Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-03-19

of New York, were to contend for what this small
southern State claims, she would not have any advocates
on this side OF the Potomac. And why do | say, Qt may
be asked) that there is a difference between its being con-
Tended Tor by one, or the other side Of the Potomacl The
answer IS obvious. | look on it as an GbSuTdity any way;
and as we DO not look on Northern measures with as Ia
vorable an eye, as We 10 on those originating in the South;
aud as the effects of the measure would be more palpable
IN one case, than in the other, the opposition would be I'M
divided. Some have charged Mr.. Calhoun and otherd isin-
gu,ished citizens of South Carolina, with q design TO estab-
lsh a southern coniederacy; but | will not 10 it myself.
1 ah Wiling to look on them as patriots who are miSta-
ken IN the remedy of the States against uncOnstitu-
uonal laws, aud that their object is to free the pco-
pie OF the South from a burthcn, that is not equal
IN the different parts of the United States. Nothing
out the hrlhest conviction of the propriety Of the OPT
mon 1 have advanced, could have induced me 10 dc.
clare this measure an dbSuydity, when some Of my most
lhteihgent Friends, particularly the Senator from Powha-
AM nave told us, that Carolina is sustained by the Bird
RESOLUTION oil Virginia in 1898, and by the Kentucky Re-
solutions on tie same subject, that called forth Virginia
IN that year. Now, whether this 3rd Resolution, which
Is so much respected as authority for the dOings OF South
Carolina, was drafted by the distinguished mover OF it in
The Legislature, (ir. Taylor of Caroline0 or by Mr. Ma
Iison' l will not say. But, l have too high am opinion OF
te good sense oil both, TO think that either thought an alb
surdiy was %deducible from il; and therefore l am bound to
believe ut gentlemen have mistaken the meaning OF the
language used in that resolution. Unfortunately Tor MIR.
1 dy'orS lame as a statesman, lac il no more, and is there
by prevented from disclaiming the authorship ofa doctrine
That has already tottered, and may upset the Union. MIR.
Madison, however, is in the land of the living, and saws
now, whatI understood him TO say in the report Of '99,
as to the duty otthe States "to interpose for arresting the
progress OF the evil; anu for maintaining within their re-
spective limits the authorities, rights, aud liberties apper-
tanning TO them" l will slew, when / get TO the consi.
deration OF Secession, what he did mean by the report of
99, and then prove that he ~repudiates Modification, and
denies hat Secession is a constitutional right. must do il.
Sir, although the gentleman from Wythe (NIr. AIcCo.
mas said the other day, mi. Madison had no right at
TINS time OF lille, TO come out with his opinions, because by
so doing, he might break down the Republican pdrfv. -
But no more at this time about the Bird resolution. as I
shall have TO return TO il when | come TO the next propo.
sition.
Not only Mr.. Madison and the Virginia Legislature,
have been charged with contending for the right of Null.
hcatlon, but also Mr.. jefferson, as he was the author OF
the Kentucky Resolutions. lie icds the writer of the
Kentucky Resolutions; but | deny, although he used the
diStrdcting tcOTd, that he intended to arrest an evil in the
way South Carolina has set about doing it. Whilst living,
he dlsclaimed ii; and now that he is dead, let me beg of
gentlemen not TO insist on impairing his fame for good
sense and correct principles. In the year 1921, Mr. JEFF.
ierson, in a letter TO a Mr.. Breckenridge, son of the gentle.
man who offered the Kentucky Resolutions, acknowledge
ed the authorship, and said his object was-mark now
not Modification, but ." an energetic prOteStGti0n against
me c0nsttutioRGhfy Of those idlCS;' (meaning the Alien
anu Sedition laws) That he intended what | have quot.
ed, Is evident from letters subsequently written TO Messrs.
Cartwright and Giles, parts of which will be hereafter
read to the Senate. Sir, | hope, l have sustained myself
IN the position taken-that Modification is not a conStitu.
uonal remedy, but is calculated to disorganiZe the Gov
eminent, and must lead 10 revolution: Believing | have,
| will pass on TO the consideration of Secession: although
much more could be said against a measure so very alb.
horrcnt TO the genius of cur Government.
(IO be continued