Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1822-03-19

which can be understood, either in our gege.
raj or local Jurisdictions, only by an enghtcn-
ed survey of the several parts, as well as their
connection with the general system. !
If as l believe, absolute independence is
practicable of the Deity alone ;-if mutual re-
latons and dependencies between states, are,
~ a paramount law of our nature, derived
from the diversties which exist in their moral,
intellectual and physical powers ;--and ifnen
however Theoretically free, can only practi-
caiiy ENJOY liberty, by means of HABITS, capa-
cities and attachments communicated 10 them
individually hy a course of education, through
the nstrumen'ality of permanent laws and pO-
liticai institutions then the inference is in
evitab!e tina: wise statesmen must not only
Iattentively contemplate the existing state OF
| society, IN its minutest ramiicatiens, but
ought also anxious'y 10 consider, the distinc-
tive character, bias and tendency of the age in
which they live, for the purpose of guarding
the community against premature innovations
upon ancient habits and Institutions, and for
the further purpose of limiting those inevita-
| bile notifications, which are required bv
changes ofpublic manners,and by the progress
! oil cIsiliZatiOn, IN manner most conducive to
the tranquility of the nation and state of
which they are members.
| AS the recent, pOpulous andintelligent Com
monweaIth of Virginia, distinguished for TIE
ilustrlous men it has reared, has for long
time, exerted an cflicacious influence in the
councils of our country, | am perfectly satisf-
Ell, that m accurate knowledge of the princi-
pies, policy and legislation OF that respecta-
bic state, is necessary to correct and faithful
| discharge of the duties of an American Legis-
| latOr.
| While l make this Acknowledgement with
perfect sincerity, cannot but entertain a hone
| that the laws and institutions of Connecticut.
Will not be thought undeservlng the attention
! of the most considerable members of our I'm
| ION. This state being one of the smallest in
territorial limits, and surrounded by opulent,
powerful and enterprising neighbours, must,
Notwithstanding the natural strength of its To-
cation, It's compact population, its attainments
In arts and sciences, principally rely for per-
| manent security and distinction, upon the wis
dom and stability oft the public councils, and
upon the fidelity and justice with which the
laws OF social order are generally observed
| throughout our country. These principles
are well understood by the people, and their
attachment TO the Constitution and Union of
the United States, is inviolabie.
For the reasons which have been suggested,
L hope 1t will not be deemed obtrusive 10 re-
| mark, that the jurisprudence of Connecticut,
constitutes an Interesting article in the history
| OF repubcanlsm. The first settlers formed a
well digcsted system of government, under
which they associated, in the year 1885, The
principles this system were embodied in
the draught OF charter, which was prepared
In this country, and which as is believed was
| executed by Charles the Cd OF England, in the
| year 1862, without the addition or alteration
OF sing lie sentence. This Charter was con-
sidered the palladium of orr hbertes, until
the period ofthe Revolution, which in this
| state was effected. merely by renOuncing and
denying the titular authority of the British
Grown. No other change was made even in
form, until the year 1919, and the constitution
winch was then substituted by the people,
collected in their primary assemblies, con
tains prominent and distinct features of its an
Gent origin.
In respect to municipal law, il may he OBJ
served, that our ancestors adopted parts of
tile Common Law of England, with nodifi-
Cations adapted to their peculiar circumstan-
ces. The Statutes of England possessed no
validity here, except as they were re-eaacted
by the General Assembly. Till since the adop-
ZION OF the Constitution of the United States.
we have recognized no law, emanating from
any other authority than the sanction of the
local representa- freely and annually e.
lected by tie people. Since that period, the
acts ct Congress and the free and general in
tercourse with the neighboring states which it
has promoted, have furnished materials for
improving our local legislation, and we per-
ce1ye with satisfaction, the gradual extension
and diffusion of American principles, in pro-
portion as their utility is discovered that the
institutions of this state, notwithstanding their
humble origin and unassuming career, are now
shedding proportional light on the brilliant
constellation of Republics, with which we are
surrounded.
have the honor to be,
With perfect respect,
Your Excellency's most obed't Servt.
(Signed) OLIVER WOLCOTT.
His Exceency
Thomas NJ. RANDoLPa,
Governor Of The State Of Virginia.