Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1838-09-12
XXXIX, NO. 90.


desire. in this particular, to make CON-
mon cause with my friend and colleague
10 the Senate, (Mr. Preston, TO whom,
Of course, this general declaration Of
opinion must be taken 10 be partlcu-
J Iarly addressed. AS ono Of his con-
stiiuen;s, approve Of what be has done
and though unauthorized, speak for
him, as well as for myself in what |
say. We do not, BY any mems, a.
gree in all our views Of public affairs;
al least. so far as we have compared
our opinions, (Which we have never
| formally done, however, there is DIFF
ference enough between them. Their
coincidence on this subject was purely
accidental. We came together from
different points of the compass, as you
know but whatever may be his course
in other respects, (and it will, have
no doubt. be always un honorable and
nm elevated one in this particular, at
least, most heartily concur with him.
But even il did not, | would exhort
him 10 a firm and erect demeanor un-
der present circumstances. lie is for
the time being the pefsouiicatlon ofa
great principle, aud i gives him, in my
eyes, peculiar sanoiiiy and privileged
position. trust IN God there will be
no wavcring. no hesitation, no droop-
ing or dependency in him, and that no
viii net well the important part which
Providence has assigned him. i, Is
honor enough 20 satisfy the most aspi-
ring ambition to be- identified with such
n cause. aud 10 know that one cannot
fall victim to prescription without
double sacrifice.
For myself, feel deeply persuaded
that, in taking the course which seemed
10 me The best ou ihs subject, ] was
maintaining the Constitution OF our fa-
hers in It's original purity and perlec-
ton. am just as Stare that nm maln-
tuning the traditional opinions and be-
rediiafy honor Of South Carolina. The
the most that we have ever done there,
in lie way OF " instruction" has been
to declare cur wishes and opinions, in
orIer 10 give th,n all the weight which
they cauld dofive from such an nuihon-
tic an authentic and authoritative ex-
pr ssiun Of them. In a government,
founded more than any other, ON mere
opinion, these declarations, seasonably
mnde, wtrc'calcuaied to do some good.
and they could (unless by TOO frequent:
rcpeiilion,) do no possible harm. |
remember distinctly that this was tho
around took on such occasions whilst
was member Of the Legislature
but no one SO far as knew, IN South
Caroline, ever profsscd the doctrine
established, il should seem in Virginia,
of tho obligatory effect of such things
on The conscience or the conduct (sincc
they mast be- separately of the menu
bcrs Of the Senate. We len them 10
Judge Tor themselves, and TO act accor-
ding to their judgments I; the same prin-
ciples were considered as applying 10
ali representative bodies. In the course
&c my long connexion with the city OF
Charleston ia the Legislature Of tho
State, | found the service ofmy consiit-
ucnts, as have always avowed, the
most perfect freedom. II they Tow
IRISH me TO be a mere instrument OF o.
theirs, without dignity, without lnteili-
gence, without conscience, without
moral responsibility, ! am very much
mistaken in their character; and "
they erpccf TO find me SO, they must
certainly misundersiend mine. But
have no reason whatever TO think so.
know their enlightened views, their
liberal spuit, their elevated and gencr-
Gus way ofihinting on such subjects;
and never shall be brought by sny-
thing, short of actual experience, TO be-
litye thni conscientious discharge OF
my duty, according 10 The best lights
ofmy understanding, on such subject
as the Sub Treasury Bill, Is 10 forfeit
me that confidence and regard which
prize SO highly.