Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-03-26
TCoMMUNICATED,

To the Fofers ofthe Congressional District com.
posed Of the Counties of LoudOun, Fairfar
and Fdug'ier
For the last three weeks have been confined
to my house, BY my own indisposi.ion and that
Of my family. On Monday last visited Fairfax
Court in state Of great debility, intending to
return home the same night. There learned,
and for the firsl time, that had bsen announced
as candidate for your SURFACES at the approach
ing election. The circumstances attending this
nomination were of a character that required of
me. if possible. to assent TO il. accordingly
announced myself candidate, in an address to
the voters of Fairfax. Upon my return home on
last night, found the health OF both my chill
dren in 80 precarious a state, as to require my
undivided attention.; and indeed my own health
too feeble for such canvass as would be ncces-
sary to ensure success. Under these eircum-
stances, feel that it is an act of Justice, alike
due to my friends and myself, to decline the
contest very much regret that circumstances
over which have had no control, should have
postponed thus long the intelligence | now com
munlcate.
In withdrawing as candidate, I value too
highly the good opinion Of my fellow, citizens to
do 50, without setting them right as TO sentiments
without the least shadow Of truth. have been
sraveiy charged with being an advocate of Null.
hfication, and in favor of the exercise of the
Right of Secession, for light and trivial causes.
Upon the subject Of Modification have never
entertained but one opinion: The claim on the
part of State TO nulify the laws passed by
Congress, whenever. in the opinion Of that State,
those laws were in violation of the constitution
TO select from the body "f the laws passed,
those which she deems constitutional. and obey
them, and to pronounce all others void. and re.
fuse them obedience, is a claim, in my opiuion,
utterly destitute OF foundation. either in the cha
racter of the cOnfederacy or IN the constitution
of the United States. II places the judgment
of State not only in opposition to that OF the
other nty-three, but assumes that that judg-
rnent is binding and obligatory upon them. ln
principle hold it to be radically wrong, and
in practice If to practice it can ever be re-
duced-as productive Of gross injustice. anarchy
and confusion. As to the Righ OF Secession.
view it as a national right-appertaining to
! each member of the confederacy when they en-
tered the Unisn, which they have never parted
with.
The exercise of this right, however, can never
be justified except when the Union shall have
entirely failed in the object OF its formation-to
wit: ITO establish justice. ensure domestic
tranquility. and secure the blessing Of liberty
to ourselves and our posterty.' When op-
preston becomes SO great as would justify the
citizen, under another furm Of Government, IN
the use of the sword, then, and not till theI can
the exercise Of this right be justified. But whe.
Their State shall then peaeeaJ!y secede. remains
for other States 20 determine. II they deem the
cause not sufficient to justify the act. they may
declare against her for the violation Of the com
pact; but 10 no case, IN 10y opinion, can the cit