Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-09-21
WILLIAM b. GILES 81 THOMAS RITCHIE,
T,co Of the original iastigators Of South Carolina
Notification.

Notification.
To JoIIS Fl. PLEAsANrs, Esq.
Editor Of the Richmond tPhig.
circumstances prevented my reading at The time,
your first article on the subject of ssNnLtjfcatiopD
which appeared under your editorial head a few
days since. In looking over it, have been struck
with enc error into which you have fallen, and of
which l doubt not ON being convinced YOU will
make the necessary correction. If understand
you, you state that Virginia, in 1885, passed law
prohibiting the execution of the Alien and Sedition
Laws within her territory. But Virginia certainly
did never pass any such law. She went no further
than to declare, by Legislative Resolution that, in
cases of dangerous, dettbcrGte and pGpdble viola.
tons of the Constitution, the States had right to
inerpose, &c. How that right 80 BterpoSe may be
exercised, is itself matter of uncertainty and
conjecture Mr.. Madison, who wrote the rcsolu-
ton, dlsclaims Modification altogether.
concur with you perfectly in the idea or rather
fact, (for the thing is ihdsputable) that William
b. Giles and J'homas Richie, were two of the
original nstigaiors Of South Carolina Multi
fication. There is no doubt whatever that
the Richmond Enquirer. contributed more than.
any other paper in this country, TO blow up
that flame, which is threatening to consume
this Union; and would stake my reputation, and
almost every thing else, if could not prove from
the columns of that print, that it ADVOCATED
THOSE VERY DOCTRINES WHICH TT rs
NOW PRETENDING TO REPUDIATE.-
There was enc other active spirit and agent, how
ever, in fomentng disaffecton to the Federal Uni
on, whose name you have not mentioned, aIlu-
dcd to. | mean former distin guished judge of
the Court of Appeals OF Virginia. 1t was to the
pen of that powerful, but in my humble opinion
fallacous reasoner, that the famous proet of Bill
TO PROHIBIT THE EXECUTION OF THE
FEDERAL COURT JUDGMENTS, and which
was published in The Richmond Enquirer, was cur
rently ascribed. RITCIIIE LAUDED THE
SCHEME, md recommended IL to the LegfsLafnTe.
That miserable political Jesuit, whoso cunning
and reckless disregard Of principle, are conspicu.
Gus in every number his paper, is non against
Notification because it is the doctrine of John G.
Calhoun, and John G.. Calhoun is the enerny of
Martin Van Buren,. If Mr.. Clay should be elected
President, you will Richie raise tho banner of
Notification again immediately Mark this predict
ion! For my own part, to be very frank with yon
do not much 20 choose between Modification mr.
DisuDion, and the reelection of Gen. Jackson and
believe this sentiment is becoming common with
some of tic bgst patriots of tho country The re
election Of General Jackson, will in effect DO ri
wing national sanction to Notification, as dclibe.
rately exercised by Georgia and I know of no
reason why Georgia should be Landed and South
Carolina punished, for doing precisely the same
thiog. His reelection will moreover, be followed
ny tie Prostration of every thing that is sacred and
venerable IN our institutions The Judiciary
the Senate, the Legislative power as we'll as ptI-
rity of Congregs,-the freedom Of the Prose -
viii al fall before the destroying and fcrocious
grasp Of Executive tyranny and ambition Such
isthe melancholy intatuation of a largo portion Of
me people, that If General Jackson were to usnrp
openly all tho powers Of the government, IL he
were to cut of tho ears of all ftc CLAW Senators:-
kick The House Of Representatives. ont Of doors.
aud hang the Judges Of the Supreme Courl,-I be-
IleYe IN my soul there are thousands, and teas Of
thousands, who would crv ont bosauna TO tie
'Greafest md Best,"---fo him who W as "borD IN
conlmand!' This sentiment Of base scrvilitv-ofl
'ooiarous devotion TO one Of tho most stupid,