Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1833-02-07

several states, and by none with more dec !
siou than virginia, on whose stntufe book .
law now stands, the written evidence Of hes
protecting severe ignty, and the perpetual
monument Of It's peaceful, conservative and
triumphant Interpolation. Yet the Presiden,
has given m, too clearly TO misunderstood,
that when an act has passed both houses
OF Congress and has been approved by him,
ITS coostitut'onaihy cannot be questioned, and
from his decision, IL would seem, there is al
lowed no appeal, but TO humble entreaty. and
unavailing renionstrancc.
| This government, IL il possess tho DOW.
ers thus claimed for IL, Is wholly without a
check, unlimited in its sway, and boundlcss
| IN ITS power. Surely this cannot be the prac-
teal effect of the government, which our
fathers established, to secure TO their chill
drcn the rich heritage Of liberty. IT il be.
the system has been misunderstood.
We find no relief from the prevailing n
iarms for the safety Of our institutions, when
We behold the federal executive, upon n pa
| tient review CT all those claims 10 power.
disregarding the sovereignty of the states.
and insisting upon executing an act Of Con-
gross, which has been declared unconstitu-
tional, by the only tribunal ON earth, which
Is admitted to have authority to Judge Of its
validity.
In 4 recent message to Congress, the Pre-
sidcnt has desired that body 10 put at his dis
Posal, the whole army, navy and militia force
OF the confederacy, 10 be used ut his plea
sure, with authority TO remove or abolish the
custom houses within a sovereign state,
wherever and whensoevcr he may think pro-
per, and requires the enactment OF laws in re-
iation to the collection Of duties in that state.
to be mace in cash, il he may deem IL neces-
sary. which cannot he considered in conformi-
ty with that clause Of the constitution, which
declares "all duties, imposts, and excuses.
shall be uniform throughout the L.. States ~
We are not deccived-for we cannot misun-
derstand ths object of these wariike recon-
mendations. The doctrines lately promuIra-
ted, deny any sovereignty to the states-and
state rights, Il would seem, in the opinion Of
the President, arc held as grants from the
federal constitution. The difficulties which
state sovereignty and state rights might in
terpose, being IN tins summary method dis
posed Of, the field is open 10 the array of mill
tary legions, 70 crush by force, that which is
sustained by Justice, patriotism, and the con-
stitution. The power claimed for that govern
rnent makes it already absolute-and should
the Congress indulge the President in his de-
sres they sanction by their vote, the creation
Of dictator.
Why should these things be- Have drawn
swords ever reconciied differences Of opinion |;
Besides, there are various modes by which
this controversy might be adjusted without
resort TO arms, which wisdom forbids, patriot
ism condemns, and liberty abhors
The courts Of the country are open to all
parties, where those questions might soon be
determined, and leave Us as we were, a free
aud happy people, or Congress could, by the
provisions OF the constitution, confer on
state within her own territory the right to Law
duty for the benefit Of the United States,
Treasury-to which none could reasonably
object, since d high tariff is claimed to be
most Judcious for the Northern States-and a
low tariff most beneficial TO the South.
But the call OF n general convention Of the
states-brings at once, full before all the
parties 10 the compact, every doubtful or dis
puted power OF the Federal Government. in
The mode pointed out by the instrument itself,
where all amendments could be- made, and
disputed powers settled, in n spirit Of kind
ness, much more congenial to the harmony
OF our Institutions, than that which now seems
IN contemplation. This course ought To be
acceptable to all, rs il gives full assurance of
peaceful days hereafter, and will restore con-
hdence TO the mind of the patriot, already
too long agitated with the foroseen disasters
OF the coming conflict
But should all prudent considerations be
disregarded, and the federal government de-
leyelied at the bosoms Of our countrymen.
the days Of our republic will be numbered
our free institutions will be blotted out with
the patriot blood Of brothers-the pruning
hook and the ploughshare give place y the
sword and tie spear, and ensidsefIie dire con-
hict OF eontending armies, liberty will shrek
and depart forever still look onward--and
there 10 nothing 10 behold but danger and
darkness.
Should that day come, and como IL may, since
many both prudent and wise, think IL near At
hand, where do We find a guarantee for the
liberty ofthe people Of VirginIa, They have no
assurances that the fate which Is now intend
ed Tor one member oil the confederaey. may
not shortly be their own. Arc we more ca
PAb!e OF submitting TO unjust exaetions and
unlimited power, than others The prcsi-
dent, N his recent exposition Of the power,
OF The Federal Government, in his paternaI
admonitiOns, not 60 the constituted authori.
ties OF the state, but 10 the people Of South
Carolina, has taken occasion 20 advert To tbrir
internal wcakness---tho allusion Cannot be
@isuuderstoOd-th wholly gratuitous, and
uneallcd for by the occasion, Il should be
promptly rePelled by every State similarly
situated. Having IN this indirect mode exit
hited purpose 90 sustain its claim Of power.
rather on the supposed weakness Of the State.
than on the just strength of the constitution,
u becomes the duty Of the states having The
same interest 70 protect sOlemnly 10 protest
against AL illusions, arguments and caicula-
lions on the part Of the FedcEai Government.
having reference 20 this subject Under e.
sting circumstance, however, a grave Dues
tion u presented, whether Il be not more ex. !
pcdient, - trust those interests 20 the Justice
d patriotic and intelligent people. rather
thAn LAY them ~ The mercy Of . Government
which seems already disposed 20 pre- Judge the
case, and "a make the rolations arising from
ihem' the means % operating upon the fear,
oi ne people, ard thereby securing and maxi
ing paramount Its usnrPatious.
Your station . high and Fosponsibls %
you the people will lOok-nay, do look, for
security and protsetion, and the maintsnance
81 All the rights Of the States. virginia, the
land Of our birth, the burial place II our "a
lherL. lh. Lanraf.lI hn.n.. ~ a.. -. -.