Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-03-22

do. What, an amendment of the Constitution. de.
liberatcly and lawfully presented by one of the
States, an equal with Virginia, to be treated with
contempt and denounced as hostile to the Union?
This is certainly new kink in the abstractionists;
ard if persisted in, We suspect she will find that
she has many States to insult before she will get
through with the business. Vermont will undues-
tionqbly have a voice to utter. There is way Of
disugreeing if disagree Virginia must, without at
the same time forfeiting the respect Of all with
whom she dsagrees and Of all other States, the
bonsted land of "chivalry' ought 10 know how to
do it.
RcSolred, That the said Resolves of the Legis-
lature OF this Commonwealth do express the DELHI
crate sentiments Of the people of Massachusetts;
that they do, in truth and in good faith propose
an amendment of the Constitution of the United
States; That SO Tar from containing a proposition
virtually to dissolve the Union they assert prn-
cpe which is essential to its stability and perma-
hence; and to the assertion and maintenance of
which, in every constitutional way, the people Of
Massachusetts will always hereafter, as they now
| d. firmly and conscientousy adhere
Reso'Ced That the fifth article Of the Constilu-
! ton Of the United States, by which mode is pro-
! vldod for the amendment Of that instrument with
! but a single restriction as to the subject of such
amendment does thereby recognise the right of the
people, at their pleasure, to alter any or all of the
terms and conditions with the exceptions aforesaid
upon which their Union was formed ana that the
said article, by excepting the proportion Of direct
taxes from alteration prior to the year eighteen
hundred and eight, does thereby expressly admit
the right Of the people, by an amendment of the
Constitution, to change the basis Of the apporton
ment Of such taxes, after the said year eighteen
hundred and eight, as is proposed by the said Re-
solves of the Legislature Of this Commonwealth.
RtsoiUcd, That while we look back with great
satisfaction 'to those periods Of our history when
Massachusetts and Virginia co-operaled so cordial
ly, zeaously and effectively, in achieving our in
dependence, and securing it by the adoption of our
federal censktuton," it is our highest pleasure TO
believe, that Massachusetts, from that time to the
present, in her laws and Institutions has asserted
and illustrated the great truths Of the declaration
OF independence.
ReSoiCcd, That this Legislature cannot but re-
gard the return Of their Resolves by the General
Assembly Of Virginia, as without precedent in
the correspondence between the States of this T.
mon; that the spirit manifested in this proceeding
IS in derogation of the rights and independence OF
a sovereign State and is a violation of that cour-
tesy which ought ever to characterize the inter-
course between the different States Of q confeder-
ated Republic
ReSOtUed, That the Governor Of this Common
wealth be and he is hereby requested to communi.
cate copies of the foregoing Preamble and Re-
solves to the Governors Of the several States with
the request that they may be laid before their res
lpectiVe Legislatures,