The Kentucke Gazette

To the PRINTER of the KENTUCKE GAZETTE.

As the writers for a separation are beginning to issue their productions, it would reflect no honor upon a large number of people in this district, who are perfectly satisfied with that scheme, if nothing were said in reply. I am always pleased with seeing subjects of consequence fairly discussed; and I shall offer some thoughts to my fellow-citizens against a separation. In this performance I shall particularly oppose the plan, and take notice of my opponents, only as their arguments may come in place. But it will be necessary by way of introduction, that this dispute has changed its appearance very much since the time of its commencement. Complaints were at first made of grievance; in the administration of government, and a great inattention in the assembly to the interests of this country. These complaints were so affirmed; and appeared to be so well founded, that they awakened in some minds a resentment, like that which they had heretofore expressed against the abuse of the king and parliament of Great Britain. But by the preceding conduct of the Legislature every ground of complaint is removed, and an unparalleled assurance has been given, that every thing which can be done will be done for our benefit if we communicate the proper intelligence, with respect to our wants or dangers. By two successive acts, the state of Virginia has declared to the world our right to separate, and her consent that we may separate when we wish to do so. She has instructed her Delegates in Congress to promote our admission into the Federal union. Is this the part of an imperious parent or step-dame? Is it against such a government that wise or honest men will complain of their lives and properties being at stake? Can a state which complies with every petition of the people, which deserves attention, be charged with designs of usurpation? Can a community which parts with its territory at the first request of its citizens be supposed to aim at an Aristocracy or Kingdom? Will they, who without questions grant every thing we desire, shut their ears to our complaints, and deny us their aid in correcting abuses. Will they see us sacrificed without pity, who relinquish all authority over us that we may not impute to them the appearance of injustice? No, Sir; to entertain suspicions of such a government, is to suppose that the prince of the power of the air hangs over it, and that gentleness is the character of Tyranny! The author who appeared in your second paper expresses too much anxiety lest the reins of government may be placed in the hands of others: Perhaps he may be a candidate for some office. He complains that most things are subject to change, and men's opinions alter with circumstance. Well: but Republics do not degenerate into Monarchies in ten or twenty years! And what if changes may come: Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof; and let us learn in whatever state we be, therein to be content. Will an anxious forecasting of future evils add to our present blessings? Or can the author introduce a government into Kentucke which will not be liable to change? He does not pretend to this consummate art! If change take place in Virginia to our disadvantage, we shall have one resource, that is a separation; but if the new government for which he pleads, after commencing on the best principles we can devise should degenerate into a system of oppression; where would be our resource then! In weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth! Sir, I earnestly wish my countrymen to weigh the following words; "Prudence indeed, says the American Congress, will dictate, that governments long established, should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer while things are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed." This is the language of a wise people with arms in their hands, roused to resentment by the most flagrant instances of oppression, and the most intolerable insults! What has been the language and situation of our people and their leaders? I shall answer this question in a succeeding paper, and conclude this by observing that, as the present government ceases to be charged with evil designs; as we are sensible of the advantages we have, but cannot tell the advantages we have not; as the present debate turns upon theory and speculation; as the great alone can be gainers -and the people may suffer by a revolution; it should be delayed to a further period.

A VIRGINIAN