Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-10-25
THURSDAY, OCTOBER IS, 1882.
@!oritieal.

Conclusion of DANIEL WEBsrER's speech at
the National Republican Convention at Worees
Ter, (siass.)
Mr.. President, I shall not discuss the doctrine
Of Nuiific alton. am sure 1t can have no iriehds
here. Gloss It and disguise il as we may, It is
a nr.tence incompatible with the authority Of the
Constitution If direct separation be not Its on
" mode Of operation, that State may nullify
a law of the Union, and sull remain tn the Union;
that ,br NAV have Senators and Representatives
in the Government, and vet be at liberty 10 DISC
bey aud resist that Government; that she may
psrtake in the common councils, and yet not be
bound by their results; that she may control
law of Congress, that II shall be one thing. with
her. while il is another thing with the rest OF the
States; all these propositions seem to De 80 abso-
luteiy at war with common sense and reason,
that DO not understand how any Intelligent per-
son can Yield the slightest assent to them. Nu!-
liication il is in vain to attempt to conceal IT, Is
dissolution; it is dismemberment; it the breaking
up OF the Union. II it shall practically succeed.
in any one State, from that moment there are
twenty -four States in the Union no longer. Now.
Sir, think it exceedingly probable that the Pre-
sident may come to an open rupture with that por
ton of his original party, which nav constitutes
what is called the Modification party. think It
likely he will oppose the proceedings of that par
ty, if they shalt adopt measures. coming dlresIy
in conflict with the laws Of the United States -
Bu, how will he opposri That ,oiH be his course
of ,enedys Sir. wish to call the attention OF
the meeting, and Of the people, earnestly to this
question, hoo ,ciR The President attempt 10 pat
dozen Modification. II he shall attempt IL al all.
SIR, for one. Iprotest in advance against such
remedies as [ have heard limited. The admins
trauun itself keeps profound silence, but It's
friends have spoken forit. We are told, Sir,
that the President rM Immediately employ
force, and at once blockade Charleston! A mill
tary remedy. remedy by direct belligerent oPe-
ration, has been thus suggested, as the intended
means Of preserving the Union. Sir.it is true.
We cannot be altogether unmindful of the TACT;
and therefore We cannot he altogether unappre
hensve for the future. For one. Sir, raise my
voice beforehand, against the unauthorized EN-
poyment of military power. and against super
cedins the authority of the laws. BY an armed
force. under pre,ence Of putting down Nulihca
ton. The President has no authority to employ
military force, till he shall be- duly required TO
do, by law, and by the civil authorities. His du-
" il. TO cause the laws to be executed. His du-
" i. to support the civil authority. His duty is,
ii the laws be resisted. to employ the military
force or the country, If necessary. for their sup
pnrt aud execution; but to do all this. in comp-
ance only WITH and with decisions of1he tribunals
If, bv any ingenious devices, these who resist
the laws escape from the reach Of judicial autho-
riy, as II is now provided to be exercised, it is
entirely competent to Congress to make such ew
PROVISIONS as the exigency of the case may de.
maud. These provisions undoubtedly will be
made.
With constitutional and efficient head Of the
government. with an administration really and
truly in favor Of the Constitution, the country
can graphic with qualification. BY the force OF
reason, by the progress Of enlightened opinion,
by the natural, genuine patriotism ut the cOun-
try, and bv the steady and well sustained opera
tions of law. the progress OF disorgaulza,ion
may be successfully checked, and the Union
maintained. Let it be remembered that where
Modification IS most powerful, 1t is not unOppos.
ed. Let it b. remembered that they who would
break up the Union by force, have to march TO-.
ward that object through thick ranks of as brave
and good men as the country can raise; men,
strong in character strong In intelligence, strong
in the purity of their own motives, and ready,
IN sacrifice their fortunes and their lives to the
preservation Of the Constitutional Union Of the
States If we can relieve the country from an
administration, which denies to the Constitution
TINS. movers which are the breath Of its life, If
we can place the Government in the hands of its
friends, If we can secure 1t against the dangers
of irregular and unlawful aud military force; it 1t
can BE- under the lead of an administration, where
moderation, 6rmness, and wisdom shsil inspire
confidence aud command respect, we may yet
surmount the dangers, numerous and formidable
as they are, which surround u.s.
And, Sir, zee little prospect Of overcoming
these dangers, without change Of men. After
all that has passed. the reelection Of the pres
snt Executive will give the national sanction to
sentiments, aud to measures. which will effectu-
ally change the government; which, in short,
must destroy the government. II the President
b. reelected. with concurrent and cooperating
maiorities in both Houses Of Congress, i do
not see, that in four year. more. all the pOuer,
which is suffered To remain in the Government,
will not be ho,den Oy the Executive hand. Nul.