Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1836-02-27

'ut'on, ie'lc-ence of an ncendary fsnaclsm in the
affairs a" tliV Save h.ding States npon the most un-
questionable ground. The press al., with scare, Is an
exception, with exceptions 80 few and of such
character to place in still stronger light ia.
universally of the rule has denounced and
the objects and proceedings Of the Aboltonists Two
Journals in this State ostensby political and not class.
ed among the publications issued by the anti So
ciees are the open advocates Of the abolition move
hens out they are the dependents of or two
individuals in their respective ycntrs by whose breath
ry exist, aud Tor whose purposes of mischief md no.
orety Temporary being has been conferred upon them
the popular feeling has not been confined 10 the pro-
ceedings OF public meetings, however nunerously ut
tended by the predominant responsibility, talent, and
moral SOCIAL ana political influence TO the press
however unanimous and iorcibe in it's language IL has
manifested itself in acts by no means equivocaL The
abolition State Convention which assembled some o5O
oil ITS followers ut Utica after months of labor and drill
ng' and the publication OF an unauthorized list OF names
as approving and recommending the conv ocaton was
interrupted and literally dispersed by the
uprising OF the people similar result occurred at a
more recent attempt at agitation through abortive
meeting IN northern county, (washington) At this
moment, have no belief that meeting of the aboli-
uonists generally known such, could bs held in any
oil our large towns without subecting its
10 The summary infections of popular Indignation or
al least to forcibe dispersion But for the embodied ex-
preston OF the public sentiment of the people of this
state, can refer you TO nothing picit an the
recent annual message OF Gov. Marcy Every word of
at document devoted to this subject is in accordance
WIN 'ne views oil nineteen twentlehs of populations
and Is in all respects just, and think powerful
exposition of the popular feeling
ILL., WM regard to Legislature action.
IL 10 not to be Disguised that difference of opinion
prevails In TINS State us TO the expedency of legislative
ACTON IN relation to the Aboonsts the adoption
OF concurrent resolutions.
portion of our citizens believe that the nnb;c o,;
hion already expressed with such potency aud unani-
my VIII accomplish u the essential Objects without the
aidot egslatontat resort to the latter would lead 10
e discussion OF the question, in form that might
strengthen the abolitionss, and might he seized upon
oy aes,gning politicians as the means ofagationtat
would De unwse To experiment upon any course that
might change In any degree the sentiment of adherence
now SO universally entertained towards the abolitionss
the enactment of penal laws, in reference to the
Pupcaons oil the anti slavery societies, is matter of
great decacy liable TO msconsr uction and perversion
snd certain TO invite the charge of legislative invasion
OF te guarantees OF the liberty of speech and the
hat IL would be hazardous 20 afford them the
oil any such position, either directly by implication
and that II might enable the abotonists and their po,i
ca aes 10 change the issue before the people aud
whicn All Compartments high of patriotism love
oil union and just appreciation of the rights of the
save-hoding States, against odous and universally re-
proDated aboonism-to question of the abstract right
oil ascusslon and the freedom Speech and the Press
These are the views of portion of citizens whose
hostiity TO aboonism, in every form and under al!
circumstances rs not 10 be questioned They are entitled
TO consideration; and If did believe that the cues
ton could be met in form which, i'm the Judgment of
candid and Just men, would relieve it of these impca.
IONS, should concur with them ia the inc pediencv of
u resort to legislative enactments
These conclusions spring chiefly from the impression
that the subject could not be reached except by such
be regarded might be easily tortured into an infringe
ment OF the constitutional guarantees This il nm erpo
neeus Impression, and regarded by the Executive
ana majority OF the Legislature. Gov Marcy mot
recommend specific Legislative action; but he opens
the door to tasserting the right on the part of the
oate ana declaring that the obligations its exer.
cise nave acquired additional force from the nature
and objects OF the federal compact. Althougb relying
upon The influence of sound and enlishtened public
opinion TO restrain and arrest the efforts of the abolition
ISIS, especially when directed, in this instance with
unexampled energy and unanmity he nevertheless be-
heves to be matter of justice our fellow citizens of
the South, and proper response the appeals of their
legislatures, TO go as tar CO. under the State
constitution, In carrying out and enforcing the public
opinion by the imposition of penal restraints.
But care must be taken present the matter for the
consideration of the Legislature in form that shall oh
waite objections from reasonable sources Our Const
futon declares, that every citizen may freely speak
wrtc and publish his sentiments all subjects being
responsible for the abuse thereof and that no Ia shall
be passed to restrain abridge the liberty of speech or
Oh 'he press The passage of laws, therefore, restrain
ing or prohibiting the printing circulation of these
antsavery publications, in this State is not we think
an admissible position. Snch course, aside from the
20 oolecuon would confirm the ancipations
oil those who fear that Legislative enact would
strengthen the Aboonists, and give to the incendiarv
lew, now weak and odous, the advantages of Glamour
excitement, and the direct aid parsans who are now
restrained by the force of the public opinion rom nsso
eating with them for the of personal or
Pohucai designs II would direct the popular senli.
tneht, now directed with undivided energy against
the Abolonists and their works. from its present
object TO aquestion of constitutional right under the
'nnahatory appeals and interested peTversions of 81.
MISTER politicians But the evil may be reached we
think without resoring to measure either of oues
tionabe constitutional power " of more than oues
uonaoe exPedency. This right of free publication
and discussion, under the State Constitution il nm
questonably bounded by the limits over which the
constitution Is operative. Hence if the aboonists
cain the right OF agitation and mischief through their
lncendiary publications, within the boundaries of this
State, the right certainly extends no farther They nc
qure no Title to go beyond borders for the crcula
ton OF their missiles, in violation of the laws and in de-
rogaton OF The rights and interests of other States And
~ IN view oil the dangerous tendencies of these Dublca
uons, ana the perncious consequences resulting from,
ther obtnson into the Southern States the Legislatures
OF lhOse states require they have DONE that the is
sues oil the abolition press be confined within their re-
sPectlve States, it would only come within the CON
sutonal power of Legislature to prohibit their cir
cuaton by any act of citizens beyond the limits of
our own State but its bounden duty to enforce the pro
hibition by legal enactments
In this view, il is believed that decided minority of
the Legislature concur The subject has been referred
TO JOINT Committee of both Houses whose Report II
may De anticipated will embody the strongest views of
hostility to the whole and objects of the aboI
ioniss, and recommend the adoption of such
provisions as their ncendary abors SO far as they
ted from this State into other States may seem To re
cure; circumstances may prevent such result; and
may limit the Legislative action to the adoption of stton
concurrent resolutions; but trust il may as think e
ought, assume the other FORM
THE CONTROVERSIAL his JghiO Soyiye
The decent Wing of Richmond has poured its vial of
wrath upon our head What we for its abuses As
DE VIII Clinton sad--"We know precisely what its
opinion is worth. The Of ample retaliation are
IN our hands, VI we chose TO employ them might
scathe the motives and conduct Of IFS editor What va
ue can we set upon that mans opinions who has
Doxed -loen l. 4