Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-03-09
CONGRE SSIONAL.

SPEECH OF MIR. RlVES, OF VIRGINIA.
On the Bill further 10 prOUde for the Collection of Du
ties Imports delivered in Senate, Feb. H. 1888
concluded.
Mr.. Rives then continued am not disposed, Mr.
President 10 moot these questions with the honorable Sen
ator from kentucky-tough there did seem he
indugenl tone in his observations towards South Carolina
which could not sympatlze aud while an still unable
any resemblance, either in principle or degree be-
tween the OF Virginia and Ohio on the occasions
alluded to- and the conduct OF South Carolina am We,
too much disposed to with the honorable Sea.
in the effort adjust this most distracting ques-
ton to raise any points OF needless discussion us
In thing perfectly of accord-tat the conduct
OF South Carolina, whatever may be its character
presents no proper obstacle TO doing justice in
which deeply the interests OF other
Of this cOncdcracy, as of that State.
But sir the proceedings OF my State on another
sion OF far higher Importance have been so frequently
referred to in the course OF this debate, example
justify the resent proceedings of South Carolina that
may be excused for aying something of them. What
then the conduct Of Virginia in the memorable era
of 90 and 99 She soemnly protested against the Alien
and SedtOn Acts Pdpabe and alarming iniracGons of
the Constution-shc communicated thdt protest the
other States Of the CnOn and earnestly appealed to
them unite with her ia like declaration that this
deliberate and solemn expression of the opinions of the
States, parties to the constitutional compact should
have its proper effect the councils of the nation in pro-
curing revision and rept al OF the obnoxious acts This
" the head and front OF her ofendng-no more. ="
The whole object OF the proceeding was by the peaceful
iorceof public opinion, embodied through the organ
the State Legislatures, to obtain repeal OF the laws in
queson-no TO oppose or arrest their execu ion while
they remained unrepeaed That this the true spirit
and real purpose OF the proceeding is abundany mani
tested by the whole OF the able debate which took Mace
in the Legislature OF the State the occasion. All the
speakers who advocated the resolutions which were
finally adopted, distinctly placed them that Legitimate,
constitutional ground. need only refer 10 the emphatic
declaration OF John Taylor Of Caroline-e distinguished
mover and able champion OF the resolutions. lie said
"the appeal was to public oPiniOnif that is against us,
must yield" The same sentiment was avowed and
maintained by every friend Of the resolutions throughout
the debate
But sir the reel intentions and policy of Virginia were
and hes pIv la
facts. II there alaw odious a whole people
by its daring violation OF the fundamental guarantees
public liberty, the freedom OF speech freedom of the
press, it was the sedon law to the people of Virginia.
Vet amid all this Indignant -facon-aitcr the so.
ienn protest OF the Legislature in 9S and the renewal
that protest III 9Jts most OdOus and arbitrary law
peacefully carried into execution in the capital of the
State by the prosecution and punishment OF Calender
who fined and imprisoned for daring 10 canvass the
conducto our public Gas Lyon and Cooper had
elsewhere) and still actually imprisoned when the
Legislature assembled in December 1900 Notwhsaul.
ing the excited gcnsiby Of the public mind no popular
tumul 40 legislative interference disturbed, in any
ner, the fall and pesceabc execution of the law The
SeDae Will excuse me- trust for calling their attention
TO most iorcibe commentary the true character OF the
Virginia proceedings OF 9S aud 80, (as illustrated in this
ransacton) which contained i'm the official commu.
nication OF Mr. Monroe, then Governor Of the State
to the Legislature at its assembling in December 1900
After reerg to he distribution which had been ordered
10 be made among the people OF Mr. Midison's ceebrat
ed Report OF 80. he saysin connection with this sub
Jeet is proper to add that since your last session. tie
ditUu law of the complained u, has been Carl
ed inO effect IN this ealth by tie decision OF
federal corr. noi'e ihs event, OF with a view o.
censung criicisng il. The transaction has gone Il
the world aud The impartial will Judge OF as it deserves
notice Il for the purpose NJ renafsng hat decision
executed with the order ard tranquil submission
on the part Of he people could have been she b,
them on similar Occasi u, TO the necessary
cons utoual MD popular Of In government" 9TH,
General Assembly and Tie good people Of Ibis common
wealth have acquitted themselves 10 their own ccnscrn
ces, and their brethren IN America in support Of cause
which he, deem national one, by the stand which the,
made, aud the they nj n
the General Government; but they have looked for ,
Change, ia that respect 70 change IN the public opinion
which ought 10 be free. MT Ia measures of pOIeuse die
card and dislmion, Which they abhor"
II Is thur Sir, that the OF '0S and 90 then under
stood their proceedings, and that he honoicd few
lao survive, still understand them Let ms now sir ool
az the language Of tho proceeding them elves and zee
ceedngs Of the Legislature Of Virginia in 'gs consisted
series oil resJluions eight in number The third reso
luton, which Is the one hat has been most frequently an
paded TO-, Asserts te right Of The States az parties 10 M
compact in Of deliberate palpable and J,oeerou
exercise by the General Government of pogers no
granted by Inc compact eco nterpose Tor afrestno he pro
gress the evil, and for maintaining within teir respec
tive im the auhoIies, rights and HberHe apgerisin
ing to h IN. The seventh resolution after cE in,
The warm attachment Of e people Of Virginia tie Unol
and the constitution prOcee 's "the general al. n,l
doth socmny appeal 10 fe like dispositions ia tie othe
states, Ia confd nee Uat they viii concur with his ON
mon"eah in declaring, as e. does hereby declare Ma
the act aforesaid, (he alien and stJi0n acts) care un
cOnsiiu ona and bot the necessary aud poper measure
will be taken by each ior oper0fiag win hls Stale
maintaining uuimpared De sn'Loriues rights and ber
dcs reserved 10 The stes respectively or to the people
Now, sir 30 fundamental rule Of interpretsop In re