Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-04-05

BILE gentleman, "reeeired The doctrine" This, l believe
Is true, sir. The people did then receive the doctrine;
they had never entertained il before. Down 10 that Pc
Rod, the constIutionahiy of these laws had been no more
doubted in South Carolina, than elsewhere. And | sus-
peet il is true, sir, aud I deemits a great misfortune, that,
TO the present moment, a great portion OF The people of the
State have never yet seen more than one side of the argu-
ment. l believe that thousands of honest men are involv-
ed in scenes now passing, led away by one sided views OF
the question, and following their leaders by the impulses
OF an unlimited confidence. Depend upon il, sir, il we
can avoid the shock Of arms, a day for reconsideration and
reflection will come truth and reason will act with their
accustomed force, and the public opinion OF South Carroll
ma will be resorted TO its usual constitutional aud patriotic
tone.
Bat, sir, | hold South Carolina to her ancient. her cool.
her uninnuenced, her deliberate opinions. | hold her 10
her own admissions, nay TO her own claims and preten-
sions, in 1850, in the first Congress, and to her acknow-
Judgments and avowed sentiments through a long series OF
succeeding years. l hold her to the principles on which
she led Congress to act in 1916; or, ifshe have changed her
own opinions, | claim some respect for those who still re-
tain the same opinions. l say she is precluded from as
serting that doctrines which She has herself 80 long and so
ably sustained, are plain, ~palpable, and dangerous viola
tons OF the constitution.
MIR. President, il the friends of notification should
be able TO propagate their opinions, and give them
practical effect, they would, in my Judgment prove
themselves the most skilliul " architects of ruin" the
most efiectual exinguishers of high raised expectation,
the greatest blasters OF human hopes, which any age has
produced. They would stand up to proclaim, i'm tones
which would pierce the ears of half the human race. that
the last great experiment of representative government
had failed. They would send forth sounds, at the hearing
OF which the doctrine of the divine right of kings would
iee, ever III IT'S grave, q returning sensation OF vitality
and resuscitation. Millions Of eyes, OF those who now feed
their inherent love of liberty on the success of the Ame-
rican example, would turn away from beholding our dis
inemberment, and hnd no place on earth whercon TO resi
their gratihed sight. Amidst the incantations and orgies
OF nullihcation, secession, disunion, and revolution, would
be celebrated the funeral rites of constitutional and repub-
lican liberty.
But, sir, ii the Government do its duty if it act will
hrnness and with moderation, these opinions cannot prevail
be assured, sir, be assured, that, among the political senti.
ments OF this people, the love of union is still uppermost.
lhey VIII stand last by the constitution, and by those who
ueienu IT,. L rely on no temporary apprehension no po-
ltical combination-but L rely on the true American feel.
ing, the genuine patriotism oil the people, and the impera-
tive decision OF the public voice. Disorder and coniu-
sion, indeed, may arise; scenes Of commotion and con-
test are threatened, and perhaps may come. With my
whole heart, L pray for the continuance of the domes.
TIC peace and quiet OF the country. | desire most ar
IDENTITY the restoration of affection and harmony TO all its
paris. L desire that every citizen of the whole country
may look TO this Government with no other sentiments but
those of grateful respect and attachment. But | cannot
yleld, even 10 kind feelings, the cause OF thu Constitution
the rue glory OF the country, and the great trust which
we hold In our hands Tor succeeding ages. If the Consti-
tuition cannot be maintained without meeting these scenes
OF commotion and contest, however unwelcome, they must
come.
We cannot, we must not, we dare not omit TO do that
WINCH IN our Judgment, the safety OF the Union requires
NOT regardless OF consequences, we must vet meet con.
sequences; seeing the hazards which surround the dis
charge OF public duty, ii must yet be discharged. For
myself SIR l shun no responsib. lily Justly devolving on
me- mere or elsewhere. in attempting to maintain the
cause L am tied TO IT by indissoluble bands of affection
anu duty, and l shall cheeTfully partake in its fortunes ant
us Iate' L am ready TO perform my own appropriate par
whenever and wherever The occasion may call on me, and
10 axe my chance among those upon whom blows may fall
hrst and fall thickest. 4 shall exert every faculty / pos.
sess IN aiding to prevent the constitution from being nuli
ned, destroyed, or impaired; and even should see il fall
l VIII SUI, with a voice, feeble perhaps, but earnest a,
ever issued from human lips, and with fidelity, and zeal
which nothing shall extinguish, call on the PEOPLE t
come TO its rescue.