The republic., 1852-01-16
THE r EP u BLIC.
The Resolutions Of ,Os.

the Southern Literary Messenger,
the subjoined sketch of men and things con
nected with the celebrated "resolutionSof '9o."
During the summer of 1898. Virginia and the
whole Union were ngitatcd, from ono end to the
other, by the passage Of the Alien and Sedition
laws. The power assumed, and directed to be car
ricd out by these laws. struck with astonishment
the republican party and excited the most strenu-
Gus efforts to combat them. Far more excitement
prevailed than during the momentous times OF SS,
and stormy session of the Legislature was looked
for. There was amazement, but no terror in vir-
ginia; the attention Of the whole State direct
ed to Richmond; men assembled to sec what
to be done in the emergency, and many prepared
to visit the capital during the winter session to at
tend the deliberations of the Legislature. Every
court-green. and every place Of public meeting,
had been battle ground between the friends and
enemies Of these measures, until the public mind
was thoroughly wrought up on the subject; and
the great contest referred to the Assembly,
where a decisive battle was expected Soon after
the opening Of the Legislature, John Taylor, Of
Caroline, offered the celebrated resolutions well
known as tho Virginia resolutions of '9s. They
were written by Madison, and, like every thing
emanating from his pen, were clear in dicton,
lucid aud forcible in argument. and temperate in
thorough and fierce ordeal that the of
party spirit. aided by strong and well-informed
intelects, devise; and they have stood the test
No point in politics is now better understood and
believed in than that these laws were unconstitu
tional and unjust; no man now defends them. and
party would ever adopt them. These resolu-
tions, after declaring the warm attachment of Vir
ginia to the Union, it's value and its origin, and
her determination to maintain TIE Constitution of
the United States, and Of the State against ag-
gresaion; after declaring that the powers Of the
Government are limited to the clear construction
Of the Constitution, and that, If exercised wrong
fully, the Statcs have the right to interpose-then
go on to speak OF the improper extension of this
power, evidently tending TO consolidation, and
finally 10 monarchy; they then assaii the Alien and
Sedition laws the abuse of powers delegated,
and grasping power not delegated; and finally
declare that Virginia has ratified the Constitution.
safeguard TO liberty, and that this being i'm
paired by unconstitutional laws, she calls on her
sister States 10 with her in this declaration,
and in endeavoring to form measures by which to
retain unimpaired the rights and liberties reserved
to the States or to the people.
Parties wero warm ly divided on the passage of
these resolutions, and very animated debate ensu-
ed John Taylor who brought in the resolutions, was
their most powerful advocate, and the most bitter
and unrcentng opponent Of the laws. He was
man well known for his attachment to republican
principles; for the vigor and energy with which he
enforced them; and for the ability and eloquencc
with which his views were uttered. Possessing
mind a, strong, keen and discriminating, a
spirit daring md resolute, he was well fitted to be-
gin such a contest, and 10 bear its chief brunt. Be-
eide his influence and efforts as politician be was
an able lawyer, and one Of the first scientific and
practical farmers in Virginia. He wrote well both
on politics and agriculture. Clear and concise, yet
containing a spice Of wit and dash Of sarcasm
that rendered him an agreeable penman, his work
on agriculture, called "Tsylor's Arator," is the
first work on the subject ever written in Virginia,
and one Of the fret in the United States. So we'll
written, and practical has il been considered.
that ii is matter ofregret that he did not divert his
mind sufficiently from politics, after the passage
Of these resolutions, TO bavo written out more fully
his opinions and practices in agriculture. The
work is n racy mixture of agricultural experiments
and modes Of procedure. with a defence Of the in
sutution Of slavery in 10 the assault it in
Jeffcrson's Notes; amusing complaints Of the poor
system Of farming generally pursued, and sarcss-
tic political dissertations lie defended the resolu-
tons, and proved The laws to be unconstitutional.
Other able men were the came side, and ,poke
with great effect in favor Of resolutions condemn.
ing such obnoxious laws. Wilson Carey Nicho-
las. William B. Giles. Mr.. Mercer, and Mr.. Dan
iel, were among these; men whose reputation is
well known in Virginia for sound judgment and
firm integrity, as we'll as for tho power of speech
that enabled them TO defend with the tongue what.
ever their hearts heads might dictate William
Pope and James Barbour were among the most
ardent advocates Of the resolutions; the first man
- IA arN nd i'm, viii A hail he
could not speak even on a subject that interested
him this did, without giving foil scope 10 bis
peculiar faculty. Although the youngest man in
the House, James Barbour wa, one Of the foremost
in dcnouneing the lave, and his speech was con-
sdcred the most effective that was delivered.
The three most able opposers Of the resolutions
were George Keith Taylor, the brother in-lav and
friend Of Marshall, General Lac, aud Edmund
Brooke. To the fret we owe our ponitentiary sys.
tenn, and many other improvements in our crimi-
nal code. lie was the most thoroo ghy Informed
man in the House on questions Of law; an acute,
profound, and eloquent lawyer and politician. He
defended the laws as necessary and proper under
the state Of Affairs then existing; asserting that
Congress bad the right to punish offences against
the law Of natons, and 10 ersurc domestic tranquil.
lity, by preventing foreigners from interfering
with our affairs Of State and that this the Alien Ia
provided for; that the common law did not puni.h
sufficiently the licenousness Of the prcss and that
10 prevent falso and scnndalous libels from being
Issued not to sbridgc ts freedom; aud this the
Sedition Law prevented General Lee, Edmund
Brooke, and others, men Of great reputation for
high toned character and ability, followed in a
similar strain.
The resolutions passed, were transmitted 10 the
States composing tho Union, and excited dscus.
.ion, and called forth opinions wherever they went.
In the ensuing session great display Of talent was
looked for, as Patrick Henry had left bis retreat.
been elected to the Legislature, and intended to ad
vOcAe repeal Of tho resolutions, the friends and
opponents Of the laws we're very active, and tho
best Of both parties elected TO the House;
Madison, the author Of the resolutions. was among
them Patrick Henry died; what his influence
would have been it ia impossible TO say; had he
tered the Legislature should savo seen another
battle of the giants; had he been ovcrmatchcd and
overcome by his numerous and able opponents he
would have fallen, Sampson like, dragging down
his enemies with him. Richmond was again filed
with crowd anxious 10 sec and hear; the resolu-
tons had Caused men to think on the powers Of the