Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-11-22
ON THE POWERS OF CONGRESS.
FROM I'VE BOSTON GAZETTE.

FROM THE BOSTON GAZETTE.
Tie editors oil the National Intelgencer, in
their remarks upon communication containing
objections TO the appropriation of the public reve
nue. BY ons,ess for roads and canals, attempt 10
Justify the Interference OF the federal government in
Internal improvements, by the two following CON
si.leratioa~, viz. that majority of Congress has
aiicady decided in favor OF such appropriations,
and that the e!fec Of the measure will be 10 take
srrplus capital from the maritime towns, and crcu-
late 4 in the interior parts OF he cosniry.
we have of en- been instructed and gratifed by
ale able remarks OF the editors of that paper on
political subjects; and we cannot withhold the
declaration, that we have generally perceived equal
proofs Of Intelligence and canCor; but are not
satisfied with the reasons given IN support OF the
measure above mentioned. That majority of
Congress, at particular tine, should be considered
to have 20 correctly decided constitutional ques-
too that IL is 10 be received settled, and never
agaa TO be aga;ed, or further investigation TO be
had or the subject, will not be admitted. We
nisit also sssune directly contrary doctrine, it
consideration of this sort 20 determine in the
ease; because minority OF Congress, wien the sub
ice, was first discussed, opposed TO such ap-
Dropriations Mr.. Madison also decidedly
against the measure, the belief of its unconsti-
tilionaiity Such was likewise Mr.. .HonrOe'S opn-
ion when he came into Office, and for long time
after. For lis opinion, then, he gave his strong
reasons If he afterwarda changed lis views he has
left Us without knowIedse of the arguments by
which ie was convinced of his former mistake.
We believe the people do not consider the ques-
tioa settled. Nor do we think, that because some
men of talents or OF patriotism even, are in favor
Of legislaling respecting roads and canals by the
federal gov ernmcnt it will therefore be admitted
constitutional and proper. Whatever Mr.. CLAY
may think on the subject, or some Others high IL
Office in the general government, the people will
not hesitateto form opinion for themselves
. ka.~t Iii -
any instances of the national rulers ranscendiug the
powers given them by the constitution, whatever
may be the plea of expediency public improve
rnent That each stale is amply competent TO
decide upon and TO execute all plans of this sort,
no one will den and that The right and The power
belong 20 the respective states, and the eder-
al legislature must be admitted by all who allow
that the authority not clearly given is retained by
each state, and who believe that constructive
power merely is dangerous to the liberties of the
people
The state of NJ York has planned and finished an
extensive canal. Pennsy lyania and Ohio can unite
in forming one through those Two states for the
benefit Of each.
But It's enough for every correct politician, for
every one who considers the constitution the source
and the limit Of power to Congress, that no such
case is provided for, and no such authority given
The power given is great, but II is distinctly and
fully de ined and il relates TO commerce and to
foreign relations. The general clause, vesting
power refers expressly the objects before partcu-
larly enumerated
The doctrine Of constructive powers was once
highly disapproved, ard rejected as dangerous
Neither the IDEA OF expedency, nor promise Of
national grandeur, nor any great names, should
operate TO cheat US out OF constitutional lights
II matters not how grand may be the object, or how
sincere the advocates for 1.-THE true question
should be- the warranted by the constitu-
tiony Was the exerci-e OF such power by Con-
gress contemplated by she people, when it was
PEELED 10 say, shews, in humble opinion, the
want Of strong arguments TO support the doctrine
contended for. Because there is but little circula-
ting cash in the Western country, tbeI efore Con
gres will do well TO project some great work, by
which more money will ind its way into Kentucky
and Ohio. This appears TO sufficient reason
in favor Of a measure, OF The consttulionality Of
which there is great doubt, and for which there is
no power given. If such considerations are to be
admitted, in deciding the authority Of The federal
government, IN any given case, the interest and
ingenuity of portion or class OF men will al
ways be ready 10 suggest pretexts for the
most improper and expensive. BY force of reason
ing such as his, Congress may 20 on 10 supersede
altogether the power of the state legislatures; hcb,
instead Of being sovereign, in all cases except a
few particularly specified in the federal consttu-
ton, will be redu, 4 to mere municipal corporations
This is already IT, tendency OF recent measures OF
the federal government. 1t is evidently the design
Of some aspiring individuals, who expect to retain