Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-08-02
NinaiY-ona Inat urn.

We shall offer apology for transferring to col
the eloquent and truthful protect of the ninety
one Democrats of the New Hampshire Legislature
Read it:
THE PROTEST OF THE DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS
OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE LEGISLATURE
AGAINST APPROPRIATIONS FOR WAR AGAINST
THE SOUTH.
The undersigned claim their constitutional right of en-
tering upon the journal Of the Howe this their protest.
agains: the passage of bill entitled 'act to aid in
the defence of the country with the following their
reasons therefor:
]. Because the bill compels to approve ratify and
confirm "al payments made by the governor and coun
e or by their authority and direction, in order to fur
nh troops from this State for the defence Of the United
States, or enlisting, srmng, eqapiug, discpnug main
tanning transporting said troops in any way
neced therewitb;" OF the nature, extent validity and
equity of which know so little to be entirely un.
able to form any definite judgment relative thereto and
because from any information communicated 10 this
Hcuse cannot assure curse yes or our constituents
that would be safe and proper for thus approve
ratfy and confirm.
Because BY the provisions of this bill the power TO
consider and determine what appropriations recessa-
~ and what disposition has been, aud shall be made OF
the money of the people, how and by what agents dis
5ursed and in what accounted for, are taken
from the representatives Of the people TO whom such
power consttutionay belongs and surrendered 10 the
executive branch OF the government.
g Because we cannot permit transactions OF any
branch Of the government to be sealed from the eyes
Of The people, to be placed beyond their power to
anime, inspect and judge.
Because we cannot regard the action of this house
10 The ection Of the amendments proposed to the BILL
az other than the that the present war may be
wegsd by unlawful means for conquest subjugation
Jona consolidation and the eIpgushment OF State
veIegnties, and unuteraby opposed to the at
taiGment, by any means, Of such objects.
Disayo~ing all considerations and motives Of parti-
character, enter protest against this BILL be-
OF its loose irresponsible, e1travagant provisions
and also because desire to pu upon the record our
earnest will to protect tho State against the exercise of
degree Of executive power such the constitution never
contemplated and the people never before dreamed Of
When such extraordinary appropriation was submit
ted to sanction, had q right to know and the
psope had right to know, distinctly and specifically,
where their money was TO CO. for what purposes IL had
been aud TO be applied and by what suitable checks
its disbursements had been and TO be guarded We
cannot consent to give TO the idle catch phrases Of the
day the weight due alone TO reason and argument. The
political party to which belong has, fortunately,
occasion for and extraordinary demonstrations Of
devotion to the flag Of our country. They have
hesped meedction upon il, upon the constitution
They have not only loved and honored it but they
hivs upheld and defended Il at home and abroad on
sea and land, at all timeB and in all places Thew
have sriven 70 maintain the Government a. il
de'cended TO them, and in the spirit which animated
their fathers-not consolidated" government such
composed OF independent sovereign States united for
the purposes expressed and clothed with the powers
delegated by the States and the people. aud with
other. This Union, which has been pride and de-
light had its birth In the adoption Of the constitution
Upon that instrument its firm foundation, warmed
aad strengthened by glorious memories Of the dangers
trials and privatons Of years conflict for indie
peudeuce, hedged all around by the forces of mutual
affection and interest it stood for the frat fifty years in
calm dignity, assuring iraternsl regard among all its
members, safety for the rights Of every citizen Of every
latitude throughout the broad extent Of our land an
amount OF individual and social freedom and prosperity
hitherto unknown security at home and respect through
out the world Il only when the provisions Of th.
constitution itself relating to domestic sevude came
10 be denounced and boldly repudisted that all these
great interess and precious blessings seriously i'm
Ferled.
We are ready to make any appropriation reasonable
in ITSELF and properly guarded which looks practically
to restored respect for constitutional rights and conse
Queny to restored fraternity, unity peace and prospect
~ Nay more for these objects are ready to pledge
our lives fortunes and our sacred honor" Bu. We