Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-09-02


tie Constitution, that they deserve to be borne in
mind while ambition is insidiously at work to un-
dermine them
Nir. Randolph in reply to Mr.. Henry observes
: that the honorable gentleman, and some others.
nave insisted that the abolition of slavery will re-
san IRON it,and at the time have complained
that II encourages its continuation. The incon-
sisency proves In some degree the fuility oftheir
arguments. But if it be not conclusive, to salts
The committee that there is no danger of enfran.
easement taking place, beg leave 10 refer then,
10 me paper ITSELF Ii any gentleman be terrified
by tins apprehension, let him read the system. I
ASA and will ask again and again, till be an
swered (not by declamation) where is the part
.na' mas tendency to the abolition of slavery,
!. tue clause which says, " that the mgra-
uon or Importation Of such persons as anv of tho
states now existing, shall think proper to adnt.
snail not be prohibited by Congress prior to the
year iSoS!' This is an exception from the now
or OF regulating commerce, and the restriction ia
only to continue till 1908. Then Congress- can
By the exercise of that power prevent future inn
por'a'on Diit does It affect the existing state of
slavery! Were it right here to mention what
passed In convention on the occasion. / miobt
tell YOU that the Southern states, even South r..
roma herself, conceived this property to be Sc.
cure by these words believe whatever we NAV
think here. that there was not member of The
Virginia delegation who had the smallest suspicior
vi TIC SOoiltlon oil slavery.
observe that the honorable gentIeman's pro-
position comes In truly questionable shape. ann,
Is sun more extraordinary and unaccountable for
another consideration; that although we went ar
ucie oy article through the constitution, and al
'hoasn we ala not expect a general review of the
suo)ect as most comprehensive view had been
taken oil 1t, before it was regularly debated) vet
we are carried back 10 the clause giving that
dreadful power, for the general welfare. Pardon
an nd Of a..
ness. appeal to the candour of the honorable
senticman,and ii he thinks it an improper appeal
ask the gentlemen here, whether there be /,
seherai indefinite power OF providing for The
general welfare? The power is, "to Law and
coAeci duties, taxes, mposts, and excuses. TO nav
ue debts and provide for the common defence and
general welfare" So that they can only raise
money by these means, in order to provide Cor
Tue common defence and general welfare No
man whoreads it say, il is general. as the bo-
horaDie gentleman represents II. You ranst vim
iate every rule of construction and common
sense, II you sever it from the power of RAISING
money and annex il TO any thing else, in order to-
make 1t that formidable power which it is rem
resented TO be-
MI. Nonroe's construction, if it be- not that of
Virsihus, and the prevailing one of the aav r
tihnk, does make It thus general and conseopen,,,
formidable, beng limited only by the discretion Of
congress who are aineEable 10 the people AR
-i"oison Is equally conclusive upon tie subject if
any "hhg more were wanting 10 convince the
most preJudiced and urbeeving mind But wbv
inuiPy authorities, Or hold up great names to re-
Verence when iier talents, their virtues their q.
pihiohs' have ceased TO be respected or are .n,re
~ uisresa'ded! :" It is like casting pearl amono
swine And Virgipus does C0millus oreat in,
Jhsuce 70 suppose, (having knowledge 10 under.
stand but ingenuity to raisconceye) that Iv,;lebs
men as oracles IN the true faith he shall
iohow them blndly through all their paths. When
ever they are found todepar, ne shall take the IL
VI aepa''ins rom them, though it may seem
pr assumptions And, in this act of secarafon. he
shall require no greater tombstone. than 10 bs
Judged by their former deeds. Mr.. Kim, tbo,s,.
inc Missosrl question constitutional yireininx
differed from him; still Virginius entertains Tho
highest confidence in the virtues and political in
,esfty Oh Mr. King, and is alike charceable with
having strayed away from his fold. There is none
perhaps no, not one, who has not sinned. some
beyond redemption, others have. still left them
nope OF salvation by timely repentance.
Mr. Madison whom shall now introduce in
eohhrnaiion oil what has been already stated bv
Mr.. Randolph, it will be recoNected signed ~.
BANK Charter OF the U. States but he was one f the
Oh me Constitution, exposition of its prin
.'Pr'' anu one Oh the members of the Convention
IN virginia that adopted it, and unless o,berwis.
a'squaihed' is certainly competent 10 give evil
dence IN the case before us
IN reply 10 MIR. Henry, he SAYS, Il was str,cb
WIN surprise when heard him exnress h;,,saI.
alarmed with respect to the eyaan.n,,;on IS
Saves: Let me ask If they should even ,,femnt
III - " WIZ not be an usurpation OF power?
III Is no power to Warrant it in that paper. II
60 l snow IL not. But why should it be
done! Says the honorable gentleman. Tor tho os
nef~ toeydre--it will infuse strength into orr
system Ian any member of this conno;,,ea ,
Pose, 'iai IL VIII Increase our strength anaa.
one believe that the American eoun.;Is IN
come MOS measure which will strip Them Of
.nei' property discourage and ALLEVIATE the ,ffsc
ns "a nVe-thir'een'hs of The Union. Wbv
,;"..n'lne % ,his sort aimed at before? I be.
Iieve such an idea never entered into 49,, &c
can breast, nor do believe ii ever will -" :.
van enter INTO the heads of those gentlemen -,
substitute unsupported suspicious for reasons I,
.hinK am justified in CONCLUDING from H..
eviuences' that no power should be claimed 60
pe wods" common defence and general wsIf.rs -
n1r any means used on the part of the TT ST.
~ ~ VI iahu or money, which refer themselves
10 TINS provision of the constitution ovaI.,".s',
ior me accomplishment of the objects of ~. 10y
nization Society And, my former nos;,;on
iaia GOWN Is still good, which has not bean a,,s
Gu oy 'Hginius, that any interference n, ,ho -,
VI uie general government in relation IN ,bs 80
People or colour, would be authorised in reI,,oa.
'ne saves and, that the Colonization Socis,v IooI.
~ st '' u,'''n"e consequence, shall present
shew. II Is not sufficient for yirpinus ., a"
mat ne Will not sacrilegiously violate tb. ,ab,
property, when acting in concert with tbose -; VI
no such scruples; the only consolation Isr '' LIE
may be- to point to his vote for his ipnocsnce .,'
'ua meavi9g sIgh But the deed is done e, and who
is aI t Ghuo not even so in times past of Eog.
nd do,:o wniGn Drought Charles to the BLOCK
principles Of the Constitution. Here ,ba
Inherent 1t is only necessary to satisfy yo,r -