Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1835-12-24

prepare for the occasion as becomes
men determined to peril all in defence
OF their known rights, or to hold their
possessions at the mere courtesy of O..
theirs, who are u~nacquaintsd with their
situation and indifferent to their inter.
ests. Feeling with the other citizens
ofthls Commonwealth, and honored bv
the responsible situation conferred up-
on me, | must be excused for calling
your attention to this great subject, in
a manner more impressive than |
should feel myself at liberty TO adopt
under ordinary circumstances.
In regard to the first question, no one
can doubt that under the wise provis.
inns of the public law, intended as this
is, t o perpetuate the peace and harmo.
ny of all the States, whenever an as.
ISOLATION exists within the territory of
any state, the object of which ~associa-
ton is to disturb the repose of anoth-
er, the state whose tranquility is ieop-
arded by such means, may rightfully
demand oftheother the prompt suppress.
sion OF all such associations. Such de-
mands, when sustained by proper proofs
are never refused to any State which
wishes to remain a member of civili-
zed communities, or desires to main.
tain amicable relations with the State
making and sustaining the demand.-
There is nc exception to this rule
10 doubt it would be to re plunge the
civilized world into that barbarism from
which it has emerged, and to justify
every nation in the impudent attempt
to regulate the affairs of others, by its
own notions; which, although some.
times concealed under ths guise of pre-
tended philanthropy, may always be
traced to considerations much less
pure. Hence, the universal doctrine
and practice o fmodern States, is never
to o5trude even their advice, unasked,
as to the mere internal concerns ofoth-
ers, so long as these do no injury to
their ~neighbors- And, what States
may not do themselves, can never be
tolerated by them as the acts Of their
citizens or subjects, unless they adopt
such acts rs their own.
The different States ofthis confcde-
racy, are surely entitled TO expect from
each other, at least the same courtesy
and consideration, which is always
manifested by nations absolutely indie
pendent and uaconnected. Every
clause of the Federal compact incul-
Gates this lesson, which has sunk 50
deep into the heart of almost every ma
tive American, that it may well be re.
gardcd as constituting the strongest
bond of our Union. Then, the slave.
holding States have a perfect right to
require of all the others, that they
should adopt promptand efficient means
to suppress all such associations exist
ing within their limits. Nor ought it
to be doubted, as | think, that such a
demand, if made, will meet from each
of the other States, a ready compliance
on lis part. Not doubling this myself,
will not suggest to you now, any
measures founded upon a contrary sup.
position. But | will content myself
with recommending to you, at present,
the adoption ofsuch measures only, as
may justify a strong application to each
Of our co.states within whose limits any
of the associations referred 10 may ex-
list. TO suppress them speedily, and to
establish such other regulations as may
be %eftectual to prevent or punish acts
! designed or calculated to disturb our
tranquility.
Although these are my impressions
it is due to the importance ofthe occa.
sion hat should say to you, that ma.
ny who have had much better opportu.
mites of forming correct opinions upon
the subject than | have had, do not
concur with me in this respect.
have had much correspondence in re.
lation to it, with persons upon the spot;
which a regard for the public good pre-.
vents me from exhibiting to you at this
time. The prevailing opinion ofmosr
of those with whom have communica.
ted, is, that 10 %eiIectual legislative ac.
ton need be expected on the part Of
the co-states, where it is most necessa.
ry; but that the Southern and South.
Western States will have to rely upor
themselves only, for the preservation
Of their own peace aud tranquility
Therefore, while making a strong ap
| peal to u co.states, to do their duty
towards us, prudence will suggest to
you the propriety of considering the
neglect Of such an appeal, as at least
a possible event.
lsend you herewith an extract from
a letter ! have received from n tC
whose veracity and intelligence all res
pect is due. This letter accompanied
a package containing a great number
OF books, tracts, and other publications