Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1837-03-16

4
, If they have no higher or better motives [,
govern them, they will at least perceive tina
their own interest requires them to be Just {
others MS they hope To receive justice al ihsi
hands.
But in order 10 maintain the union uninpair
ed, II is absolutely necessary that the law
passed by the constituted authorities should b.
iai'hiuily executed IN every part of the coun
Try, and that every good citizen should, at al
,ines, Stand ready tepul down, with the com
oihed force oil the nation, every attempt nj I'm
lawful resistance, under whntever pretc.,t i
may De made, or whatever, shape il may as
sumo unconstitutional or oppressive LAM.
may no doubt be passed by Congress, either
from erroneous views, or the want of due con
sideration; ifthey are within the reach OF Judi
cIai authority the remedy is easy & peaceful ;
anu II, from the character OF the law, II j, an
abuse oil power not within the control Of the
judiciary, then free discussion and calm ap>
peals to reason and 10 The justice of the peo-
! pie will not fail TO redress the wrong. But
until the law shall be declared void nv the
courts, or repealed by Congress, no indivi.
dual, or combination OF individuals, can be
Justified in forcibly resisting its execution.
Ii IS impossible that any Government can
continue 10 exist upon any other principles
II would cease 10 be a Government, and he
er 10 enforce the execution of its own laws
within its own sphere OF action.
IL is true that cases may be i'm agined dis
closing such settled purpose of usur patton
ana oppression, on the part of the Govern
ment, as would justify an appeal to arms.
hese, however. are extreme cases, which
we have no reason 10 apprehcnd in Govern
ment where the power is in the hands of a
patriotic people and no citizen who loves
his country would, in any case whatever, re-
sort 10 forcible resistance, unless he clearly
saw that the time had come when a freeman
should prefer death to submission for if such
struggle is once begun, and the citizens of
one section of the country arrayed in arms
against those of another in doubtful conflict.
let the battle result as il may, there will be
an end OF the Union, and, with it, an end 10
the hopes of freedom. The victory of the
injured would not secure to them the bles.
sings OF liberty il would avenge their
| wrongs, but they would themselves share in
| the common ruin.
But the constitution cannot be maintained
nor the Union preserved, in opposition to
public feeling, by the mere exer,ion of the
coereive powers contided TO the General Gov
ernment.-The foundations must he laid in
tue affections of the people; in the security
u gives to life, liberty, character, and pro-
|
In The fraternal attachment which the Gill
! zeGs Of The several States bear 10 one another
as members of one political family, mutual
each other. Hence The citizens OF every
State should studiousy avoid every thiag
calculated TO wound the sensbilty or offend
the Just pride of the people of other States;
and they should frown upon any proceedings
within their own borders likely 10 disturb
the tranquility of their political brelhr en- in
other portions of the Union. Ia country
so extensive as the United States, and with
pursuits SO varied, the internal regulations
OF lhe several States must freqnes,ly differ
from one another in important particulars;
and this difference is unavoidably increased
ny The varying principles upon which the A
merican Colonies were originally planted; ;
principles which had taken deep root in their
social relations before tho Revolution, and
therefore, of necessity influencing their po-
Icy since they became free and independon,
States. But each State has the unquestiona,
BILE light to regulate lis own internal COP
Germs according 10 lis own pleasure; and
whiie IL does moi interfere with the rights of
the people of other States, or the rights Of
the Union, every Stale must be the sole judge
OF The measures proper to secure the safety Of
It's citizens and promote their happiness and
!
TO cast Sdium upon their Institutions, and all
measures calculated to disturb l.eir rights of
property, or 10 put in jeopardy their peace
and internal tranquility, are in direct oppo.
silien TO The spirit in which the Union was
formed, and must endanger its safety. Mo
tives OF philanthropy may be signed for
THIS unwarrantab!e Interference; and weak
men may persuade themselves for a memept
that they are laborng IN the cause OF human
ity, and asserting the rights of the human
race but every one, upon sober reflection,
VIII see that nothing but mischief can come
from these improper assaults upsn the feel
lngs ana rights of others. Res, assured, tina,
The men found busy in this work Of discard
are not worthy Of your confidence, ard de,
serve your strongest Reproduction.
In the Legislation Of Congress, also, and
IN every measure OF the General Govern
ment, justice TO every portion of the United
States should be faithfully observed. Nc
Tree Government can stand without virtue in
The people, and lofty spirit of patriotism
and u The sorcid feelings OF mere selfisbnes,
shall usrrp the place which ought 10 be fllet
by public spirit, the legislation of Congress
VIII soon be converted into scramble e.,
personal and sectional advantages. Undc
our free institutions, the Citizens of ever,
quarter OF our country are CAPABLE of a,ta;,
} ing high degree of prosperity and LAM;
ness without seeking TO profit themselves a
,he expense OF others and every such al
tempt must in The end fail to succeed for III
; people IN every par, of The United States ar
loo enlightened nc, 10 understand their ov
f'gh's ana interests, and TO detect and defea