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POLii’IFAL.
dnswers received by the Richmond Committee of
Correspondence on the subject of JYullijication.
Augusta, 4th September, 18-32.
Gentlemen,—In consequence of my absence Ironi
the city during the last six iveeks, I did not receive
your communication of the 20th ult. until to-day.
In reply to your request “that I will oblige my
fellow citizens of Richmond by communicating
through von my sentiments in regard to Nullifica
tion, 55 I take great pleasure in saying to them, and
to you, that lam decidedly opposed to that doc
trine. 1 believe it to he neither a peaceable nor-
ooastitutional remedy fir the grievances of which
we so justly complain: in fact, 1 believe it to be no
remedy at all. I view it as litlse and deceptive in
theory, St revolutionary in practice. And although
1 am, and always have been, opposed to any and
every tariff, for protection, and will use all consti
tutional means to put it down; yet the evils arising
jiom the present protective system, are not in my
opinion, so great, as to authorize or justify the a-
d opt ion of Nullification, or any oilier measure,
winch will tend to disturb the peace and harmony
of this great republic, or endanger the Union o!
these States. |
I am proud of the title of “Citizen of the United
States.”—The great Apostle of the Gentiles found
protection under the name of “Roman;” declaring
to the Chief Captain that he was “born free.” 1,
too, was “born free,” and enjoy honor and protec
tion under the “Star spangled banner.” I am un
willing to blot out from this glorious standard of
my native laud on j single star. Let them ail re
main. Their united light sheds a lustre over our
country and our liberty, which swells with joy eve
ry patriot bosom.
Willi sentiments of great respect, I am your most
obedient servant,
WILLIAM SCI!LEV.
.Messrs. Cu.n.ning, lung and Slaughter.
Washington, (Wilkes) August C, 1S32.
Ger.Hcm n,—The citizens of Richmond having
exercised the truly democratic right of calling up
on candidates for their suffrages, to declare their
sentiments in regard to Nullification, I will express
mine bv adopting the words of one of their resolu
tions. 1 believe" the doctrine false in theory,” and
think, “ that in practice, it would prove most dis
astrous-to our country.”
Such was my c inclusion after having attentively
read and considered the exposition of the \ ice
President and all that has been written in favor of
Nullification by other gentlemen in Sotub-Carolina,
in connection with the Virigia auJ Kentucky
resolutions of 1793—the report of Mr. Madison in
!893—the writings of Mr. Jefferson and such state
papers and decisions.of our Courts, which have
any hearing upon the subject. It lias been invaria
bly expressed, as it will continue to he, in strong
forms, upon all proper occasions, and f will not. now
ibrhear from declaring it to be my belief, that ii the
patriots and sages who are dead, and whose wri
tings have been cited to establish the correctness
of the doctrine of nullification, were alive, that they
would disclaim, as Mr. Madison has done, that in
terpretation of their language, which has been
made to aid the introduction into our system of
government, of a novel state action, as a redress
l">r unconstitutional legislation, which might result
either in the dissolution of the Union, or in the dis
comfiture of a sovereign state, in its pursuit of con
stitutional rights, by unconstifutionai means.
I am gentlemen,
very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
JA.tlEb -vl. \v A v NE.
A/eesrs. Gumming, King and Slaughter.
C wixcsviLLK, September !; 1SJ2.
Gentlemen: Your communication dated 20th ult.
addressed to me in pursuance of a Resolution adon-
V„nl at a meeting of the citizens of Richmond Coun
ty, on the 18th of August last, requesting me to ex
press to them, through you, my “'sentiments in
regard to Nullification,” is now before me. I do
not hesitate to comply with the request. I have
no desire, neither would it be justifiable in me, to
conceal my political opinions. The deep and per
vading interest felt throughout the country, in
regard to our grievances under tii? protective tariff
system, and the firm determination of the people of
ibis section of our Union, never, quietly, to submit
fo a measure so unequal & so unjust in its opera
tions, have induced me to devote to the considera
tion of these subjects more than ordinary attention.
I have endeavoured to deliberate calmly, dispas
sionately and maturely, upon them—that I might
ire enabled to determine honestly, and satisfactori
ly, for myself", what would he the best and most
proper course to he pursued under present exigen
cies. That the burdens of the General Govern
ment are not equitably apportioned, seems to me
'o admit of no doubt. The present Tariff Law,
e mtcmplating the protection of manufactures, is
n ot founded in a spirit of constitutional justice, and
operates unequally £c oppressively upon the South.
Under this slate of things these questions present
themselves: What shall be done? To what means
shall we resort for the purpose of freeing ourselves
from this system of injustice and oppression ? Are
our grievances so intolerable, our liberties so much
infringed, and that constitution which is the basis
of our free system of government, so grossly, so
dangerously, and so palpably violated A disregard
ed, as to demand a resort to violent and forcible
means to obtain redress, that might, and in all
probability would, result in a dissolution of this
Union ? This last is, to me, a question of very
grave and solemn import. It should be maturely
considered, and every matter having the least con
nexion with it should be deliberately weighed and
revolveed in the mind of every free man before he
ventures a reply. A misstep once taken, from the
pride of opinion, common to men, is seldom retra
ced. I would vet forbear a resort to any remedy
that might tend to a dissolution of the Union, and
a consequent destruction of this government. If I
d•> not greatly misapprehend the doctrine of Nulli
fication, it will, if enforced, produce this result. I
ranuot view it as either a peaceful, or constitution
al remedy, and that the enforcement of it “ would
prove most disastrous to the country.” I deem it
unnecessary, and presume that it is not expected,
tor me to give at length the reasons that have op
erated in bringing mv mind to this conclusion. At
ihe same time that I believe this doctrine danger
ous, and that if acted upon, it would prove destruc
tive to the Union and the best interests of the coun
try, I know, that among its advocates are ranked
many, very many, higlnniuded and honorable men,
whose attachment to the constitution and the
government, is pure and unfeigned. But why
need I name its advocates? it is not against them,
but their doctrines that I war. I be ieve that a
^tate has as much right, as an individu il, to inves
tigate for herself' the constitutionality of a law of
CongreS; and to express her opinion accordingly.
But I do not believe that a single State has a right,
consequent upon her declaration of her unconsti-
tutionality of a law passed by Congress, agreeably
to the forms of the constitution, forcibly to resist
the, execution of, and to refuse obedience to that
law. 1 have adopted the view taken of this sub
ject, by Mr. Madison, in his report to the Legisla
ture ol Virginia, upon the Resolutions passed by
t he Geneial Assembly of tiiat State, on the 21si
December 1707: That “the declarations in such
cases, are expressions of opinion unaccompanied
wifh any other effect than what they may produce
on opinion by exciting reflection.” “Where can
there be the impropriety of communicating the dec
laration to other States and inviting their concur
rence in a like declaration.” It is thus the minds of
the people throughout the Union may be aroused
to a kuowldge of a constitutional infraction, aud a
sense of their danger; thus a change produced in
public opinion, and then by the intervention of the
control of the people, and the State Legislatures,
ever the gpvjernmnni n| tftc United States, the ob
noxious act he repealed, and all is well again.—
“The Resolutions of Virginia as viixiicaled in the
report on them, will be found entitled to‘an exposi
tion, showing a consistency in their parts, and an
inconsistency of the whole will the doctrine of Nul
lification, (Mr. Madison’s letter dated 1830, to the
Ed. N. A. Review.) Whenever the oppressions
anJ burdens ol" the people become so vast and one
rous that they cannot with a due and proper re
gard to their rights and liberties, submit to them,
till they can be constitutionally redressed they have
a right bevond the cotroul of all constitutions, to
redress themselves: or in the language of Mr.
Madison, (in the letter before referred to) “in the
event of the failure of every constitutional resort
and an accumulation of usurpations and abuses,
rendering passive obedience and non-resistance a
greater evil than resistance and revolution, there
can remain hut one resort, the last ol ah, an ap
peal from the cancelled obligations of the consti
tutional compact to original rights and self-peserv-
ation. This is the ultima ratio under all govern
ments, whether consolidated, confederated or a
compound of both, and it cannot be doubted that a
single member of the Union in the extremity sup
posed, but in that oniv, would have a right to make
the appeal.” I cannot conceive that this extremi
ty has yet arrived,consequently I am opposed ton
resort to forcible and violent means, or loanv mode
of redress “tliSt would endager the Union, the
government, and the liberties of the people.” I
lear, gentlemen, that I have transgressed the limits
it was anticipated I ought, to occupy. 13v saying
less I could not have done justice to myself; as I am
fully aware I have not to a subject that so deeply
agitates the country.
Accept, gentlemen, for yourselves, and those
citizens whom you represent, the lender of my
highest regard and esteem.
Verv respectfully, vour fellow-citizen,
JAMES C. TERRELL.
.Merer*. JVrn. Cummin g, John P. King, d Slaugh
ter.
Moxaor., (Walton county,) Aug. 19th, 1SJ2.
Messrs. Gumming, King and Slaughter,
Gentlemen:—Your favor under date 20th inst.
as a committee appointed by a Meeting of the Citi
zens of Richmond County, lias this moment been
received, and I hasten to answer it.
The importance of the crisis is such in my opin
ion as justifies not only the citizens of Richmond,
but of every County in the State, to demand of those
who present themselves for public favor a frank
and full avowal of their sentiments; it is what vo
ters have a right to demand and what candidates
have no right to withhold. Thus impressed, I can
have no objection to give you, and through you lo
my Fellow-citizens of Richmond and every other
County, my “ sentiments in regard to Nullifica
tion."’
If I understand what its advocates in a neigh
boring State and those in our own, mean by the
term—it is, that a Stale, in its Sovreign character,
has a right to interpose and prevent the execution
of a Law of Congress, for instance the Law regu
lating the duties on imports, and yet remain a
member of the confederacy—and it is urged in sup
poit of this, that as one of the original parlies to
the contract, no umpire having been chosen, that
the State in its Sovereign character has the right
to judge of any infraction aud of the mode and
measures of redress, ami in the application of this
rule, that if Congress should pass any law which
any State should believe to be violative of the ori
ginal compact, such State lias a right to interpose
and prevent iis execution within its Territory'.—
Grant this power, and the wheels of the General
Government areas securely locked as its worst ene
mies could desire. Against every law of a general
nature passed by Congress, some one State might
interpose its sovereignty and prevent its execution
—for it is not material whether the Laivbe uncon
stitutional or not, so a State will consider itso;they
would have the right ro treat it accordingly, and
from Louisiana to New-Hampshire one universal
scene of confusion might prevail. Can such a state
of things be desired? A Slate in its sovereign
character may do what she pleases within her own
Territory, provided however, she docs not inter
fere with another Sovereignty.—There cannot be
two Sovereigns over the same subject, and as the
laying of duties on imports is delegated to the Gen
eral Government, it is Sovereign tor that purpose,
and the State may not exercise her sovereignty to
the prejudice of the other.
But to be more particular, its advocates have
contended that it is a Constitutional and peaceable
remedy, there is nothing in the constitution that
can be tortured into the giving of such power. As
to irs being a peaceable remedy that would depend
entirely on the General Government whether or
not it would enforce its Laws or attempt it; if she
would not attempt to enforce her Laws, then to he
sure it would be peaceble. But can any mao, who
has an ounce of human sense, believe for one mo
ment, that the General Government would fold its
arms and permit its revenue laws to be thus pros
trated without an effort to enforce them? No man
can belivc it. But say its advocates, it is peacea
ble on the part of the Slate, and when the law is
attempted to he enforced, the General Government
is the aggressor, and the State would have the
right of resisting three by force. So was the whis
key insurrection in Pennsylvania peaceable, until
General Washington put lbrth the arm of the Gov
ernment to crush it. So is every armed smuggler
very peaceable, provided the Government will not
attempt to arrest or seize. It is, then, in my opin
ion, neither a constitutional nor peaceable remedy.
If, then, it be neither Constitutional, or peaceable,
how is it to he justified ? In no other way than as a
revolutionary measure, and for one, I am lice to
confess, I am not prepared to wish my Country
plunged into the horrors of a Civil War.
It is said by some of the Hot spurs, that Foreign
aid would be invited. Are they sure it would be ob
tained, and if obtained, would not the Foreign pow
er thus aiding, demand and receive some equiva
lent, and would not such equivalent in all human
probability, be a burden grievous to be borne ? It
is a subject of the deepest interest, not only to our
own country; but to the civilized world: our insti
tutions have been considered a polar star for the
march of freedom every where.—Shall we extin
guish this light? Shall we by being flattered and
wooed fora few months, follow in the wake—rush
to the side, or lead the van of those who in their
mad career have now reached and arc pausing on
the brink of the precipice, and looking to see what
we shall do? I hope for better things. I trust that
the effervescence will pass off, and thnt those who
for reasons best known to themselves have labored
to produce this excitement, will be disappointed—
that Georgia will be found, as. she always has been,
true to Herself, the Constitution and ihc Union.
You will readily perceive that my ideas have been
thrown together hastily and without system. I
have this evening reached home from Court and
the mail waits. Should my views meet the appro
bation of my Fellow-Citizens, it will be gratifying,
otherwise it would be a source of regret, alleviated,
however, by the smiles of an approving conscience.
Very respectfully, your Fellow-Citizen.
* THOS. W. HARRIS.
Columbus, 5th September, IS32.
Gentlemen.—In consequence of absence from
home for the last two weeks, vour cummunication
ofthe 20th of last month, in compliance with a du
ty imposed by the citizens ol Richmond County,
requesting my sentiments upon the subject ofNul-
lification, has but this moment been received.
I recognise the right ofthe people to interrogate
those who solicit their suffrage upon all subjects
connected with the public interest, consequently
hold myself ready to answer at all times freely and
frankly.
I am oposed 1*» Nullification, believing it to be,
neither a peaceable or constitutional remedy against
the evils complained of—but a revolutionary meas
ure when reduced to practice. And whatever
feelings of hostility I may entertain towards the
protective system,-or however unequal in ns oper
ations, unjust and oppressive in its consequ-nces 1
may consider it, I am not at this time prepared to
join in the support of any measure which must in
evitably end in the dissolution of our government.—
Nor can I adopt the idea that the system lias lie-
come the settled policy ol the country. The pub
lic debt is nearly extinguished, a material change
will lake place in Congress, under the late census.
The system has commenced a retrogression. The
present administration is avowedly with us upon
this subject. Those circumstances, together with
a general knowledge of the great difficulty in en
forcing a law contrary to the will of so large a por
tion of the country, present to my mind cheering
considerations in favor of its speedy repeal.
The language of the father of our country upon
this subject, would seem to me, appropriate. He
says, “ we should cherish a cordial, habitual and
immoveable attachment to oar National Union, ac
customing ourselves to think and speak of it, as of
the palladium of our political safety and prosperity,
watching for its preservation with jeaious anxiety,
discountenancing whatever may suggest even a
suspicion that it can, in any event, be abandoned,
and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning ol
every attempt to alienate any portion of our coun
try from the rest, or the enfeeble the sacred ties
which now link together the various parts.”
With great respect, your obedient and humble
servant,
JAMES C. WATSON.
.Messrs. Camming, King and Slaughter.
dlacon, Ga. dtigust 30.
Gentlemen.—The Augusta Constitutionalist of
the 2Siii inst. having just now been put into my
hands, I have read and approved your circular of
the 20th. In reply, I have to observe that I am
and ever have been opposed to a dissolution of the
Union of the North American States, and that I
view Nullification, as it is explained in Georgia
and South Carolina, as having no place in the Fed
eral Constitution, as a fraud attempted to be im
posed on the people, and that, should it unfortun
ately be brought into practical operation, it cannot
iiiil to produce anarchy, rapine and civil war, and
the dissolution of the U. States as a confederated
bodv.
With much esteem, gentlemen, I remain your
obedient servant.
DANIEL M. STEWART.
.Messrs. Camming, King and Slaughter.
us in a convention, to be held at Miiledgeviile on
the second Monday in November next, as con
templated by the above resolutions.
Be it further resolved, That the re-election of
Andrew Jackson to the Presidency is an event
much to he desired, and that we will spare uo
constitutional means to effectuate that object.
Resolved, That these proceedings be signed by
the Chairman and countersigned by the Secretary,
and published in all the Gazelles oi Miiledgeviile.
Major James Polliill then offered as a substitute
to Mr. Sf urges’, the following preamble and reso
lutions
several counties ol this State for their final ratifica
tion or rejection; and that our concurrence in the
measute of holding a convention has been the more
readily induct'd by the belief, that the reasonable
course herein suggested will fie pursued.
3. Resolved, That we approve the time and
place designated by oar fellow citizens at Athens
liir holdings-.id convention, and that on the first
Monday in October next we will elect three dele
gates to represent the citizens oi this county there
in.
3. Resolve.!, That vrehave r.uditiiinished confidence in
SPIRIT OF DISUNION.—In the course of,. •
merous transactions with one of your nei«hb
you sometimes unintentionally overlook l:is rite -
at other times, y ielding to the infirmities of ouIU
ture, you are unkind and unjust.to him; but, < U1 ,i'
whole, you render him frequent, and most tssent
service. Whenever you wrong him, he op^,
you with angry passion; hejaecases you of a
to ruin him; lie denounces you as a robber and u
rant; by at>exaggerated representation ofvouri
justice, and of his grievances, tie induces n an '
your neighbors, who fornieriy confided in y 0; ; '
[communicated.]
To Col. William Gumming, J. P. King and du-
guslin Slaughter.
Gentlemen—Always acknowledging the right
of the people to know the sentiments of their pub
lic son ants, upon all important matters, connected
with their interests, I have already responded to
what I believe was their wishes, in the last Federal
Union. To this communication, 1 refer you, as a
reply to your letter to me of the 20th ultimo, which
I have just read. Having discharged I believe,
without complaint, the duties of the several im
portant appointments, with which I have been
honored by the State, for the last twenty five
years, and having in my youth, often and freely
shed my blood, in the defence of the dearest rights
of our common country ; I cannot now believe,
that any person who is acquainted with me, can
for one moment seriously entertain an opinion, that
in the wane of life, I would take any step, not cal
culated to cement, instead of severing the Union.
From tins view of the subject, I entertain some
hopes, that your fears may be somewhat mitigat
ed, in regard to the evils which may arise from my
supposed association with “ the raw head and
bloody bones,” of your letter [•Nullification.'] If I
could see in your catariiUm, mUjLV Ji pupo, L»iW,
o»J pnirkrtic'regard, for the good of our common
country, and oppressed Georgia: I would be
among the first io acknowledge and appreciate it;
but pardon and believe me gentlemen, when I tell
you, that I cannot for my life, divest my mind from
the belief, that your strange concoction is intended
more to accomplish certain political projects, than
to promote Southern rights and Southern interests.
DANIEL NEWNAN.
McDonough Otii Sept. 1833.
PULASKI MEETING.
Pursuant lo public notice a large number of the
citizens of this county met at the court house, lor
the purpose of agreeing upon some course to be
pursued in relation to the subject of the great agi
tating question now before the public—when it
being perceived that there were many more per
sons present than could be accommodated with
seats, it was agreed to repair to the Baptist Church,
when Mr. John Rawls was called to the chair and
Maj. D. B. Halsted requested to act as secretary.
As soon as the meeting was organised, D. D.
Slurges Esq. arose and after explaining the ob
ject, ottered ihc following preamble and resolutions,
and supported them by some appropriate remarks:
Whereas, a number of the free citizens of this
State, assembled at Alliens on Wednesday the 1st
ult. to take into consideration the grievances under
which we labor, from the oppressive and unconsti
tutional taxation of the Federal government, and
to devise the most efficient and proper means of
redress did adopt the following preamble and reso
lutions :
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS.
Whereas tlie people of Georgia as well in pri
mary assemblies of citizens in their respective
counties as by their Representatives in the Legis
lature thereof, have repeatedly and solemnly de
clared the several acts laying duties on imports,
(in so far as such acts transcended the purposes of
Revenue, and were designed for the protection of
manufactures) to be unjust, oppressive, and uncon
stitutional; and have solemly announced their de
termination not to submit to such unlawful exac
tions; and their consequent resolution to resist
them, if after a reasonable time they should not be
repealed:
And whereas, the good people of this State and
others, having common interest with them in this
matter, have looked to the period of the national
debt, as that at which the income raised by taxa
tion, should be reduced to the sum required by the
wants of the government by duties fairly imposed
upon all the imports of the United States—ami
have expected from the justice of that Congress
which lias just closed its session a repeal of these
•bnoxious laws:
And whereas, this reasonable expection has been
disappointed and the protection of manufactures
is now* avowed as a permanent principle of Feder
al Legislation:
Be it therefore resoleed, That we, as free citi
zens of Georgia will not longer submit to this sys
tem of legislation whicli is arbitrary, unequal
unconstitutional, and therefore unjust That
it be recommended to our fellow citizens in the
several counties lo elect delegates to a State con
vention, to assemble at Miiledgeviile on the second
Monday in November next, and to invest them
with full powers in behalf of the good people of
Georgia to maintain, preserve 8c, defend, the rights
and privileges of the free citizens of this State.
Resolved, That John McPherson, Berrien, Au
gustin S. Clayton, Thomas Glascock. .Joel Craw-
lord, Samuel Rockwell, William H. Torrance and
William C. Dawson, be a committee of correspon
dence to confer with our fellow citizens of other
States on all matters connected with our com
mon interests.
And whereas we, the free citizens of the county
of Pulaski in general meeting assembled, having
seen and considered the foregoing resolutions, do
concur in the same:
Be it therefore resolved, That we the citizens of
the said county of Pulaski, do cordially concur
with our fellow citizcs assembled at Athens, as
aforesaid, and do adopt the said resolutions as ex
pressive of our feelings and determination on this
interesting subject.
Resolved, That we will, on the first Monday
[n October next, elect two delegates to represent
their opinions, on the all-absorbing subject of th
tariff system; so unjustly enforced and continued
as a tax upon the citizens of these United States;
and this meeting having assembled '.or that pur
pose, and claiming and exercising our constitution
al privilege of the unreserved expression of our
opinions in common with other good citizens of
our State, do therefore, with a spirit of friendship
and affection, with aii connected with us, by the
bonds of government and union, and without any
party feelings of prejudice or prepossession, to
any sections of the people of this great and happy
Republic,or of any political party, but peaceably
assembled do express our opinions as contained in
the following resolutions.
Be it therefore resolved, That we will use all
constitutional and rightful means in our power to
bo freed from the evils of tiie tariff laws now of
force, as in the opinion of this meeting, the con
stitution does not warrant the construction which
has been given it by Congress ; and that we con
ceive the tariff law unjust and unequal, operating
to tlie exclusive injury of the commercial and ag
ricultural interests of the country, for tiie sole bene
fit of the manufacturing.
Resolved, That we are opposed to Nullification,
as being neither a constitutional, nor a peaceable
remedy against the Tariff"Law; and «hat we be
lieve 1 Fie evils calculated to result from its applica
tion wiil be infinitely more oppressive on the South
than the existing Tariff".
Resolved, That the avowal of’Nullification ope
rates to the injury of the election of that distin
guished patriot aud friend of Southern rights, Gen.
Andrew Jackson, and therefore, as the consequen
tial support of Henry Clay, the father and foster
mother of his favorite “American System;” and
we regret to witness the promulgation (in this
Stale) of doctrines calculated only to disturb the
repose of the good people of this country, and for
ward the views of those opposed to Gen. Jack
son’s administration.
Resolved, That we recommend to the good peo
ple of this county to elect two fit persons to repre
sent them at the contemplated Convention t.o be
holden in Miiledgeviile, on the second Monday in
November next, to cooperate with representatives i
from the other counties for the purpose of devising '
some peaceable and constitutional measure to re
medy the aforesaid evil; Provided only, that all
the counties of the State are fairly represented, and
that the actsol said representatives are to be duly
ratified by the people of"their counties respectively,
otherwise that they protest against the acts of any
partial or unauthorised meeting.
Resolved, That our confidence in the talents,
patriotism and integrity of our distinguished Sen
ator and Representative John Forsyth and James
M. Wayne, remains unshaken, and regret that un
worthy motives have been attributed to their wor
thy and patriotic exertions in behalf of Southern
interests.
Resolved, That these resolutions be signed by
the President and Secretary and published, at their
diserptinn.
After being opposed by argument from Tho’s.
S. Sullivan Esq. aided by D. D. Sturges Esq.
at some length—and supported bv Col. C. F. Bet-
ton, B. W. Bracewell Esq. and Mr. Polhill, Dr.
Ii. N. Taylor arose and offered as a substitute in
lieu of Imth resolutions, the following:
“ Resolved, That this meeting will recommend
an election of two delegates, to meet .delegates
from the other counties in the State Convention in
Miiledgeviile on the second Monday in November
next.”
The vote of the meeting being taken on Dr.
Taylor’s resolution and lost by an overwhelming
majority. The question on the adoption of the
resolutions offered by Major Polhill was then taken
and carried, with but few dissenting voices.
JOHN RAWLS, Chairman.
D. LJ. Halsted, Sec ry.
FROM TIIE MACON TELEGRAPH.
CO' The Disuniomsls aie wonderfully cooled
down, oflate. They find the thing docs not take,
as they anticipated. The people are yet too stub
born, ui be led by the nose, blindfolded, into such a
business. And those at first so loud, so warm, in
the cause of nullification, now begin to sing small.
They are in favor of moderate measures. They
have no idea of war and bloodshed—their resist
ance is ail peaceable—a civil war they have no
thought of—a separation ofthe Slates they do not
wish for.
Their repulse in Twiggs, Jones, Baldwin, Ac.
&,c.must have astonished these “Iravellingpreach-
ers.” It was a consummation they did not expect.
They had anticipated no such obstacle; but that
the public credulity would be a smooth sea for them,
over which they should triumphantly sail, until
they arrived at. their wished fir haven. Happily
for the country, the intelligence of the people has
saved it from a dreadful chasm, towards which
the ambition of unprincipled men was fast hurrying
it.
A free people are always jealous of their rights
—and perhaps too prone to suspect their govern
ment of injustice; hence a great show of patriot
ism in a popular candidate, who pledges his devo
tion to the cause of the people, and harps on their
oppressions, may easily create an excitement, and
afterwards turn it to his own advantage. But at
the same time an intelligent people are always jeal
ous of their public men; and are disposed to sift
every applicant for office as, through a sieve ofiron
belbre they give him their confidence. They are
aware how easy it is for a candidate to profess one
thing and mean another; and they are aware also,
that those who profess the greatest devotion to the
people, are most commonly in the end found to be
the most selfish, the most corrupt, and the most
profligate.
FEDERAL UNION.
MI LI. EDGE VILLE, SEPT. 20, 1832.
FOR PRESIDENT,
ANDREW JACKSON
CANDIDATES FOR CONGRESS.
FOR JACKSON AND THE 1JNIOX.
JOHN COFFEE, of Cherokee,
THOMAS W. HARRIS, of Walton,
GEORGE W. OWENS, of Chatham,
WILLIAM SCHLEY, of Richmond,
DANIEL M. STEWART, of GIvnn,
JAMES C. TERRELL, of Franklin,
JAMES C. WATSON, of Muscogee.
DANIEL NEWNAN, of Henry,
(Kk JOHN MILTON, Esq. of Columbus,
we are requested to say, is a candidate for Con
gress at the election in October next.
BALDWIN MEETING.
By request, we give the following condensed
view ofthe Preamble and Resolutions, offered by
Judge Lamar to the people of Baldwin county.—
They were adopted in the manner we now pre
sent them, by an overwhelming majority. There
has been a good deal of carping at the course pur
sued by Judge Lamar. It is sufficient to say, that,
his conduct at the meeting has very much elevated
him in the estimation of Baldwin county;
W iiereas we, citizens ofthe county of Baldwin,
regard any interference by the General Govern
ment with the pursuits of popular industry, as at
once inconsistent with sound principles of national
policy and foreign to the purpose for which the gov
ernment was instituted:
And whereas the existing Tariff laws have been
enacted, not as justice and the constitution requir
ed, exclusively lor the purposejofraising necessary
revenue to pay the debts .and to meet the wants of
the Government, but alsolbr the unwarranted pur
pose of promoting manufactures by a system of in
direct bounties—thereby making all other branches
of industry tributary to that which is so unjustly
favored:
And whereas we in common with our fellow-
citi/.ensin every part of the State, hold those laws
(so far as they embrace the odious system of pro
tection and favoritism to which we have alluded)
to be unjust, oppressive and incompatible with the
spirit ofthe Constitution:
And whereas, although candor prompts us to ad
mit, that the present burthens of tiie system will be
in some degree mitigated by ihe recent modifica
tion of the Tarifflaws, yet neither justice nor seif
respect will permit us to accept that modification
as a compromise of our indisputable rights:
And whereas our fellow-citizens in other parts
of iht State, disappointed &. justly indignant at the
late refusal of Congress to provide for the abandon
ment c.f the protective system at the opportune and
anticipated era of national freedom from debt, have
determined to hold a State Convention to deliber
ate upon the course of conduct which it is meet for
the people of Georgia to pursue at this important
crisis:
And whereas although we, confiding in the vir
tue and good sense of the American people, do not
despair ofthe ultimate efficacy of the remedial en
ergies of our free institutions lo correct the existing
vicesol Federal legislation; and are therefor deci
dedly opposed to the adoption of any unconstitution
al, and at this time any forcible or revolutionary
measure of redress—yet we cannot but believe
that the voice of»eason and justice, proceeding from
a Convention directly representing the sovereign
power of the State, and in which wisdom, firmness
and moderation, and a sacred regard for the Con
stitution and the Union, shall be guiding principles,
will acquire a commanding energy of tone which it
lias not hitherto possessed, and which can hardly
fail to make a deep, a solemn, and we trust a re
deeming impression upon the National Legisla
ture.
1. Be it therefore resolved, That we, citizens of
the county of Baldwin, do acquiesce in the general
will that a State Convention shall be held, having
for its object the dispassionate consideration of our
Tariff grievances, and tiie most eligibe mode of
effecting a removal thereof.
2. Resolved, That we deem it expedient and
TROUT TICKET.
HENRY BRANHAM, of Putnam,
AUGUSTIN S. CLAYTON, of Clark,
THOMAS F. FOSTER, of Greene,
ROGER L. GAMBLE, of Jefferson,
GEORGE R. GILMER, of Oglethorpe,
CHARLES E. HAYNES, of Hancock,
SEABORN JONES, of Muscogee,
JAMES M. WAYNE, of Chatham,
RICHARD II. WILDE, of Richmond.
(£r MIRABEAU B. LAMAR, Esq. we are
authorized to say, is a candidate for Congress at
the ensuing election.
IO” We are requested to announce Samuel
Rockwell and Wm. H. Torrance E.sq’rs. as
candidates before the people of Baldwin for the
Anti-tariff Convention.
We hope the friends of the Union will immedi
ately form a Union Ticket for the Anti-tariff Con
vention. It ought to consist of one from each of
the local parties. It is only to announce such a
ticket, to ensure its almost unanimous support.
We regret that Col. Howard’s note came to hand
after our paper was full, and all its matter arrang
ed. We will very cheerfully give it place in our
next; as we do not design to do injustice either to
him or Gen. Newnan.—We arc compelled to ex
clude several ai tides already in type.
ANTI-TARIFF MEETINGS.—The reports
of these meetings are so numerous and extended,
that we have space to publish only a small part of
them, at present; and must be content with giving
*. brief summary. We expect to publish them at
full length, hereafter:
The meetings in Columbia and Troup adopted
the Athens resolutions.
The meeting in Upson passed resolutions, for
opposing the tariff by all proper means, and appro
ving of a convention, whose proceedings should be
referred to the people for ratification or rejection.
The meetings in Franklin, Habersham, and
Liberty, McIntosh and Twiggs, reprobate a pro
tective tariff, condemn nullification, and disapprove
of a convention.
The meetings in Burke and DeKalb, reprobale
a protective tariff, condemn nullification, and ap
prove of a convention; DeKalb requiring that the
proceedings ofthe convention should be referred
back to the people.
The meeting in Crawford reprobates a protec
tive tariff, disapproves of a convention, condemns
nullification, and censures the vote of a majority of
our representatives in congress, against a reduc-
duction of the tariff.
The meeting in Wilkes reprobates a protective
tariff, disapproves of a convention, condemns nulii
fieatiou, and every measure tending to a dissolu
tion ofthe Union, and approves ofthe vote of For
syth and Wayne, for reducing the tariff.
Most ofthe counties express their approbation of
the administration of Andre w Jackson.
GEORGE W. OWENS Esq. This gentleman
has been UNANIMOUSLY elected Mayor of the
city of Savannah. This is an honorable testimoni
al of the high qualifications of Col. Owens, and of
the liberality of sentiment of the citizens of Savan
nah, in electing lo their chief magistracy, a gentle
man differing from a majority of that community,
in party names. In tiie present great crisis, he arid
his fellow-citizens who may have heretofore been
separated from him on points of minor importance,
proper tiiat the result of the deliberations of said are united in a pure, generous, and ardent attach-
convention shall be submitted to the people of tiie j ment to the Uniqn.
for you; ami declares, that his only design i* ,
correct your faults, and reclaim you ton course
justice. What opinion do you entertain <jH,i s r r ;! 1
ship? Is it not the tendency of bis conduct, ; 0 p,
troy the friendly connexions subsisting hetv (U
von and your other neighbors, as well as Lin^ •
And judging, not by his professions, vrliick
deceive, but by the more certain criterion of |
actions, do you not believe him to be your or,
my?
Rely on the same principles of common s. r.
and you will duly appreciate ihe character of jiff
ny prominent politicians. Whenever the federa 1
government treats us with unkindness, or injusi,*
ao language is too harsh and violent to express the;,
resentful opposition; they passionately appdy i 0
the most vituperative epithets; they vehement!.!'
denounce it, as a robber, and a tyrant;in opTxis!-
tioti to our daily observation and experience, tl iev
endeavour to make us believe, that it has reduced
us to poverty, slavery, and wretchedness: am] tV
incessantly urge us, to imitate the nolle exampu-
of our gallant forefathers, who rose in arms at th
inspiring call ol liberty, and burst the c’nainst,
English despotism. Amid all these accusation
and invectives, they profess to love the Federa;
Union: but their conduct is at variance with tliei-
professions. As far as their influence extends, o:
their assertions are believed, they infuse into tb
minds of the people, a hatred for the federal gov
ernment, as their most designing &. dangerousei: ; -
mv: and a wish to dissolve their collection with i\
If they shall succeeu in exciting, in the minds e I
the people, those sentimens of distrust A hatred
which are the natural result of their conduct, they
will have laid the fatal magazine, and prepared th
train; and it will then require only a spark, an ac
cidental spark, lo produce an explosion, that ui;
blow this Union to atoms. Let such men pro
claim, again and again, their devoted attachmer;
to the Union; their actions shew them to he ii.
most dangerous enemies.
The enlightened and patriotic statesman wi
distinguish between the federal government, ard
those who abuse its powers. He will endeavour t
correct the faults in its administration, without i;.-
dieting a fatal wound on the government itself.—
He will remember the example of Washington, at..i
endeavour to inspire tiie hearts of bis Mow. citi
zens with a deeper, holier, more unalterable im
for the Union. While the press is free lo main
tain and disseminate the principles of iilicrtv; v. hi -
the votes of the people are free in the choice ofii.
government; while the trial by jury, tiiat shield .
the citizen against lawless oppression, is pic,-. -
ved inviolate; he will not despair ofthe republic
and nothing but insufferable oppression will indue
him to subvert the government, by revolution,
to destroy it by voluntary disunion.
We believe that this sketch exhibits with sun,'
exceptions the distinguishing characteristics of tic
two parties, which cow divide the state. Tir
millifiers and sccedcrs pursue that course, whit I,
might be deliberately chosen by a party determine;
to destroy the Union: while the unionists, in en
deavouring to correct the abuses of the federnlgm-
ernment, are careful not to impair those admirable
institutions, which were framed by the wisdom o'
our patriotic forefathers.
JUDGE CLAY TON’S KEl’Lr.—In repiv'
tlie enquiry of the committee appointed by tb*
Richmond meeting, Judge Clayton has jn.blisl.td
a long address, extending over several columns u:'
a newspaper: but we cannot find in it any argu
ment of sufficient force; to reconcile our head-"',
our hearts to a dissolution ofthe Union. V
had marked his reply for publication in the Fednal
Union of this week; but find it unexpectedly ex
cluded by other matter which cannot properly In-
delayed ; on account of its grear length, itspub;'-
calion would be the exclusion of many other pie
ces, having stronger claims.
The most inattentive reader will .observe, that in
the various responses given bv different candidate-,
to the Richmond committee, those opposed to nib-
liention contain plain arguments, which coined-
rectlv home lo the simplest understanding: v.l;i -
those in favor of nullification, rely on subtil, and
far-fetched, and overstrained reasoning, and on ex
citing the prejudices and the passions of ihe peo
ple Such is the character of Judge Claytons re
ply.
Following the author and ablest expounder t :
the doctrines of nullification, Judge Clayton dedu
ces them from trie Virginia resolutions of 1798
drafted by Mr. Jefferson. Because tins enlighten
ed statesman, in affirming the inherent and natur
al right of the States to oppose all assumptions o:
power, by others, within their limits, lias used tb
word tmUificalion, those who now employ the saw
term to express an absurd, delusive, and danger
ous theory, impute to this great man all the !<»I1r
and vices which they associate with this word —
Fortunately for the reputation of Jefferson, h
opinions have been expounded and vindicated 1”
one who well understood them ; by his most learn
ed and powerful comrade, in his great contest fi*
constitutional liberty, in 1798 : by the wise, th
virtuous, the patriotic Madison. This learned an '
philosophic statesman informs us, that it was d
plan of the friends of liberty, in 1798, neither c
appeal to tire sword, noi to abandon the I nioa; I
but to produce a peaceful “ co-opcration” among I
all the States opposed to the usurpation complain I
ed of, and to make a deep and powerful im- I
pression on the public sentiment of the country.— I
On this peace fid and rational plan, Jefferson an- |
11is republican friends acted; and Lv the potverfb
weapon of reason; by the mighty energies ot
mind, they achieved a bloodless, and a gioriou-
victory over the usurpations of power. Jefferson
is to be admired, not more for iris bold ascertion ti
the principles of liberty, than for his splendid exam
ple of vindicating those principles, and prostrating
oppression, without afflicting his country with
horrors of anarchy and civil war, or exposing b
liberty to the ambition of some successful niiiita;
chief, at the head of an obedient army. How A*'
lerentisthe conduct ol the politicians of the pr^
sent day, who borrow trie sanction of his
name, for a course of measures the reverse c ;
those which he pursued ! Tiie nuilifiers depen-
not on intellectual and moral power, for overthrow *
ing those usurpations of which they comply
they maintain, that the country can no longer Hop
for relief from Congress ; tiiat in th is cause reasn-
has become impotent; that justice has lost he" •
fluence; and they utter threats of a resort to Do--
an appeal to arms, or an abandonment of £
Union. Jefferson, contending for constitutional , --
erty, restrained the hands of his countrymen r ‘V
blood, and preserved the nohie institutions ol -
country, inviolate; while his pretended folloj*
operJv advise us to plunge into civil war—to a a ,
don that Union which, in the judgment of’*
ington, is the palladium of our safety, the bul
of our liberty. #
It is firmly established by the unimpeachable •-
timony < f Madrson, thai the principles and -
practice of Jefferson stand in direct opposm'’
the nullification of the present day. By J
Clavton’s first authority, he is condemned. ^
He next attempts u» find an -•u-ooiiw for n^
cation, in the controversy of Gov. 1 roup .
President Adams; and he takes as a text,a .
tion advanced on a different occasion, »y * -
er—“ whatevern Hlate does, in its sovereign ,