Page:Kentucky Resolutions of 1798.djvu/57

Rh of any mention of his name. A spirit of opposition was born of the instant, and the advocacy of resistance steadily increased. The means and methods of that resistance alone formed subject of debate. The resolutions passed at a meeting of the citizens of the influential county of Clark will give an idea of the opinions expressed in all. They were the first of the series and passed so early as July 24th.

''First. Resolved'', That every officer of the Federal government, whether legislative, executive, or judicial, is the servant of the people, and is amenable and accountable to them: That being so, it becomes the people to watch over their conduct with vigilance and to censure and remove them as they may judge expedient: That the more elevated the office and the more important the duties connected with it may be, the more important is a scrutiny and examination into the conduct of the officer; And that to repose a blind and implicit reliance in the conduct of any such officer or servant is doing injustice to ourselves.

''Second. Resolved'', That war with France is impolitic, and must be ruinous to America in her present situation.

''Third. Resolved'', That we will, at the hazard of our lives and fortunes, support the Union, the independence, the Constitution, and the liberty of the United States.

''Fourth. Resolved'', That an alliance with Great Britain would be dangerous and impolitic; that should defensive exertions be found necessary, we would rather support the burthen of them alone than embark our interests and happiness with that corrupt and tottering monarchy.

''Fifth. Resolved'', That the powers given to the President to raise armies when he may judge