Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1835-12-10
MIR. WON Atk'S LETTER
llorsE OF RrrnEsrNTArISEs,

lHdffH tdchSoH, ITfSidfnf 0f inc nifta states.
Dear Sn: Two extra copies Of tho Globe adj
dressed 10 me, bearing ponr frank, and containing
the speech Of Thomas II Benton the erpune
ing rcSoiutions,' were this morning placed upon
my table
| herewith enclose them 10 you AGAIN, without
delay. There Is no channel oil communication be.
tween rs we are not personally acquainted There
IS, therefore, no mode through which YOU can adj
dress me- unless be officially, and in The discharge
OF some public function imposed upon You by the
Constitution and laws OF lhe land and As it is
evident that this IS not in discharge of any such
public function, the conclusion therefore follows
that II /, improper ior YOU illus to a dress me and
1t would be eqsally improper in me toreceivotrom
you sncha communication.
Upon lohhE around, recognise papers of the
same character bearing yom trank, addressed 10
the Other members of the Legislature and we are
credibly informed that the members Of the Lcgs-
laturc Of Tennessee received similar papers al the
opening of the session inthat Suite.
Sir: do YOU forget the character of the people
that You address, aud the form of government,
der which We live Do yor forget, too, the sol
promise Vou hare made not 10 interfere with
the elective franchise, and the freedom Of opin-
ion
our evident object in this instance i, to mRu-
enre Mc opinions Of mcmbcrs Of tie Legislature.
And, whether HEY concur or not with the United
States Senate in the resolution which they adopted
condcmnalory of the conduct Of tine Executive in
removing the Public Deposites ii is not necessary
ior me To say, bat do most SolemHl, object and
protest AGAINST this practice of the President of
the United States, ol addressing any communca-
ton whatever to the members of State Lcrs-
latnle for the purpose Of influencing their ae-
tons and opinions. 1t i, without precedent
and lranghl with fearful and dangerous consequent
| here take occasion also 10 enter my protest
against the late practice Of the Executive in APP
pealing from decisions OF the United States Senate,
to the State Legislatures and the People. The
members lthis body, without doubt, are severally
responsible To their constituents; nor can it be
doubted that they will be held 10 this responsible
". But ii is not competent for the Executive TO
make himself third party in such casc and
exercise the wci.ht Of his popularity, the patronage
of the Governments and the influence which his
peculiar position and station give him, in procuring
such ii verdict NAV be in accorla,e with the laws
q as he understands Mem.'
The Senate is the only practical check upon
the cncroaclimcnts Of the Executive and the
resolutions passed, and declarations Of opinion
made, by that body, should be held in "A case like
the present, as legitimate and sacred.
To what weight and authority would n resoll-
ton Of the Alabama Legislature be entitled, in
strucing her Senators IN Congress To vote for Mr..
Benton's Expunging Resolutions, which, instead
of being spontaneous and voluntary, should be
crtorted BY such schemes and devices these
on the part Of the Executive OF the United States
Sir, solemy entrea YOU to pause for one mo-
meni, and seriously contemplate the evil and dan
gerous consequences which may result from sneh d
course! Consider the heh and responsible station
4. .ll.1
free and enlightened people, and not only abstain
Siudiously and cautiously, from interference will
elections, and with the free exercise of publ,
opinion, but avoid the usr Of all doubtful powers
and let your course be such, thai in all nos yol
may he like Caesar, WIie above ,,i>pteien