Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1824-02-12
REPORTED FOR THE NATIONAL IsrELLroExcEa.
Eighteenth Congress.
DEBATE
DEBATE
On the Blu for obtaining the necessary .Ssrreus
ON The subject of Roads and Canals.


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JAsuARY 90
Mr.. A. STEVENSON of Virginia, in ris-
ing, said, that he had not the vanity to sup
Pose' that any argument which he could offer
on thus subject would change the opinion ex-
pressed by the House, in the previous vote on
tnls OH Indeed, he should have considered
n,mseif precluded, by his respect for the
House, from any attempt to discuss, at this
stage, the important principles involved in this
bill, had not the House evinced. by consent
Ing to recommlt it, Willingness TO have il
more fully and freely debated. Under this
Impression, ne rose, at this protracted stage
OF the debate, toNdischarge what M believed
to be sacred duty, and to ask the indulgence
ct the committee. whilst he presented, as
briefly as ne coNldlhis views on this interest.
ing and important subiect.
He did not intend. Mr.. S. said, TO discuss
at large the expectancy of the system. To-
wards which this bill was avowedIya preli-
'ainary step, and which might Justly be con-
sdered as the first link in the mighty chain of
constructive power. Eandor, however. re-
CURED him TO say, thai If he believed the
power claimed could beS exercised without a
violation OF the constitution, yet he would re-
fuse TO exercise it.
He coDcurred in the option expressed by
the distinguished gentlenal from Kentucky.
THE Speaker,) that political power was t6,
highest which could be giyenby man. 10 man
II was the most sacred trust bat could be re-
posed in an earthly tribunal !; but he had vet
Ia learn how refusal to exorese any power
which might be deemed unwis, or inexp. Ji-
fnt, could be construed into an abandon
ment OF duty, or treschery TO ii. nation. He
would not follow gentlemen in tn wide range
they had taken, as To the expectancy of this
measure, but would content hinsef with ure
senting some general remarks intelation to
this branch Of the subject, before l. came to
discuss tho question Of power.
There are many and powerful cnsidera-
llons, Mr.. >. said, which, in his option. for
bid the exercise of this power by thegeneraI
government, at the present time. Tx sub
lect was one peculiarly fitted for the SHE go
vernments. 1t was one of u local, rathefhan
ii national character and could only beayelI
executed by the local authorities. All tese
schemes of internal improvement must h,e
their rise, Mr.. S. said, in local interests aid
feelings; and he put il to the candor of te
friends of this bill, 10 say, whether their COZ
templated schemes fD- Improvement had nd
their origin in l0cal views. What security, Mr.
,. asked, by the present constitution, should
we have, for equality. in the disbursements OF
the millions which would he necessary for the
execution of these splendid and magnificent
schemes None none, but Legislative discre,
lion and pleasure. Does DOT every Impartial
mind see, that the resources of the nation, de
rived from all, would be used for local rather
than national objects and that favorite par
tons of the Uniun would receive the benefits
whilst other parts could not participate
Sir, said MIR. ). instead of promoting thee,
great national benefits, which the imaginalia,
MI lhn h. .txtr L
such bright perspective instead of promoting
union and 'eace amongst the states and th'
people, it would he the apple of discord anc
disunion. Look TO the situation of some o
the old states, and see what would be the o.
peration of this system upon them. Their,
are many of them who deny the constitution
al power new claimed, add believe it cannot
and ought not tn be exercised by this go
| vernment. They have maintained that Opt
MON from the foundation of the government
| to the present time They have heretofore
| refused To participate in any of these scheme!
aud would, he had no doubt, continue TO pre-
serve their consistency. 10 relation to IN,
own state. said Mr.. S. I feel proud conf
drnce, that she will not abandon the hgi
ground which she has heretofore so well ant
so ably sustained. Virginia, sir, has main
tanned too long her worship at the altar ofth,
consti utiun, pure and und,Gled, to br seducee
from her allegiance by godea considerations
or alarmed by any mistaken approximations o
dsuDiOn or disaffection. Virginia is not in
sensible To the benefits of internal improve
ment she is pow actively engaged in THU
great work but, she asks not the aid of th
government, and would scorn To- receive il
by a sacrifice of her principles, or an aban
d0nment of duty. There are other state.
which hold the same sentiments. What, then
is our situation? Why, the resources of on
nation are To be seized on, to aggrandise on
| Western and Northwestern brethren to sub
due the Western Goods, and tame their noun
ans and, If we refuse our assent, we ar,
told. that the Union may be endangered anC
shaken to its centre.
Sir, said Mr.. S. I entertain no fears upor
the subject. No man can make me believe
| that the rejection of this bill, or the refusa
to exercise the power now claimed, is tn SO
paraie these states, or ALLEVIATE the affection
Of ;he West from the Union. Our Westerl
brethren are too patriotic and bigh-mInded
they bear too noble and lefty spirit the,
are bound to us by too many and endrarin
ties, they have poured out their blood to-
freely in defence Of every thing which can |,
dear 10 freemen--to LET any mistaken or mo
mentary feeling hurry them into anarchy O
HiShbtNtl' ~ OpPo9Nub ihio bhif WI - Oth
caimed any unfriendy feeling towards IN
West. He could say, with an ancient wor
4 thy
i "Amicus Plato sed magis AMIGA yeritas.T
1 He loved the West, hut he loved the con
stituton and interests Of his country more.
1 He called upon gentlemen to pause
this power must be exercised Ivy this govern
ment, let itbe by an amendment Of the con
n stituiion. A proposition To- that effect hs
been submitted in the other branch Of the lie
sisature. Let us wait its issue present tn
question firly TO the people Il do not sa
that will vote for II y but, If they, after fu