Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1833-02-07

ties 10 tne compact, every DOUBTFUL UT us Icu-
ted 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 a spirit ofkind-
ness, much more congental to the harmony
of our institutions, than that which now
seems in contemplation. This course ought
to be acceptable to all, as il gives full assn
rance Of peaceful day. hereafter, and will
restore confidence to the mind Of the patriot,
already too long agitated with the foresecn
disasters OF the coming conflict
BIT should all prudent considerations be
dsreSarded, and the federal government de-
secrate their power, the hostile bayone, be
levellcd at the bOsoms Of our countrymen,
the days Of cur rep bic will be numb red -
our free institutions will De blutted out with
the patriot blood Of brothers-the pruning
hook and the plcughshare give Trace 10
the sword aud the spear, and amidst the dire
coodlct OF contemplating armies liberty will
shriekc and depart forever? StiH look on
ward-and there is eotiiing to behold bat
danger and darkness.
Should that day come. and come it may,
since many, both prudent aud wise, think it
near ct hand, where do we find guarantee
for the liberty Of the people of Virginia?
They have no assurances that the fate
which is now Intended for enc member Of
the conledraCy, may rot shortly he their own
Are we more capable Of submitting to unjust
exaca)ns and unlimited power, than othersp
The president, IN hts recent exposition Of the
Federal Government, in his paturnal admo
nltioBs, not 10 the constituted authorities Of
the State, trt TO the people Of South Caro-
Ina, has taken OCCASION to advert to their
internal weakness the alu4ion cannot be
mlsund ,rstood though wholly gratutous,
and uac iled for by the occa, ion, it should
be promptly repelled by every State similar
situate l. Having IN this Indirect M ode ex
htbited a purpose to sustain its cl ain Of pow
. er, rather on the Just strength of the consii-
tloa. 1t becomes the duty the States hav
ing the SAM interest to protect, solemnly to
protest against all alIa'ioas, a.spm. ants and
calculations on the part Of tn Federal Goy
eminent, having reference to this subject
Under existing circumstances, however, a
grave question is presen ed, whether it be
rot more expedient, to trust those interests
to the people, rather than lay them at the
mercy o! a Government which seems area-
dy disposed TO prejud.,e the case. and TO
make the relations arising from them. the
means oil operating upon the fears Of the
people. and thereby securing and making
paramount.,ts usnrpations?
Your station IS high and responsible; to
you the people will look; nay, do look. for Sc
cnr'ty and protector n, and the maintenance
OF AL the rights Of the states Virginia, the
land OF our birth, the burial place of our
fathers, the peaceful homes of our wives and
daughters, awaits your decision Ii patriot
ism repes that government, why not repeal
at once the odious acts, which impose the
onerous AID obnoxious burdens upon the
south. and resio,e to us, orr country, peace
ful, prosperous and indebted by civil war
In conclusion, as aconvention ofthe States
seems 10 have been intended by the Trainer.
OF the constitution, re the most eligible
means of accommodating rh.pates between
the parties and OF settling Doubtful ard dis
puted powers, leave it TO your wisdom to
determine wheiher the present condition of
the country does not imperatively call for
this measure.
III