Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-08-19

pioded doctrine OF general welfare, which in fact
leaves every thing to the discretion of Congress.
in other words, attributes 10 them omnpotcnce,
is to be revived and brought into active employ
ment.
Nor is it by ridicule and o6loquy alone that the
friends of the states to be deprived OF their
rights. Temptations the most seductive, under the
guise OF public Improvement is held out to induce
them to strike their colors. Once admit construc-
tive power on these subjects, and Immediately it
serves as precedent to justify other encroach-
ments Already, we are told, the question is set
tied, it is given up. Settled by whom? BY the bo-
dy charged with the encroachment. Precedents
founded on usurpation not binding. They
should afford additional motives to resistance.
The Chief Magistrate in his inaugural address
told US, that The roads and aqueducts of Rome,
| survived her liberties. The illustration both
! unfortunate and portentous Is there any man in
the u. States so base, as to prefer fine roads and
splendid bridges and canals, the preservation OF
liberty! Let US not, then, like the foolish Esali,
he tempted to sell &c our birth rights for mess OF
Pottage.'
| Another fashionable doctrine is, that Cong, ess
hath complete and unlimited right to appropriate
money. This is most dangerous theory--with
money can get men, and with men can get mo-
ney, was maxim of one who well knew how to
usurp power. The true constitutional doctrine is,
that Congress have no power 10 appropriate mo-
ney, except to objects sanctioned by the consitu-
ton. This Is a plain and honest construction of
that instrument-and further, the Republican doc
trine is, that money should be applied By specific
appropriations, that the public may see the purposes
| for which it is used.
! What have stated, shews, that it is the duty OF
the people, and of their representatives, in both
the general and state governments, to institute a
1oei''h ennnirv into these subjects. TIC call back
the practice and priuvIpI-s ,r,sv WIN a,.,..,-
ter our affairs, TO constitutional limits. Let the
General Government exercise it's legitimate pow
ers, and leave the rest 10 the states and the people.
Let the iunctionares OF each evince shirt fconl
Citation, and contne themselves within their APP
proPra;e spheres. Thus will the Union of the
states be preserv ell and perpetua,e because it will
be sustained by the affections OF the people.
| the present IS an suspicious time 10 make the
stand which It Is the duty of every good citizen to
determine on. We atthe comnenc eincnt of a
new administration. The principles of winch are
10 be tested by its acts. As it regards Virginia.
she may feel confident that her representatives are
neither 10 lie ridicued, inundated or setuccd out
OF their principles.
| In the Senate we have representative who hath
both the ability, and inclination 10 maintain and
defend the rights Of his state His manly dec,ma-
ton that II a violation OF order and constitl-
tiona principle, TO state on the floor of the Senate
what We're the wishes of the Executive with
view to influence its measures, entitle hin. TO
the manner he has begun, and his country will
support him. His state should send him a col
league of distinguished talents and sound prnci-
pies, and their influence cannot but be felt In the
national councils. The Senate have great in
fuence public measures. When the measures
pursued b. the Executive correct they will of
course be sustained. But the Senate is not, nor
was 1t intended by the constitution TO be a merely
subservient body, to register presidential edic,s
wholesome check in this respect. If the man no.
minated to them Is viTtuous, capable, patriotic, they
should confirm; II wanting IN either OF these
tial qualities reject him. If am not greatly de-
ceired, the Senate is destined act distinguished
part IN the political drama which is about to open.
Its executive functions will enable il, especially
IN diplomatic appointments, to do much to preserve
in The style of the go eminent, if may so say, its
republican simplicity. We should conform in our
habits To the nature oil our government In that
true dignity consists. Whenever we attempt to
ape or initiate the tinery or foles of European
nations, may excite their visibility but not their
respect.
10 conclude Let each man in his station, OFF,
cia or private, labor maintain the principles of
! the constitution. Let be old we are at
tempting thing vain, or mpracticabie. We have
an i,iustrous example OF the efficacy of public
tment, when strongly proH ounced, i'll the case of
the Alien and Sedition laws. They passed
! by Congress; they were supported by TIE same
course of reasoning which attributes now such ge-
neral and overwhelming power to Congress; they
were enforced, and ct so mighty is public opinion,
that no effort was made to renew them, after the
time OF their expiration.
The fate of these laws, and OF those who adVo-
Gated and adopted them, should afford solemn
warning 10 all persons who disposed TO strain
the Interpretation of the constitution beyond its Just
limits PELOPIDAS.