States,of Andrew Jackson and Henry : Clay, whose claims to the Presidential chair are now before the nation. to give full, free and candid answer to the following questions:
 |. Is the Constitution of the United States a compact between the sovereign States. whose independence was ac. knowledged by the British Monarrhby |. 5 4FasS<>r