The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-02-27

which they give up operate tleir advantage through The
"la addition TO these considerations should be
oeed hat door Is opened Tor such amend
reflect upon these circumstances, surprised TO find
that person who is acquainted with the critical
lses,,, feelings and priadces which mus, be Consulted
Ia framing general government for these ates. and
how little propositions In themselves opposite 4, each
other, will tend promote that desirable end wish
to make amendments the u't'matam for adopting the of
9 very glad find tina, the opposition your State,
however formidable ha. been represented s generally
speaking composed of such cbnrsccrs as canno have
extensive influence Their strength well as thai OF those
q the same e,s. IN other States een;t he N mstsPIs
alarm the fears by noisy decamaon rather than 70 con-
imparis I s'asmeass Bsted IL ,hsi1 attacks upon s
constnon they have attempted 10 Willy and dsbsss me
asy VIII so s as:s rG
ass:gs 'ss y ss.s = .ssX " .s.s
defence abilities which would not, PERHAPS have been
otherwise exerfed, that have thrown new ghtupon the
full and and explained them clear and
focibe manner as cannot fail TO make lasns mprea.
ject and particularly the pieces under the signature
Pubius "-tSee the numbers Of the Federalist)
The true character of Gen. Washington's views and
feelings in reference the new constitution and the
pedency of ratfying it, may be inferred from the fact
that receiving intelligence by express from the city Of
Richmond, that the delegates the convention of that
State had adopted the constitution in oto the citizens
of Alexandra and its vcinage, including the general
himself, determined Ito his own anguage) TO "Gevoe
day to festivy Porraying in glowing language the
scene of joyousess which ensued in letter to Charles
CoteswoIih Pmckney, he says OF the company assem-
bed
" But their exhilaraion greatly increased, and
much keener given to their enjoyment by the arrival
press hours before day with the that the
convention OF New Hampshire had the 2Ist instant,
ceded to the new coniederacy by majority OF eleven
voices-that is to say, hty seven TO forty-six
" Thus Che adds) the citizens OF Alexandria, when con-
vened, constituted the first public company IN America
which had the pleasure of pouring batloa to the pros
pery the States that had actually adopted the gem
sa The day i'ss y memorable M for more
nversary of the battles of Sulvans Island and Monmouth
and mention these details. unimporant they are in
themselves the rather because think may nationally
,ablisned upon durable basis and ta, Providence
still disposed to favor the members OF it with unequaled
opportunities for political happiness"
No statesman could well entertain decided opin-
ions than did General Washington touching the right and
the duty OF governments called into being by the author
ity Of the people, and put in action for their protection
and happiness employ all legitimate and appropriate
for the maintenance of the powers conferred upon
them, and the suppression of all unlawful combinations
set foot for their overthrow Whilst the articles of
confederation yet in existence he had occasion to
make known his views on this important and delicate
subject upon the of the celebrated nsurrec.
ton in Massachusetts, commonly known as Shay's
rebellion" In various letters written by him at this Pc
riod he expressed himself with that freedom and bold
ness which the crisis eninenty demanded--n one of
which Ne says to a beloved friend
For Gods sake, tell what is the cause of all these
connections. Do they proceed from licenousness British
influences disseminated by the tories, or real grievance,
which admit Of redress if,he auer why was redress
ated II the former why were not the powers o govern
snepe.e e bem en- commooas OF hi. sort, ike
gather strength as they roll there is no opposition in the
way divide and crumble."
In another letter on the same painful topic, he says
.s feel infinitely than express you for the
disorders which have arisen in States Good God
who besides tory could have oreseep, or Buon have
predicted, them do assure you that even a this mo
IN n
seems 10 me like the visions OF dream My mind car
Icey realize il as thing in acua strange
wonderful does tappear to In this, as in mos
other matters, we are too slow When this spirit irs
da wned il might been easily checked but
ly within the reach Of human ken a, this moment to
when. where, or how 1t will terminate. There CON
bustibes every State which spark might fire. Ii
bewning which have often with the keenest sorrow tn
death OF our much-lamented friend, General Greene
have my regrets of late with que y whethe
he would have preferred snch ext tho scene
which it is than probable many Of his conpauo'
may live to bemoan."
wish existed in the disturbed district that he shoul
employ his personal influence for the restoration
order, he said
.The picture which you have exhibited, and the ac
counts which published OF the commoons and tempe
OF numerous bodies in the eastern county,
Of things equally to be ianen'ed and depre Gated The
exhibit melancholy verihcation OF what
foes have predicted and OF another thing which, pei
unaccouutabe-that mankind, when left to themselves
are undt TOR their own government am Ronfe
beyond expression whenl view The clouds which hav
spread the brightest morn that ever dawned upo
any country In word, ] lost in amazemen
when behold what intrigue the interested views of de.
pera characters and the Ignorance and lousy of
minor part, capable Of efecng scourue the
or OF fellow of the Union for is hard
be supposed that the great body al the people, houg
they will not act, can be short sghcd or enveoped ii
darkness not OF distan sun through vi
this mist OF intox icatlon and folly.
You talk, my good sir, of employing influence TO ap
where that influence be iound II sttsnabe, iha
IL would be proper remedy Tor these disorders lnfu
cncc is not government Let us nave government b'
| lvbi ives liberties.
let know the worst at once Under these Impressions
nv humble opinion Is there is call Ior decisioa Know
then, precisely what the insurgents aim at III they hnv
grievances. redress rem, po ssiblc, acknowledg
tho of thcm, and inability TO do Il at ths
eht moment II they have not employ the force of tb
will be vhccd that the Is bad
support To be exposed in the eyes OF the world.
pble than already are 10 hardly possible
To delay the other Of these cxpedcnts Il,
perate the hand give confidence the other
and will add to their numbers for like snow-bas, suc
bod by every enen unless there is
thing in the obstruct and crumbc them before hei
weight 10 too great and irresistible hta
These my sentiments, Precedents are dangerou
thing. Let he rens Q, government nen, DO p,seea an
tuition be rcprehended lf detective. let II be amended
but suffered to be amped upon while Il has cr
iseuce."
In yet another letter, he said:
"What gracious God man, that there should be suci
inconsistency and perfdou.ness in his conduct II Is bn
the other day that shedding r blood to obair
the constitutions under which we live stnt,ons OF ou
own choice and ma kng-and now unsheathpg th'
sword to overurn them. The thing is unaccountab
that hardly know how realize IT, to persuade mysel
that am under the Illusion OF a dream"
regard as decidedly fortunate fer our country tha
circumstances whilst Washington yet at tn
helm OF State which afforded him a fair opportunity o
exempfying, in a most imposing manner, the whole
efficacy Of those views which he had constantly,
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