Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-09-11


Now, il any particular Of Federal Legislation
should prove obnoxious to any State in the UnoD al
though the majority OF the States should conceive il expe
dent and constitutional, yet under the of this
doctrine, that state alone, with the concurrence of
fourth Of the remaining States, might nullify the
Objectionable laws, and thus virtually amend the constitu
ton in defiance OF its express provision requiring
for that purpose the consent OF hreefouths Of the
Sates for II is Observable, that that instrument may be
amended no less by the negaon Of its actual powers
than by the grant OF new functions Thus this iuag nary
right so Ear from being power existing under the const
tuon manifesy conflicts in its results with most inn
portant provisions The fact therefore, of its being
without the constitution and for that reason,
luonary in its tendency, is conclusive prove that is
not in reality, is claimed peaceful safe remedy
While is readily conceded, that every State in case OF
pdlabie infracton Of the Federal Constitution has the
right of pronounciDg it void has only mode of
forcing its sentence, which Mr. Jefferson has orcbly
expressedit, by "stan6ing to its arms II an mper-
feet right, manfestly conflicting with the duty of the
President under his oath Of Office, TO execute the laws Of
the United States And hence, whenever State takes
upon HERSELF the task OF opposing law OF Congress by
ocet acts she incurs the chances of revolution
abide the ISSUE There is middle ground between sub
mission and secession These are the only alternatives
between which the option be made A State can
not enjoy the privileges of the Union, at the time
that il discards its burhens While then these reec-
tons readily conduct 10 the conclusion that Nulfca-
ton dangerous doctrine alike by the
letter and spirit Of the Constitution they also afford the
surest guarantee for the permanent integrity OF the
Union As long, indeed, other alternatives but these
presented its existence is insured by wise and
raj reluctance TO encounter all the
of civil war; but it, the other hand arbitrary
price Of any State, the Union be peaced6y
best estimate the eeblenessot the bond, by
ring 10 our past history, and considering how often would
have been ruptured if this doctrnce had been then in
in vogue and accredited While the commerce Of the
Northern States cut off by the Non and
Embargo acts, and at later PERIOD while the opposition
these States was running high against the late war, il
they could have found peaceful mode OF reressing what
they conceived 10 be their grievances in this way there
can be but little doubt that confederacy would have
then persisted in its cradle, and the Hartford Convention
been no less distinguished for the successful accomplish
mo nj ITO
pete abortion. But tits particularly be regretted
brethren OF the South should be inopporuney con-
tempaing resistance to the tariff laws at the very
ment that large reduction of the duties has
ded TO their demands And however much the ingenuity
oil certain public men may have been strained TO rer
away by plant statistics the real value of this reduction
entertain strong belief that it will be sensibly felt in
the pockets OF the and the Golfers Of the Trea-
sury Why, not, then, yet longer the other
efforts TO bring down the tariff Of duties the
wants OF the Government Ii is ascerained how far
the income from the modified duties will exceed the de-
mands OF the revenue The approaching extinction Of
the national debt, accompanied with the difficulties
tendant on surplus revenues and the increasing stability
OF our manufactures may all conspre bring down the
Tariff TO the point Of revenue, and thus adjust these
happy discussions With this reasonable hope before us
would conjure brethren to pause vet longer be-
fore they rush the uned evils of revolutions and mar
the promising destnies OF Republic We would in
woke their patriotism TO preserve sacred Union,
the only buwark Of national Defence and the only
safeguard OF invaluable liberties For ourselves we
are prepared yet longer put hopes the force
TRUTH and the ameliorating progress of time for finally
closing this prolific OF internal iscod, heal
the dscontens, and strengthen the Union of these States
Therefore,
lst Resolued, That momentous crisis has arisen in
our federal relations which calls for the general express
sion of public sentiment and that Virginia
main silent without being false 10 herself and deceul
her friends.
I'd. ReSolped, That regard the doctrine of Nul6.
cation dsorganizing and nsdous political heresy d.
recty opposed to the letter and spirit of the Constitution
]. 3D. RESOLVED, That we view the notifications of the
Tariff at the last session of Congress- as substantial mea.
| duti
ang surplus not wanted in the national treasury, cal
cuated to lower the Tariff in future to the
of the government.
I A. Resolved That far from perceving in the reduc-
ton OF the tariff duties the last session of Congress any
nducement for the opponents of that policy resist its
execution, we fnd abundant encouragement to acquesce
for longer period, and continue peacsabe efforts
procure its further amelioration.
D. Resolved That place all hopes for the pre-
servation OF our liberties the duration of our Union
and careful, and scrupulous adhesion rigid consruc-
ton of our written Constitutions.
| ReSOlUed, That consider any immediate oDposi-
ton to the tariff laws by the orcble inerposon of any
State at this particular juncture unsafe, mpolc u-
we and highly dangerous to the best interests Of the
I. Resolved That the Editors of the Richmond En-.
qurer, Constitutional Wing, Lynchburg Vrginian, and
Virginia Advocate, be requested to publish the proceed
ings oil this meeting in their respective papers
RIO. RIVES, Chairman
ALEXANDER BRowN, Secretary
TO TIE EDITORS OF THE ENQUIRER
GENTLEMEN: You will receive from the Secretary
the proceedings of meeting held in the county of Mel
son Friday last send you herewith the substitute
WHICH offered at the meeting, and which is referred t.
in the account of the meeting. You will oblige me b,
publishing the substitute with the proceedings
i Your friend and obedient servt
RICHARD POLLARD.
Nelson County, Sept 2, 1882.
The citizens of Nelson deem it expedieat from the sp
mt that has been evnced in the many public meeting.
recently held in the States of South Carolina and Georgia
10 assemble together and make expression OF their
upon those subjects which much agitae their fellow
citizens of those Sates which disturb the harmony of the
nf ila ITnifa
and the peFpeuaton of the Government. All these evil,
appear to have arisen from what is Familiarity known by
the term OF "the Tarih'-the laying of duties on imports
Tor the protection OF domestic manufactures system
considered burthensome to the great body the people
and especially so to the people of the Southern States
Those who are so steadfas in their opposition to this
course oil the Government the aoing protection TO do
nestle manufactures, base their resistance upon two prn
cipes They deny the constitutional light of Congress
to enact such laws. q They contend against the pocy
It'll remarkable that the advocates of the Tariff in look
ing Tor the right OF Congress 10 the law resort 10 diff
erent articles of the Federal compact and change and
shit their position they pressed combatted and dis
lodged. Drive them from clause and they immed
ately shelter themselves under another; and thus ne
anty they move from post to post protecting and defend
ing this fugitive power. At time they claim the rich
under that clause which gives Congress the power
Jay and collect taxes, imposs, duties, &c. At another
time you will find them claiming the right under tho
mece some have not hestaed to take the broad erount
and erect the right upon the power OF Congress to provide
Tor the common defence and general welfare.
As to the first position assumed for the maintenance
this right we need but require that the whole clause b,
taken together instead Of detached part of it, TO over
throw This structure raised upon As to the seconds: III,
power TO regulate commerce gives no right that ",
IN man A. 81 -.