[ Doc. No. S2. ] 11 Jf, when an act supposed by a part of the people to be unconstitutional, has once passed, opposition to it must cease, then usurpation is consecrated by the very fact of having been committed- Divine right is to be attributed neither to kings nor majorities. ' The sentiment of passive obedience has been thought to degrade the subjects of a monarch; it is still less becoming an American freeman, and would be ill addressed to an American Congress. We agree that such opposition should be made by the most peaceful and constitutional means, and we hope and believe that the forms of a free and popular constitution will always afford a remedy when there is just cause to complain of abuse or usurpation of power. We beg the indulgent consideration of your honorable body to the views we have thus submitted. WM. HARPER, for himself and THOMAS R. DEW.
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