Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-09-02
RICHNToMD, SEPT. q.
ron THE E.voUTRER.

has proper respect for himself, he shall not be
unmndful OF what belongs to the feelings OF those
OF whatever party, to whom he may be opposed in
any matters of controversy Having, at this time
as IL has been his good fortune. through life ss
mind at peace with all below he shall conduct
the investigation with single aim at truth and his
couniry's happiness. 1t is not without pain, how
ever, that he has " remark" which virginius
has thought proper TO indulge towards the Editors
OF the EaquTer, calculated TO disturb the harmony
that was likely to exist between all the parties
Camillus did not seek to know more of Vireni,is
than his pen indicated, which showed him to be no
contemplate adversary, having taken up the gage
with the iuli confidence of victory, armed he 10
doubt is with all the habilimcn:s of desperate
warfare. Hit can give him any advantage to
stand enrolled near the emblem of the Capitol in
the columns of the Enquirer it is granted by Ca
milus with all due Submission, without resigniny
his claim 10 fighting for the liberty of Rome.
Camillus takes the earliest opportunity, and it
gives him much pleasure TO do so, in acknowlet.e-
ing that he has done Mr. Monroe Injustice in stat
Ing that he was unsupported in his view of the
power Of the federal government over the sub
Ject OF internal improvements, by any friend who
took part in the debate of 1924. In recurring to
the history OF the day, he does find that Mr.. Me-
Dufhe attempts to sustain his untenabe position
with no better success, and, without furnishing any
additional matter. So little effect did it produce
upon his mind at the time of reading it., compared
with his other arguments, as to have escaped Ca
miilus's recollection entirely, which will account
Tor his having omitted 10 remark it, But Virgil
MUS will rccollect, 90 that one Swallow makes no
summer
The capital error lies as well with him as his
great prototype, with perhaps this difference that
the one considers, what they pleased to term
" The appropriatng power limited by the
discretion of the common defence and general
~ la fha tharc
the responsibility which the representative owes
20 his constituents" Virginius is too well ac-
quainted with the principles of logic no, 10 dc,
the falacy of reasoning which is based on this part
of the constitution; and rather think the lust COM
mendstions which he has bestowed upon Mr. Nc
| Duties speech would be withheld for the sake of
| his reputation as statesman, were iley 10 rest
alone on this view of the subject. If the appro-
pration of money be incident it is not properly
pow er in the sense spoken of because, il must
| necessarily refer to something that is greater IF
1t be power of itself, which it must according to
| the construction maintained, il should be indepen
dent OF, and equal 10, any other power; and, TO
Isay, the power OF power. is absurdity in terms
which no lo2icIan can reconcile.
While upon this part of the subject which will
be resorted to by the friends of the Colonization
Society in connecting the General Government
with their operations, shall take leave to offer
some remarks, or rather authorities, much better
than my own, in Illustration of the words com
mon defence and general welfare as used in the
constitution, In addition 10 those already made
which were answered with the reply, 90 that the
authority of the federal government had been dis
| cussed, and would doubtless be discussed again. -
In doing this, shall be content to claim no, more
than what am sure will be readily Welded to me
the concurrent opinions OF both friend and foe at
The time of the adoption of the federal constitution
The friends OF State Rights have claimed no more
| at any time in their construction of the powers
gwen TO the Federal Government and those reserv
ell to the people. L. mas been my constant aim not
10 torture that instrument for the attainment of an
object not to rely upon the opinions of the day for
It's faithful import; but TO go back not to yepoLu
mons but to fundamental principles, to the davs
| oil our fathers, who knew what their blood purchas-
ed, and what they intened TO secure for the benefit
OF their posterity.
nave said that, the same power which gives
tue Gehefai Government the right TO take away
the Tree people of colour, will authorize il, inter
ference in more important political matters, con-
hected with the safety of the states, and The bappi
ness oil the people; which shall hereafter she,
rs the design OF the Colonization Society as already
disclosed.
Soieariully jealous the immortal Henry.
That powers would be usurped which were not ei
ven, that upon the resolution of Mr.. Wythe TO ra-
lily the constitution, ''alfer having exhausted the
-
effort to stay the execution, till a previous amend
ment should be adopted, reserving all rights not
granted, (Which was subsequently done:) and. with
MS usual prophetic vision, saw the springs OF hu
man action, and foretold the very grounds that
would be assumed in relation to this matter with
out 1t. Let him speak for himself, and he smoke
as man never spoke before.'' ssWitb respect To
That part Of the proposal, which says, thai every
power not granted remains with the people il, must
ne previous to adoption, or it will involve this
country In inevitable destruction To talk of it as
thihg subsequent, not as one of your unalienable
rlgh's,is leaving 1T TO the casual opinion of the
congress who shall take up the consideration of
.nat matter. They will not reason with YOU about
'le erect OF this Constitution. They will not !
'dAe me opinion OF this committee concerning rsl
operation. They will construe it as they please.
Ii you place 1t subsequently,, let me ask the conse-
quences! Among ten thousand implied powers
wh'ei they may assume, they may, if we be en-
s'beu IN war, iIberae every one of your slaves if
'ney piease. .4ud this must and ,ciH be done by |
men, majority Of tohon, have not q common in. |
tocst 'cnh you. They will, therefore, have no
ieeiing Tor your interest. 1t has been repeatedly
here' mat The great object of national govern
hsnt, was national defence. That power which is
sa'd 70 De intended for security and safety NAV be
rendered detestable and oppressive If Won give
power 70 The general government to provide for the
general defence, the means must be commensurate
70 the end Another thing will Contribute to bring
ABOUT this event-slavery is detested---we feel ts
atai eiects--we deplore it with ali the pitv ot hui
nanity. Let all these considerations, at some
u'ure period press with full force on the minds
I p Congress They will search that paper and see
! they have the power of nianumission. And
.hey not, Sir! Have they not power TO proviH
or the general defence and welfare MAY thew nA
mink that these call for the abolition of slavcrU
way 'hey not pronounce ell slaves free, and WI
ney mol be warranted by that power? There Is
70 ambiguous implication or logical deduction--