Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1833-01-24
yeRsrsess CsssaeN .Eeettss9.
THE ck1Sis.

t. THE oinsfs. d y
Al . very nu~sross and respectable meet
ING Of the citizsps-of al parties and ffon all
quartcrs-of the county Of Jefferson. held at
the court-Houss os Monday the 2ad inssant,
for the purpose Of obtaining some sxprsssion
ofthe public sentiment on tho subject Of NO
present interesting crisis in tho political exis-
teoce Of the United siatcs:p
Col. GEoReE w. HrxrmaErs was called 70
tho Chair, and JosErR r. DArouEarY and
AsDsEw KENNEDY wcre appointed secreta-
RIGS.
On motion, the following named gentle men
were appointed Coumittee 10 report Re,o-
lutious, &C., 10 wit: Andrew. Hunier, Henry
3. Turner, Edmund ]. Lee, jr., DIR. John VI.
Lewis, William Lucas, John A. Thompson,
and p. T.. McCabc.
The Committee retired for q short time !;
and on their return, Andrew Hunter. their
Chairman, nrPnrted the following Preamble
and Resolutions;
| WHEREAs. the dominant party Of the STATE
OF South Cerolina,-actuated by motives and
principles, upon which IL 10 not deemed fit
and proper 70 animadvert at prcsent.-haye
placed that member Of the Union in the atti-
tude OF open defiance 10 the Federal Constit,i-
ton, and the supreme laws Of the land
thereby realising tho worst apprehension Of
those who revere our admirable system of
government
| And whereas, in a crisis, 30 pregnant with
danger TO the highest interests Of Republican
Liberty, not only here. bat throughout the
world, It IS she duty Of every good citizen to
rouse up from the repose Of long enjoyed Sc
curity, and unite, heart and hand, in vindica-
i,ng, oy whatever means the emergency may
demand, the integrity Of the Union, and the
inviolability Of those excellent political in
stitutions, from whence NO derive ell that
distinguishes Us as q people, ut once the free.t
and the most prosperous on earth: And be-
ing deeply impressed with q sense Of the lust
views and sound political wisdom exhibited
IN the late Proclamation Of the Chief Magis-
trate Of the United States, and bel wing that
the voice of patriotism demands Of US ali, the
sacrifice Of party interests and political dit.
ierences, about matters Of secondary impor
'anee' upon the altar four common country's
good: BE il therefore
i. Rssoirtd, That in the opinion Of this
meeting, the Constitution of the u. States is.
70 all intents and purposes, a form Of sorern-
mtnf, and not mere league or alliance.
=. Resolved, That the Constitution of the
L. States Is paramount 20 the State constit,,
tons that laws made in pursuance thereof.
are paramount to state laws, and to any acts
or ordinances Of n state convention: that n.
(accordng TO the theory and genius of re-
publican government) the eSnsiifuiios siiiu of
State iaic Is TO be tested by the judic larry of
The State; so the constitutiopaiity of law of
the general government Is 90 be tested by the
judiciary Of that government: That 10 avoid
law SO sanctioned, there are but two modes.
peaceful and constitutional: LIST. An sppeal
by the people, 70 the ballot boxes, discardipe
those representatives who may have passed
an obnoxious law, and elccting others who
VIII ahrogate the same: 2dly. The calling of
convention Of the States, according ~ the
constitution, when three fourths Of the STATE,
oy way OF amendment to the same, NAV ef.
feet the desired purpose =,
| 5. Resctred, That the doctrine of nullifSra.
hon Is wild and pestilent political heresy
iraught with disorganization and disuniop !
mat The doctrine Of secession, however dis
guised oy the devices Of ingenuity, is equal
y dangerous and subyersive of our govern
ment, contrary To lis genius, and worthy of
reprobation HThat whilst this meeting exnI;-
city recognizes the right Of revolution a. in
aienaoic and sacred, Il cannot fail 10 perceive
mat should the opinion become familiar and
popular that o State may secede or 90 out of
tne Union 81 pleasure, aud, that In so doing
It would violate no political obligations IN,
Cured under the constitution of The United
states, and such rs that government might
enforce by coercion, il necessary In such
case, the government must speedily como
TO its downfall.
:. Resotssd, That we heartily respond to
he sentiment The Union must be preserved. :,
that We regard IL ~ The sheet anchor of ON,
highest hopes Of continued Republican Liber.
and being fully convinced that the seces-
SION OF single state, will necessarily opera,e
dissolution Of the whole; that we iii NOT
10 any event, consent that thus. or in ans
other manner, the Union shall be destrove1
D. Rssofred. That the late ordinance of the
South Carolina Convention, and the uro-
eeedings Of her legislature theroupon, are In
me highest degree violent, Unconstitutional
and revolutionary that this meeting approves
the proclamation OF the President Of the u.
States, IN regard TO tho ordnance and 1no-
ceedlngsi and that whilst II would depreeate
ano depioFe the sad Deeessity Of compul,oFv
measures towards any member or portion Of
the Unioa, \ regards the constitution Of the
Cnhed states ~ indispensable 10 liberty. and
y compelled 10 procIsim that IL all hazards I
" the Union must be preserved"
o. Rssofrsd, That wo deeply sympathi>e
with tho Union party Of South Carolina M
the'r wrongs, and that We view with feelings
Of unqualified reprobalion, The late attempt 10 4
impose upon them treasoDabIc test oaths. with I
other such lsgalissd sets Of pevoltisx oppres- !
sion.
]. Rs'oirsd, That We approve The policy Of,
gradually reducing the Tariff 10 the Revenue
standard bat 10 50 doing, We arc clearly Of
opinion, that the duties laid for that purross /
should BE imposed On such articles Of doses,- |
We manuiaeture ~ need profession. And
isFeher--that the standard of revenue should /
- - liked, % 10 admit Of q liberal patroe- |
sge, On behalf Of The Goseral Csoyerpuenl. IL. \
wards internal Improvements q great ma
=. hssatsst, That We cordially sppsovs fl,s
,. assAoao o m,diaison assumed b VEginis Ahd
the other Southern states. to,,sr,,. go -.
Ing hrethFeh % south Carolina---s''J ,hss 4, |