The Arkansas advocate., 1835-09-04


 
 To His EaceJJency W,H. s. FULTON, Go
 vefnor ef the Territory of .frkonsas. SIR-The recent promulgation of your opinion on the subject of Territorial depen- dency on the General Government, being one n mlsch every citizen of Arkansas is deeply interested, as we'll in political point of view on the ground of the extended claim of power which you have assumed for the Federal Government, as the direct nf4u- enee which your opinion may have, if adopted, on tho interests of the Territory, has induced me, as a citizen, to take the following view of that subject. Ny right to do t will not be denied by any one, and l adopt the course with less hesitation in consideration of your Exeellency's general invitation to investigate this matter.
 Believe me, sir t is only in matter which l deem of the utmost importance to the community of winch am citizen, that could induce me 10 come before the public with opinions running counter to one of the highest functionaries of the Government. But in all communities where difference of opinion exists about the quantum or de- gree of rights which may be inherent in the citizens of that community, the humblest c- tizen has a right to be heard. When 8 per son writes, apprehend t Is matter of lit- tie consequence whether his object Is mere- y 10 appear in print, or to effect some good for the society of which he IS member Ii is sufficient 1 suppose,) that he treats his subject decorously, extending due courtesy to all concerned, leaving his arguments and reasoning on the subject to go for what they are worth with the public. On this ground your Excelleney aad myself stand on pre- cisely lhe same footing; for whatever we may tmnk of the correctness of our own opinions, the public will judge of them, without reference to our prejudlces in their favor.
 The question placed before the publi. by [ your ExcelencyY is, if understand it, have the citizens of Arkansas, under their exist ing powers and privileges as an organized community, a legal right {founded on the republican principles of the countfy,) to i frame their constitution, aud demand adnis- sion into the UnioE on an equal footing with the other States, without receiving from the Federal Government additional powers and privileges 10 enable them to do so? To this question the response of your Exceliency is strongly given in the negative. And I, as firmly, though perhaps with less efficiency, answer n the affirmative.
 Before l offer an argument. l will re- spectfully ask your Excellency to admit that 1t would be unfair to drive Arkansas to beg power or right of any authority whatever, which she IS already in possess sion of.-We will then view Arkansas in her present situation, and ascertain clearly what rights are inherent in her citizens, and add them to the powers she may have ac- aaired by her organization, with powers of I egislation equal 10 the municipal regula- l tons of an independent community. Here an argument may be set up against the in- depeAdence Of Arkansas, by saying, that Congress hy paramount authority may ab- fogate law Of the Territory at its plea- sure; but the basenoss and tyranny of such an act would he a sufficient refutaton of the argument provided the Legislature kept within the bounds of republ:canism. In ta- king a proper view of the subject, TIC have a right to compare the relative situation ol Arkansas with the original States at the time they formed their constitutions, as well as with the peculiar circumstances under which the new States were admitted into the Union. We must also examine the orl- l ginal intention of Congress and the people of Arkansas at the time the compact of or. 1 ganization took effect.
 1 The history of tho formation of the con