South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1836-03-05
Virginia Legislature.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
Tnssday, Feb. %.

Tuesday, REQ. -.
The SPEAKER laid before the House
-. following communication from the
Governor
TO the House Of Delegates
/ have Just received q paper con-
. tanning the preamble and resolutions
adopted by the general assembly on
ihe subject of expunging from the Jour
nal Of the senate Of the United States
resolution Of that body.
By the last of the resolutions con-
tanned in this paper, ! am requested TO
perform two several acts. am desir.
Cd 10 transmit these resolutions TO each
Of the senators from Virginia, in the
congress Of the United States, and also
to accompany this communication with
a request Of the senators, on my part,
that they would lay the same before
she body of which they are members.
Neither Of the acts am thus reques.
ted to perform, is embraced within the
sphere of any duty assigned TO the
governor Of this commonw eallh, either
hy its constitution or laws but as nei.
ther is thereby prohibited TO him, ]
should not have hesita.ed to comply
with the requests Of the general assem-
bly,, If, ia doing so, l was not obliged
to add my appreciation A. their re-
solves, and TO unite my solicitations to
their commands. Such conclusion,
however, is inevitable ; for the terms
employed in the resolution, as we'll as
the very nature Of one Of the acts am
thereby requested TO perform, an
nounce plainly, that both these acts
are considered by the general assembly
as merely voluntary on my part, to
the performance. Of which act am not
compelled by the obligations of my le-
gal duties. Therefore, il would be
impossible for me to avoid the conclu-
sions have stated, should comply
with these requests. Even an addition
TO The communication | am requested
10 make, Of such disclaimer as might
suffice to acquit me Of this imputation,
would be 10 direct conflict with the
expressed wishes Of the general assem-
bly,, aud therefore would not comport,
as | think, with that respectful consid !.
GRAFTON which is due 10 that body, es-
peciaAy by every other department Of
this government.
Placed thus, in situation where my
voluntary compliance with the wishes
Of the general assembly must expose
me to an imputa.ion that, in justice to
myself. l ought 10 disclaim !; and
should ] Go so, being constrained to de-
part from the course which my respect
for them would induce me to adopt |,
no alternative is left but for me to de-
cline q compliance with their request.
This l beg leave TO do in the most
respectful manner +; and hasten TO
communicate 10 them this, my de,ermi.
nation, 10 the end that, if the general
assembly think it proper, the task
which | have been requested 10 per.
form, may be promptly assigned to
some other agent, whose situation or
opinions, in this respect, may be differ.
ent from mine.
No ordinary circumstances would
justify me, even to myself, in declining
10 cooperate with the general assem-
bly,, by The performance Of any ACT on
my part, that they might think useful
10 give effect to their wishes and in
that mode which to them might seem
most proper. But l should be Justly
regarded by all, as unworthy Of the
bigh trust con6ded 10 me, if / were
capable Of permitting any considera-
ton whatever, even my sincere wish
TO comply with the requests Of the gen.
eral assembly, to cause me TO disregard
my most sacred obligations. And, as
! cannot consider the resolutions am
requested 10 transmit, otherwise than
as requiring a palpabIe violation of the
constitution Of the United States, l
should incur guilt, from which not e.
ven the approving voice of the present
general assembly would suffice to abb
solve me, were Ito lend my aid know
ingly in any way 10 give effect to such
a purpose. Greatly indeed would this
guilt be magniied if while entertaining
these opinions, should dare reques.
others to incur such criminality.
Imay be mistaken in these opinions,
but they are approved by my most de-
liberate judgment, and, while SO ap.
proved, il is my duty TO ACT 10 confor-
nifty with them. Should l not do so,
1 should offend against my own con.
science; and as by this lshould justly
merit the scorn aud contempt OF my
(nll 1 ahnniA nj l.