Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1834-06-19

covering tucuiechcSt tnoA AtS pO"SA oHN
the tenure of office OF this body must be
changed. The same fate would await this
House, If IL stood in the same attitude Of
resistance 10 Executive usurpation. The
President assumes a new attitude; new
officia; character. lie is now 'Ihe direct
usurpation Of the people" Whatever
thwarts bis will, thwarts the will OF the
people; and every thing which we may do.
must be sustained, and is of itself right,
because il is the will Of the people. 10 the
name Of the people, all the rights Of the
people and their liberties, and prosperity
are 10 be broken down. Sir, this appeal
to the people is a stale artiice. Every
age and every nation, where Constitution
al Government has been subverted, has
presented champions for the rights Of the
people, Ii is dangerous artIfice-coyer-
ing deep designs, and one which patriot
ism has no occasion TO call TO its aid. The
people are not blind TO the claims OF their
true friends, though they use no Wanting
to set forth their merits. One of the a
blest writer's of our country (Hamilton)
has saba dangerous ambition more oft
en- turks behind the specious mask Of zeal
for the rights of the people, than under
the forbidding appearances Of zeal for the
frmness and efficiency of Government
History will teach US that the former has
been found more certain road 10 the in
PRODUCTION of despotism than the latter;
and that of those men who have overturn-
ed the Liberties of Republics. the greatest
number have begun their career, by pay
ing an obsequious court to the people
commencing demagogues and ending ty-
rants"
Sir, American liberty cost too much to
be slightly periled. 1t was not won in
day; nor without toll and treasure and
blood. 1t is to be preserved by vigilance;
unceasing vigilance.
But we are told, there is no danger from
the Executive power-the President dis
claims all designs hostile TO our institu-
tions-he is only solicitous to preserve
them-he has perilled his life in defence Of
the country The "battlc of New Or
leans"--the battle of New Orleans-ihat
is the sovereign security against all appre-
hended dangers. Such is always the APP
peal of military leaders, and generally it
is irresistible.
''Iie hath brought many captives HON; TO Rome
Whose ransom did the general Golfers lill,-
Did this in Caesar seem ambitious
The enduring memorials of that con-
test in which American liberty was pur-
chased" which the President bears upon
his person, in vain, if he be now an OBJ
ject of suspicion. o yes, sir,
"Poor-poor- mouths;--bid them speak
for me-
He is not" Ambiiious"-h grey hairs and
tecaying frame lead him to the contem
plation of other worlds. Assuredly sir,
"Ambition should be made of stcrner stuff"
He is not "eenial"-he has no allurment
rom the path of duty. o! no:
i thrice presented him kingly crown which
he did thrice refuse
w as this ambition?''
Sir, if the people of this country are
prepared to sustain the Executive appeal
which has been made to them-if they are
'eady to sanction the monstrous assump.
ions of power which we have witnessed;
( they are willing to see the legislatre de-
'artment, their ou,l department, humbled
md Frustrated before the Executive
doubtless they can do so and upon them
md their posterity be the consequences
brewer. The Constitution is the work Of
heir hands. and they can modify and
,hange it as they will. But, sir, | trust in
God, that the time has not arrived, when
he free, intelligent, patriotic people Of
hese States, are ready to surrender the
privileges Of self government. and to com.
nit their happiness, prosperity and liber-
y to the uncontrolled, unchecked, ire
'ponsible power of one man. They can.
not be so false to themselves; to the coun
Try for which their sires periled so much,
and suffered so much-to the memory of
those lllustrlous men-to the hopes of
mankind Ito the cause of liberty itself in
all coming time.