Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-11-28

will assemble on Monday next. The former
cannot, under the constitution, continue its ro-
ceedings beyond the 4th March and, as the last
session was principally occupied 10y Long IuAts,
it may be expected that the approaching .eriod
will be more particularly devoted 10 actual 6usi-
ness. Among the interesting subjects tina; will be
brought TO lis consideration, we may men,ior the
Tariff. Bankrupt Law, Roads and Canals, the
judiciary System, the Revenue, our Commercial
Relations with q. Britain and her dependencies the
proposed amendment TO The Constitution. We
might refer to oiker topics of great importance
which are perhaps destined to attract their at en-
ton, such as our Relations with South America
&c. Sec We may witness the beautiful scheme.
Of our Rulers to" better our condi'ion'' and 70
regulate the labour Of the country" unro!led i'm
greater detail. Borne down by the excess of gov
ernmental regulation, as are the agricultural
classes, we cannot but look with soci,ude. to the
new propositions with which they still further
threaiened. Aud last, though not least, the petit
ton of the "Congress of Visionaiies' the subject
of slavery, is calculated to awaken the sun-
pleasant and inauspicious feelings 1t is now, 10
be determined whether The gov eminent intends TO
confine itself within the obit prescribed by the
constitution, or 10 plunge into sea OF
delicate jurisdiction and illimitable appropriation.
Should the federal government be determined to
take under its jurisdiction, the education of our
children the whole subject of roads, canals and
bridges; the regulation OF our labor and the
variety of subjects embraced by g the general
welfare - or not contrary 10 the constitution
then there will remain infinitely less for the State
Legislatures TO accomplish. These stinted Re
representatives. of petty Corporations might once
proceed the election oil the state officers; the
imposition of taxes; the auditing OF petitions; a
few other details CT Insignificant mporiance and
then adjourn to their O,On affairs and Jiresides
1t would be little than SUI ererogation in them
to enquire into the wants of the people, connected
with their prosperity & happiness. 1t seems scarcely
| necessary to employ two sets Of legislators, re-
| ceiving compensation at the same time, Tor the
performance of tbe same duties.
If, however, we look to the other side of The
tablet; if Congress should only attempt 10 eyer
else the powers which clearly confded TO them
by the constitutions and withdrawn from the state
governments, the residuary mass of powers 6. re-
served,' in express terms, to The people or to The
States, will claim the attention OF the State Legis
lature In proportion its sphere o. jurisdiction
is enlarged, asreeably the behests of tie const-
tuition, is its utility increased and its dignity
iarged. Its members, coming from the various
, counties of the State, and possessing distinct
know ledge of the condition and wants Of the peo-
ple will find some scope left for the exercise OF
their wisdom and patriotism. Better prepared 10
promote the prosperity OF their constituents than
Congress possibly be, they may confidently
look to the result of their labours economic
cal, efficient and satisfactory. Under this view of
the subject, they will find field open for the dis
play OF their talent and public spirit. The system of
education, so important in the maintenance OF free
institutions, and now but imperfectly matured in
our own State, at once presents itself TO the Lee
gislature for its continued patronage. The details
of the plan heretofore adopted Will call for the
most deliberate revision. Experience will not iaii
to suggest the existing and The proper reme-
dies.
Our schemes of Internal Improvement, com
menced with ardour, but nov languishing under
corresponding degree of apathy In the public mind
require to be resumed and completed. On this sub
ject too experience offers the advantages of her
| lights With this assistance, and the stock of in
formation that has been acquired in the of civil
engineering, it isbelieved that the of the
State may be successfully applied, to supply all
the wants o! people. Let us look to our own
maternal institutions for help and count enance in
whatever relates 10 our internal prosperity rather
| than to any other q;arter-ai leas, until the au-
thority to interfere has been conferred in the con-
| stitutional way by the parties to the compact
Let us forget the errors that have been committed,
either from the wan, of experience of informa-
ton. Let US bury all local eaOusies, and unite in
| every practicable scheme OF Improvement which
may be demanded by the wants OF our fellow citi
zens, and within the scope OF OUR means. The
James River scheme, the errors in which have
thrown such difficulties in the way OF its further
prosecution, end of projecting others, will proba
bly,, be again presented Tor the coun,enance OF the
| Legislature: but under circumstances, which, in
the opinion of many of its former enemies give il
new, and stronger claims than ever, 10 favorable
consideration. The able Report of the Engineer,
it is thought, has removed all uncertainty all !oubl
| and difficulty from the subject 1t will doubtless
be csndidly considered by every intelligent nem-
Der of The Legislature.
| The Judiciary System-our general road laws; 6,
what is otIanscendsnt importance, the Revision OF
Stale Constitution, with many other subjects Of
great interest, will, il is presumed occupy share
of Legislative attention. We are gratifed that in
the consideration Of such topics, shall! have the
assistance of some of our sblest citizens returned
10 the Legislature. We have reason to snci-
pate any thing but harmonious and useful session.
The indications given the part OF the federal
government TO act upon particular subjects, and
the intention OF certain citizens In other States to
! bring others before that body, may possibly give
rise to some question touching these matters. But
should that be the case, il is impossible, that the
Legislature OF Virginia. hitherto consistent in its
opinions, can be all embarrassed in IFS decision
or that it can for moment, lose sight either of
the constitution, OF the interests OF its con-
siiuents. AS Virginia was the first to hoist the
banner of the Constitution in '9S, so may she be
the last to abandon IT,.
SiaU1y.-The Synod OF Ohio, which closed
their session in this town Tuesday last, held
discussion question which had been before
referred to the General Assembly of the Presby
terian Church, viz: Is the holding Of The slaves
mdilsfsaiing? in the affirmative of which large
majority concurred.
This decision by this numerous religious demo-
minaiion affords correlation; the fountain OF
philanthropy is about sending forth new stream
ofe r.cin of 81 oTU