Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-11-21
RIOH MoMD, NOV. 81.
TO THE EDITORS er,ie MT. LHrELLrGEScER.
GENTLEMEN


present discussion between involves something
beyond what is personal 10 the partie. engase in
1t We consider the great, the vital principles Of
the Constitution at stake principles upon the
subversion of which, TO use your ewn language on
former occasion, f" Consolidation is no longer
chimera ofthe brain; aud the States are mere par
ties of an Omnipoienf and overwhelming General
Government seeing, as we think we do, srch
Systematic approaches to this awful state of con-
solfddfion. Seeing many of the old-fashionea
Republicans deserving their ancient banner, and
iuxuristing in the patronage of the Government,
we conceive 1t to be our duty to continue our bum
bic efforts to awaken the public mind 10 u iu.,
sense OF the impending danger. Our zeal in the
good cause has never abated in the slightest de-
gree; although it has suited your purpose to sa.
crlhce your csndour, and represent at one time
as acqulesclng In the g. usurpaiions" of the GO
rernment; while IN few days, we find YOU COM
planning of our 6 repeated denun Citations for alee
ed usurpations, encroacbments,' Sc. The iaunti r
sarcasms which some weeks ago you thought
proper 10 throw out upon Virginia, and upon the
Enquirer as the humble advocate Of her doctrines
inducedus to address ourselves to you and perh ps
may have led US in some degree from the
point in dispute. If you would tenpt us
into no further digressiohs, we shall be less
liable TO task your patience with the pernsal
oil articles OF unco nscionable length. -
Adopting, as we do, the eps,olary form of GEN.
casonally presenting to the reader your edi-
torlal course, as well as your extravagant doc
rines, and the futile arguments by which YOU
attempt TO support them. But since this pro-
ceeding exci,es much of your sensibility, we
are induced, in charity and good feeling, 10 acop,
sohie other course. Yet you demand too much Of
US, VIII en- you expect US TO refrain from putting
your contradictory opinions to balance each other.
In your Pad Chapter of the 18th inst. you saw
We consider the question OF State Rights
nop revived after so long dcguescence in
| repeated decisions OF Congress and the Ju-
dietary, as the lever by which political rev.
oiution Is about TO be attempted, which, in it,
success would effect olution in our GOV.
eminent" When, Sirs, was the question of State
Rights ever surrendered? When was it ever
conceded that the - decisions" OF Congress and
the Judiciary departments too. which have been
charged with usnrpaion, ere final as 70 their own
powers! What do you mean by So so long acqui-
escence," In the decisions of usurpers in favor OF
their own measures? Can it be necessary 10 re-
fresh your memories with enumeration of the
complaints of the states? You surely cannot mean,
That because none OF the states have actually taken
up arms to resist the progress OF encroachmens
upon their own reserved rights, that therefore they
have acquiesced! We should conceive, with ali
cue difference, that there &c remarkable
confusion in the edi' oral mind Of the ~ Intel-
| igeDcer," within the last week or two, of which
we have evidence in'' every part of your writings
Is IL not strange that altho' you " every day
called upon to place your finger upon the
clause OF the Constitution comforting such and
such powers - although your 6 attention could
not ial TO be attracted to the continually re.
Pedfed denunciations by the Enquirer of the
General Government for alleged usurpations.
endorsements &c yet you consider the
question OF State Rights ,epiued after 50
iong dcqmescence;' Terared too, for purpose
! ~ n yous to- hill, tls.
VIZ: Gas lever by which political revolution ID
about 10 be attempted, which in its success would
| effect revolution in eur government" Who
would believe that any apCstae Republican, much
| less the Editors oil the National Intelligence
| would venture to asser, that political revolution,
effected by the 6 lever" of State rights. and be
doctrines OF 'Jo, would produce I" revolution in |
| our SOrernment!" Yet we can scarcely mistake
Jour meaning. You would confound the Admin
lstration with the Governments; as was done
in the days of 1893 and 1899, when an opno.
sition to headlong Administration was denounc. E
ed as treason against the government Itself. II
| We know that Messrs. Adams and CLAW bay,
blinded partizans and enthusiastic admirers but W
scarcely supposed that any one was go much de-
voted 10 their allegiance as 10 conceive that Their
removal from Office would at all endanger the 90
vernment itself, or the great principles of liberty
upon which it is founded
We confess, gentlemen, that we part with Won
with reluctaDce."-But our political separation
seems inevitable You not only " know of no &C,
OF Mr.. Adams to condemn but are content
with the government as it has been administered
from Its organization, with few exceptions in +
which the people applied corrective to obvious
| errors What these g few exceptions are, you
have not distinctly specified; though we see
iiom the sequel OF your ren,sks that you must have
Intended the Alien and Sediton Laws; for YOU ap
prove OF nearly all the other Objectionable opinions
and measures which may be cited, not only front
1901 to the present time; but from the orgsni-E
zation OF the gov eminent itself. This period en-
braces an extent of time and Diversity of policy
and of principle, Of which you were, perhaps. not
aware. If pressed TO the results of this avoyal
you would find it necessary to swell your few +
exceptions into long list. We have had too &
much experience OF your adroiness TO pursue YOU +
through these meanderings; and especially, as your
lew exceptions may be ingeniously employees
10 cover your retreat.
1t IS now scarcely possible for US. TO agree viii
you as Republicans, with whom i, is our m,sfor-
tune TO differ on mere matter of policy. or Oh
some oouDiiui constitutional question Notwitb- Is
standing the disguises which you have assumed our
ing hs prOracied controversy, we have al las. +
your opinions developed in a tangible form. We
confess we are sisrledb By their exraysgance. You
nave al length thrown off the vizor Your zeal ia Z
support be Administration has manifested Itself
IN the ayowal Of doctrines, which rival those Of
we e'oer Mr. Adams, and Of Mr.. Alexander Ham. +
Iton'- Abe theory of the Constitution. which we
now understand you TO maintain. s as I1I,r. IN Il,
consequences as the one against which Virginia 4
TOOK her stand in 80 and 1900, which Jefferson +
ana Madison successfully resisted, and which tie
hepuo'ican Party Indignantly rejected.
we argue from your silence 1--WE cirque also from |
your express declarations. You have indirectly