State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-11-15
For the State Journal.
IIr. Editor:

Mr., Editor:
Our National Constitution says: "Con-
gross shall make no law respecting an es-
adjustment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof; or abridging the free
dom of speech or of the press; or the right
of the people peoceably to assemble and pc
tition the government for redress of griev-
ances." And if Congress can in one case
break through this express prohibition they
may do it in all cases. Ifthey can abridge
the freedom Of speech, they may hatch up
some religious establishment. IF they can
prohibit the people, or any part Of them
from pettioning the government for re-
dress Of grievances, they may prohibit them
the free exercise of their religion. But
Congress cannot interfere with any mans
religion without the grossest violation of
his natural and civil rights; without palpa-
bly, violating the Constitution, and totally
disregardng their oath of Office. And they
have no more right to abridgc the freedom
of the press, or of speech, or to prevent the
people from assembling to consult and pc
ttion the government for a redress of griev-
ances, than they have to set up Popery, or
to require every man to renonnce Christi
anity. And every attempt to do the one,
or the other act is fragrant nsurpation of
power, an act Of tyranny, which every
friend of liberty ought to abhor and resist.
Additions have, then, as good right to
speak and to publish their sentiments on
the subject of slavery, as the Presbyterian
J church, or any other church has to worship
God according to the dictates of their own
consciences. And they have as good a
right to assemble in peaceable manner to
discuss this subject, and to petition Con-
gress to redress this grievance in the Dis
trict of Columbia,as the Presbyterian church
or any oiher church, has to assemble by
their elders and delegates to discuss any re-
Iigious subject and to take any order there
upon In both cases the right is perfect
one, given to us by our Creator, and secur-
ed to us by our civil constitutions; and none
but uile mob or infamous tyrant will pre-
sumo to invade this sacred right.
The Constitution emanated from the peo-
ple. 1t was not charter from their rules
granting rights but it was an act OF the
sovereign people, in which they consc ntel
to relinunish some of their natural rights,
that those which they reserved might be
most eflectualy secured, and that the pub
lie good might be promoted. And all rights
not expressly granted were expressly re-
served From the nature OF the case Tie
people, who made the Constitution, have
right to alter or revoke it, when they are
satisfied that their own safety and the pub
lie good SO require. And they were care
full TO have this right recognized in the
constitution itself. Hence it is a case per-
fectly clear, that the people in these States
have a right to assemble in larger or in
smaller numbers, and to discuss an peace
able manner any amendment of the Constl-
tuition, or even its entire abrogation and
they have a perfect right to publish their
sentiments, and to use all just and peacea'
|, bic means to effect the change which they
may desire And it would be a violation
of their rights, and an act of tyranny fol
! the President, CT any other man, or body
|, of men, to disturb such meetings or to pre-
, vent such discussions. All such attempts
to stihe free discussion on any subject are
violation of our inalenable rights, an lille
) legal and dangerous assumption of power
! and should be regarded with adherence b,
every friend of liberty, What then mus
we think of those measures, which have
4 been pursued by mobs, and many OF gu
/ public men, to prevent abotionists from
: exercising this right? These men are thu
enemies of our Constitution, whether they
+ be found in high places or in low places
> These little tyrants are gnawing away TIN
. life of our social compact, and preparing
e the way for greater tyrants to follow. Ant
!, follow they will, as soon as they find tina
J the people will quietly submit TO such petit,
+ tyrants.
), Our Constitution has been materially al