Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-04-06

ferred from that Besides, SIR let me inform gen.
tlemcn, that when this very summons was served
upon the Governor, he communicated the factto the
Legislature, connected with firm declaration, that
by every consideration of duty, and by all the means
placed in his power, he would rcpel the invasion of
the States sovereign rights. The Legislature re-
spondod, in language equally firm, that they would
support him at every hazard, aud the people, from
one end of the State TO the other, and with undi
vidcd voice. have proclaimed TO the Legislature they
are ready to seal that pledge with their lives. On
this question there is division of opinion in Geor-
gia aud gentlemen exhorted to dismiss from their
estimate all calculation of success founded upon
the usual distractions of party spirit.
Mr.. Speaker, there is one consideration connected
with this subject, that makes il almost intolerabe,
but which am free to say, adds such energy the
justice of cause that il will of itself sustain
in any course of defiance we may choose to pursue.
What other State has been thus treated? And what
other State has not had Indians within their limits?
Where IL there any other Independent tribe OF In
daus in Amcrica? Aud how many States are there
now in this very Union, situated precisely like Geor-
ga, where such pretenson has never yet dared TO
raise its front? My God is i, possible, that the peo-
pie of this country lost principle and rea-
son TO believe that Georgia ought to fold her arms in
submission? Whenever that day shall come in
which the attempt will be made 10 force her TO such
result, ii will bring along with it the saddest con-
sequences to this Union that possibly bcf;,l it.
The right to petition, deny man; wish to
abridge no ono of this privilege. Gentlemen saw
to listen to itnnd duly consider its prayer. Is no at
tcn,ion paid to the subect-mattcr of petition? VIII
this House entertain jurisdiction of every matter Pc
ttoners may choose respectfully to submit with ro-
gard III what they ask? Suppose these pious me-
moroliss, in the abundance of their great bcne vo-
ence, had chosen respectfully to ask this Congress
TO strike Georgia from the roll of States for inpri-
sonng these missionaries would this House have
considered such petition? Now, although the me-
mortal on your table docs not present subject TO
the same extent, as absurd az the ono have sng.
gcsted; yet, if it submits matter with which this
House has nothing to DO, it should equally merit its
decided rejection. Is Congress to become a council
OF mquisition to examine into the conduct of the
States? Are they to be arragned and brought be-
fore this body whenever few restless and oflicous
men may choose 10 petition Congress to that effect;
The supervision of their laws was attempted mt the
formation of the Federal Constitution to be confer
rcd on the General Government but was promptly
rejected; it will be exceedingly strange, among tho
constant and frequent acquisitions of power by th.
government, if this right shall be taken merely b,
the force of respectful petitions!
In conclusion, Sir, would again admonish gen
tlcnen to take care what they do. The South i
upon the very verge of exploson--one false ster
now, and the integrity of the Union is gone for ever