Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1821-02-01

prohcunce il void, wiei, a violation Of il
has fairly been asccstaihed. cit is an
established doctrine on the subject of
treaties, (says the Eederalis,, J thai all the
articles are mutually conditions OF each
other; that a breach Of one article is a
breach of The whole treaty and that a
breach committed by either of The par
ties. absolves the others: aud au,horiz IS
them if they please, TO pronounce The
compact vitiaied and void" Ii is Indeed
true, that the same spirit of forbearance
aud concession which led TO the adop-
tion of the federal constitution. has had
its influence in inducing the STATES TO
submit 10 proceedings which a sense Of
| slrict Justice 10 themselves would have
| otherwise impeiled them 10 resist.
Zine seeming acquiescence or rather the
apathy OF The states, upon this subject,
has as yet only stimulated the iberai ex-
Founders ct the constitution, to give il a
construction more and more illecltimate.
Ii is now time, however, that the states
should say To the general government,
Tins far shalt thou 60, and no farther :"
else, period may soon arrive, " hen their
mandates Will be as little Needed. as
the VOICE Of man crying in the wilder
ness, whom no man iieareiii.' II will be
wei tor those also, who have given so
broad construction To that usirumept.
TO panse FORE while. Their" high vault
ing ambition may " o'crls ap itself" and
arouse the staies, in The majesty of their
strength, TO arrest them in their career of
usurpaiion. The cord with which they
are underwriting to bind log ether 1.-THE
powers OF sovereignty, may be drawn too
light. la their zeal 10 consolidate, thew
msy dismember. II will be the duty of
those, then, who view with deep interest
the preservation OF juat balance be
tween the component paris OF our copfe-
derafed system, 10 watch with jealousy
every turn OF the scale, and 10 use their
utmost effortsto preserve an equilibrium.
iiivihg demonstrated, trust, the i'm
porianre aud necessity ois,ici an amend,
ment 10 Tie constitution, as will ensure
AN unbiased decision of all controversies
between the states and the geHerai GO
veTnmenf; the organization of proper
tribunal for the accomplishment, of this
great object, is the only branch of the
subject which remains 10 be considered
would respectfully suggest, as the out
alneS OF n plan submitted for cousidera-
iion--ihe formation of n court. (n> occa.
sion may rrquire) consisting OF Judges 10 .
be- appointed partly by the states. and
partly Oy The general government, with
appellate jurisdiction from The decisions OF
The present supreme court, which tribunal
Should he organized upon the application
OF The Legislatures OF a removable num-,
Der OF The states. An investigation OF the
minute details ef the proposed amend
ment, would properly belong 10 The con-
vehiion upon whom the duty might de.
volve, of new modelling this department,
oi The 6 )veIRHen', and who alune would
be competent 10 do justice 10 Tie subiec,l
With these observations. Iappealto tie
pride, the intelligence, aud The patriotism
OF che legislature Of my native state. lin
common with those of the Other states Of
The Unlou,) 10 afford their timely inierpo-
sition IN briialt of their constitutional
rights. While ma king this appeal feel con
scious OF my Inability 10 do justice 10 the
subirct. But conceiying it the right, and
the duty OF free people, 10 express their
opinions upon all matters touching the
public interest: I. "a one of The people,
have presumed TO address YOU. Nv ONLY
apology, for having inlruded so long up.
on your time and patience, is the deep
inieres, which al ongh, to ieeI upon this
interesting subject and if shall have
been IN any degrer Instrumental in press
ing Ut upon The consideration of YOUR
Honorable Body, either collectively or in.
dividua!ly. or in eIiciiing the reflections
of Others, more competent 10 discuss il.
my efforts. (humble as they are) will not
have been unavailiog The trainers of
the consiiintiou, well aware that, i'm the
formation of system of government,
which from the peculiar circumstances Of
the case, was particularly complex in IT'S
organization, defects in the plan would
In time be developed, have wisely provid.
ed constitutional remedy. Trusting,
therefore. that the people of these states
will avail themselves of The means which
have been designated 10 cure such defects
ia that instrument "a experience NAV un.
fold, beg leave to close MY remarks
upon The subject. in the language of the
profound aud ingenious Hume. "To bar
lance large state or society, whether
monar hical or republican, on general
laws. is work of so great difficulty. that
no human genius, bowevercomprebens
is able. by The mere dint of reason and
reflection. 70 effect il. The judg ments of
mauy must unite in the work: experience
must guide their labor time must bring
1t TO perfection : aud the feeling of incon,
veniences must correct the misiakeswhich
they inevitably fall iBio in rheir first trials
and experiments.
Il PUBLICOLA.