The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-05-24

myself Mr. President, when I profess to
enjoy ne most entire exemption from this
hanetui spirit of intolerance, When profess
TO feel the greatest respect Tor the gentle
men who differ from me on this occasion,
and Tor their motives, when i profess to
extend all possible indulgence. and Tor.
beareDce towards the opinions of those gen.
tie nen, and feel at the same time Conscious,
that shall stand IN need of the same libe-
raj y myself, from both sides OF the Ques-
zion. Indeed, sir. would not deign to ac-
cept victory in argument, founded solely
upon che absorption OF improper motives to
my antagonist. 1t is my Intention to give
Che arguments OF the gentlemen on the
other side OF the question the most
Impartial and attentive consider atom
kGow the gentlemen are personally en-
n,.ed TO it-and their observ ations merit
St
The honorable gentleman FROM Georgia.
<Mr Crawford) Who reported this biik as
the chairman of The committee, 10 whom
she subject was generally referred, excited
not little surprise in my mind, by the
PREDATORY remarks which fell from him in
support OF it he gentleman prefaced his
arguments by observing, "that it had lately
become the fashion TO euogise the const-
tuition of the United States; and that.when
ever he heard lavish encomiums applied to
1t. he Could not help experimenting mis-
Chiet. acknowledge l could not com
prehend the bearing of this remark upon
che question under discussion. !. sir, have
bong been in the haht Of generating the
constitution; and have often expressed nay
admiration at he wisdom otits provisions ;
and really had hoped, that might have
been induiged IN these sentiments and pre-
possessions, ard even the expression OF
them upon proper occasions without excl
sinS in the mind of any gentleman appre.
heusions OF mischief--nor can divine what
species of mischief the gentleman appre-
bends from that cause. Mr.. President,
when we look over the whole word known
90 us-when we particularly cast our eyes
over that part of it, with which we have
she m st intimate relatiops-when we see
the rapid strides which despotism is ma
&iTg over the whole human race-when we
obs erve the various and powe rful means
new IN use, torivet its immovable domini-
sh upon mauk ind-when we reflect, that the
CONSTITUTION of the " States now affords the
only practical experiment upon the repub-
Noan principle, and the only and last hope
Tor the preservation and extension of the
Sberues OF man is it ,wonde rtul or alarm
irg, hat we should feel and express some
paruaiity, and even veneratiou, for an in
Nrument OF so peculiar character? or should
even endeavor to teach others to venerate.
whose provisions at least exempt us from
the general scene of despotism, and may c.
yentually extend their blessings to the
whole human race! Or if, in dwelling up
on the wisdom and imPortance of its provi
sions, we might pass over some possible
Defects without scruinzing them with an
hyPercritical eye, might not the omission
De INDUCED, without producing animadver-
sion or censure? SIR, we all vencrate the
republican principle. know the gentle
man from Georgia (Mr. Crawford) does
Nor do pretend, that my devotion 10 i,
greater than his but, sir, have given the
greatest attention to the observations ofthe
gentleman upon the constitution !; and car
now say, that my veneration for the ins,ru
ment. and admiration at the wisdom of il.
provisions, are not at all impaired or di
ninished; notwithstanding the gentleman
eriiiciams, &c. L will now, Mr. Pre- sident
andeavor to exhibit the general characte,
OF the constitution; to point out the mod,
for ITS correct Interpretation and apply
90 tie subject now under consideration. Il
doing so, propose TO follow the course o
observations made by the honorable chair
man of the committee who reported til,
bill.
(Sheech 10 be Continued. }