Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1821-12-20

UNITED STATES.

WASHINGTON, December 13.-The excite
mcnt OF state feeling, produced in one or two
OF the states, by recent decisions ofthe Federal
Judiciary, IN which the right TO revise certain
decisions oi the state courts has been asserted,
has gwen rise 10 the most important PROPOSE
ton which has yet been made during this scs
sion of Congress. We speak ofthe proposed
amendment 10 the Constitution, which will
be found in the Proceedings of the Senate of
yesterday than which few more important
questions have ever been presented to the
American people.
This proposition comes from one, and is
supported by another, whose political course
has been of so UNMARRIED patriotic character.
that no object can be imputed to them but that
OF more durable establishment of the Union
OF the states. L; IS, therefore, entitled 10 grave
and respectful consideration, and we doubt
not will receive it.
In coming to the investigation of this sub
Iect the preliminary question will arise, whe-
Their any amendment be necessary TO the con-
stitution IN this particular We state this
question without intending to answer it.
Shouid II appear that there is no recon-
mendation 10 this amendment amounting to
necessity for its adoption, yet, il it be an inn
proVement OF our present system ofgovern-
mcnt, we admit that its adoption would be
that il would retore good humor to the dissat-
isiied states If, as the mever suggests, il would
have that effect.
10 the amendment now proposed, it would
be unfair TO make any objection of detail, be-
cause 1T is open for consideration, and suscep-
tlble of any impression which it NAV he
thought proper 10 give to it. We think we see
much difficulty in arranging the detail; but
that, perhaps, may be overcome.
The principle of The proposition is not in our
view, at all alarming. 1t has in its favor the
great confidence which is generally felt in the
Senate and associates itself readily with the
IDEA OF trial by aJury Of peers with whom
we are familiar from infancy. Perhaps it is
these two circumstances which make us rpIuc.
tant to entertain the objections which have
presented themselves TO our minds against this
amendment. The objections are not insu-
perib'c: that we know of, and we present
them rather to excite discussion, than as sub
stantlaI arguments against the measure
For want OF time, we put into the shape of
queries, lew OF the objections which we an
ticipGte TO this propositions:
Would the decision of the Senate, between
States, &C. iii reality give more satisfaction
than those OF the Supreme Court?
VIII not the Senators feel themselves in
cllned, or bound, to decide such questions rs
come before them, rather according To the in-
terest or wishes Ofthe States they respective
~ represent, than according to thelegal merits
of the cases
is the Senate, constituted as it is, a proper
body to adludicate questions Of law
viii not the amendment, in its consequence.
make the Senate of gentlemen of the long
robe, instead of being the representative,
equally of agriculture, commerce., manufac-
lures, and the liberal professions
VIII not the blending of Judicial and Legis-
latve powers in one body be contrary tU- the
theory of our government, by which they are
carefully separated?
May not the decision of questions in this
new court of eight-and-fo Judges he influence
ed by geographical considerations-the states
of.one section deciding against those of ano-
Their?
May NOT questions hereafter arise which such
considerations nay have an influence upon
These suggestions are hastily thrown out
almost with the hope that they may be utter
" groundless. tyVtt Int
From UaShington.- Franklin Gazette
gives long letter from Washington. On fine
subject of our negotiations with the French
Minister OH commercial affairs, the writer
Oberyes,
"There is a secret at the bottom of the
Barou's argument not generally understood.
The United States have large demands upon
France, and the French claim under the
Louisiana convention has been got up as
5et-of. But the Baron will not succeed, not
his perseverance"
FROM HAVANA.
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