Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-05-23

necessary and proper powers
1t this course should be unfortunate
ly persevered in, it requires no spiri,
OF prophecy to foresee, that the gov.
eminent will fall to pieces from the
want of due energy in the administra-
ton OF its legitimate powers or tina,
some extraordinary means must be
resorted to for its resoscitation. When
we cast our eyes abroad, and see the
expressions committed on our rights
by all the belligerents, &c. when we
! reflect, that we cannot calculate upon
perpetual exemption from wars, and
other political calamities, the common
lot OF all nations /: When we look al
home and see the state governments
interfering with and controlling the
proceedings of the general govern
ment even in relation to measures
directed towards the aegressing bel
! hGerents When we look around us
at home, and see every where the in !.
veterate struggles amongst political
partizaus for political power: When
we recoliect the number of choice
spirits amongst US, not copteur with
the dull pursuits of civil life VIXEN
we look at our extensive de(euceless
frontier, almost without limits, aud
see almost every year ambitious en-
terprising individuals with hostile
arms In their hands raised in defiance
OF the authority of the United States,
&c. &c. It appears to me wonderful,
that gentlemen should be delighted
with curtalling the constitutional pow
ers OF the government and enfec.
bling Its necessary energies. 1t is the
more wonderful, when we see the
same gentlemen, who seem to consi.
der every tur,ailment of power as an
individual triumph to themselves, the
most clamorous against the govern
ment for not taking manly attitude
in repeliing foreign aggressions, &c.
&c. 1t appears to me, sir, we often
see The same pentlemen with the best
and. mos. patriotic inreatioDs, ind.ie,.-
i,ss-in these irreconci'ealSie opinions.
Ihis is not the FIRST time / have EN-.
deavored IN solemn aud impressive
manner to present this subject to the
view OF the party now in power. HI
therto my efforts have been unavail-
ing.
Let me now indulge a hope, that
these reflections will meet with due
consideration from those, now entrust-
ed by the people with the management
OF their dearest interests. II induce.
ments to these observations were cal
led for; surely Sufficient could be
found during the republican admins,
trations. need only call your at
tention, sir, to the essons afforded in
the lnefficacy of our measures to re-
| pei foreign aggressions TO assert oar
rights, and do ourselves justice, &c.
and the causes which have led to this
inactivity and feebleness ofthe govern.
ment. They will not be found in a.
ny defect OF powers in the constitu.
ton because in that respect they arc
unlimited it is because gentlemen.
from various weak and groundless a.
lerms and apprehensions, have been
unwilling to exert the legitimate ener-
ges OF the constitution for those great
objects. They have theorised and
criticized themselves into such fears
OF the undue exercise of power, that
they viii not duly exercise it when in
disPensably necessary to the national
character and interests. 1t is not nv
wish to extend the powers of the con-
siitutlon beyond the fair and candid
Interpretation of its meaning be-.
cause that in my judgement it will
be sufficient for all sslutary proposes.
only regret the unwillngness of gen.
tlemen 20 act up to that point and
the probable consequences resulting
from that indisposition. l have also
to unite with the gentleman from
Georgia Mr. Crawford in expressing
my regret, that IN discussing this sub
Ject, both within and without the walls
OF Congress, and particularly in vari.
GUS republican newspapers, an ID wise
spirit and zeal should have been ma
infested, which, being more repulsive
than persuasive, haye, verify believe,
tended to defeat their own object. and
to pat at hazard the rejection of the
bill. Why, on this subject particular
iy, should we witness such a display
OF intolerance aud denun iation (?
Why, the iliberal ascriDtion OF Improp.
er motives TO the republican members,
who support the bill Can any good
result 10 the natIon--to the reDuhIican|