Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-01-07
Controrersn rrith .Nc.o Yor

of bis nephew-where the General was born)
Controversy rrh .ycao YORK..
We are satisfied, not only by the assurances OF our
Southern friends Washington but by the tone the
Southern Press, and the acts of the Legislatures OF
some of the States that the rights of Virg nia in her
pending controversy with New York, will be warmly
supported by the citizens of all the slavehoding
States The letter of Governor Gilmer TO the
Governors of all those States has been received as
far rs we have seen, not only with due respect but
with every sympathy. The Legislature of North
Carolina and Georgia have adopted corresponding re-
solutions and we look for hearty response from
Missouri The st. Louis Argus, of the 24h December,
publishes the circular of the Governor of Virginia,
and nvites the attention of every reader to the very
able communication and truly characerzes the sub
ect matter big with importance 10 every dweller in
States where slavery exists-t involves consequences
which may dissolve our happy Union, or deluge our
land with blood.
The only question is not what are our rights but
what are the remedies which we should adopt? The
Legislature and Governor Of New York have tramped
under foot only the act of Congress- but of the
compromises and compacts Of the Constitution ITSELF
When that instrument formed, II IS notorious that
great difficulties occurred with regard to the slave po-
pulaton Of the Southern States. There was much de-
bate and some alteration the whole matter until it
was finally adjusted by the provisions of the Constu
ton viz the degree of representation TO be allowed 10
the Slavehoding States consequence of that species
Of populaton-tes ratio OF Federal numbers TO be
also applied in the laying of direct axes-thc power
allowed to the u S. stop the Importation OF slaves INTO
the U s., after limited period, which was accordingly
carried out with the cheerful Of all the
Slaveholdnp States-end the solemn compact, that
every fugitive slave should be restored and every person
scharged in any State with treason felony or other
CRIME, who shall fee from justice and be found in
another State, shall be delivered up by the State in
which they take refuge. Maine and New York, how
ever have refused to give up to justice those who have
stolen slave property and New York has only
added injury to injury, by passing law which makes
il next impossible for US TO recover our fugitive
slaves. Thus, instead of surrendering the fugtves
from Justice those who have stolen property, she
now virtually refuses to surrender the property itself
In both respects, therefore, New York violates the pro-
visions Of the Constitution and the evil is most
serious threatens to extend to other States,
if we submit 10 it with impunity and it encourages
the Aboltoniss to prosecute their fell designs upon
us, 10 greater excuses. The only question Isl
what shall do? Shall we submit to the lcroag
or to what remedy shall We resort.
The sovereign States of this Union have not yet part
ed with the powers of self.defencc We can establish
quarantine laws, to preserve The health Of People,
and surely have equal right TO preserve our ves
our property, and domestic institutions. II one
State violates its obligations member of the Union,
and takes the property of another IT she puts at de-
fance all the obligations which the Social Compact
provides for protection then it becomes the in
ured State TO look to its own preservation IN man.
the least calculated TO strike down the whole COM
pact itself We have entertained any doubt upon
this subject Many years the question was brought
to our consideration in the case of South Carolina
She passed law forbdding any vessel to enter her
her ports in the of which were black sailors-
British vessel, which entered Charleston, complain
ed of its provisions. The Federal Judge Johnson)
decided against the consttutonalty of the act-and
the British Minister demonstrated against It. We
then examined the point and made up our mind, that
in such case, of self-defence, the quarantine
principle justified law which provides for the safety
of the people, in relation to slaves. We see no reason
to change that determination now, when IN the very
bosom of the Northern States the fell Aboltonsts
to be found whose anatcsm would provoke every spe
cies Of excess against laws, and institutions.
We have demonstrated with the Governor Of N. York.
-Hc has sophisticated and refused to do US Justice
His Legislature have sanctioned his injustice. We
cannot submt-but we must resort to some remedy
The Governor of Virginia has given it as his opinion
that "the adoption Of retaliatory measures by the
slaveholdng States, if this denial of rights is per-
severed in, would probably arrest the evil and lead TO
speedy adjustment of these questions In the mean
time, he proposes another special commission to re-
monstrate with New York. If we any advantage
in this movement, at present, would concur in the
recommendation. But we must adopt some strong and
conditional measure first, and then may resort TO the
commission to enforce claims What measure shall
this be, One, that is short of the quarantine bill
of Georgia. which her Governor has refused TO and
sanction Let adopt the suggested IN the last
Enquirer; measure dispensing with the 100 days qua
rantine of Georgia. but combining itself to the inspection
of the New York vessel, and to bond, with security
on the spot against the carrying off pro-
perry, or providing for its Naturalization. We might
do more-but can do less' If the citizens of New
York will not restore property deliver those
who stole it. can do less than take against
their stealing it, If this measure, upon being fairly
tried, does not its purpose, must resort to
stronger measures. Is there Doubt that all the South
ern States will sympathize with our situation, and
follow the calm and modified lead which may give
them,
The following letter from distinguished statesman
recommends this Inspection law, and enorccs it by the
-omarts-which we take the liberty Of cslrncting;
"The remedy, is the only one, which, accord:
ing to my conception, reach the case ; and !
think its efficacy and constitutienaly ne unques-
tonable It's simple and appropriate, and now is the
time for its application. If it be now applied New
York would be isolated No other State has yet open
ed the ground she has, and the other commercial and
navigating States would profit at her expense, should
the measure be adopted and would, from interest ia
it. If on the contrary, it should be delayed all
the non-savehoding States viii, one after another
follow her example, and we shall finally have to con-
tend with the whole, it. indeed, there should then be
left sufficient spirit and concord among US to make re-
sisance at all.
at would in my opinion, have the most salutary Ell,
feet II would rally the whole South to the standard