Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-01-24
From the lvn.hinyton oilv Gn,,lle.

In the course of Mr.. Mangums opposit on to the
Judiciary Biz, he made the following remarks,
OH The politics OF the day, which were replied to
by Mr.. Cook yesterday:
But, MIR. Chairman, said Mr.. Mangum if | had
no other reason for disappearing OF this bill, am
opposed to all great and sudden Innovations upon
any OF the principal departments of our Govern
ment, as unwIse and dangerous. Sir can the fact
be denied or disguised, Notwithstanding all the
talent o! the Judiciary Committee, 20 warmly en-
listed in behalf of this bill that its adoption ,nay,
say may, destroy the whole tenor of decision
heretofore made by that Court, on certain constitu-
tonal questions? This alone is enough 10 deter me
rom giving my assent or support 10 the bill We
know there already exists diversity of opinion on
me bench, IN relation to aqueston of deep interest
which may be revived again-a question on which
the Legislature and Judiciary of one of the States
has heretofore been controlled by the Supreme
Court. We know that that State feels the deepest
interest In the increase OF the court, and we have
a reason 10 believe, that she and many members
OF this House, would require concurrence of
more than a majority of the whole Court 10 declare
VOID statute OF State, in contrayention of the
Constitution of the United States. With all this
knowledge, can 1t be prudent or wise to pass this
billy Who can foresee all the disastrous results TO
this Country, should all the views of gentlemen be
gratihed! IL this bill shall pass, will not these new
Judges be selected from q country, known 10 have
been heretofore adverse to The Supreme Court9 I
take 1t for granted they will; and although the aI-
pointing power is unfettered By the Constitution
In the range OF selection, yet under the influence
OF the new tangled doctrine of representations the
West cannot and will not be satisfied, unless the
appointments be made among them.
But, sir, have another reason for being opposed
to this change: do not believe that the country is
at this moment IN situation fit for grea, and hazard
GUS experiments. Is il in a state of such perfect
camDess, as 10 invite experiments? Do we not
perceive, that, in some of The States, all the ele-
ments OF tumult and revolution are stirring and
heaving in the widest sgitation? And is 1t not
TACT, that. in some OF these very States, you hear
the loudest complaints against tie present or
g1nization of the Judiciary? Sir, we have lust ar
rived at a new order OF things; we have new Chief
Magistrates; and, however loyal and devoted may
be his loving tommons, discomfort is abroad and
he IS not as yet scarcely firm on his throne. The
resolutions and propositions which thick and three
Told are coming up from all parts of the country
Tor an amendment oil the Constitution in relation TO
the election Of president, contain internal evidence
OF the existence OF anxiety & discomfort in the pub
lie mind. These propositions not confined 10 any
particular region OF country, any one particular
party: even Illinois, though North of the Tweed
and harmonizing with the "powers that be,
SENS to indicate, by her resolutions, apprehension
and alarm at the interposition of this House in the
Presidential Election-o it may lie, that she deems
she has not sufficient weight in the election, hay
ing only four tunes as much in proportion TO popu-
laiion, as the great State of New York. Sir, while
feelings Of this kind running their wild career
through every part Of this conlederacy am unwl-
ing TO make an assault upon this grea, rampant of
liberty-tbis last citadel OF the Constitution These
views may be considered, and will, no doubt, be
represented by some OF the advocates Of the bill.
as wild and chimerica But, Sir ! have long
been taught to believe that, when any Fundamental
change was about 10 be made in any Of the Depart
fnens Of Ibis Government, il should lie calmly dis
creey, and, hat is more, sir, it should be gradt-
ally made How is it, sir that this bill has suddenly
become 50 popular? How is it, sir, that this admin
isiration and lis friends are crowding in masses to
its support, aud veing wi each other in deeds Of
chivary? And how is il, sir that, for the last seven
or eight years, II has languished in The Committee
room, or come into this House 10 sleep in Iuiet
upon the Clerks table; Has the last year produced
such astonishing develonements Of the Vest
Why is il that the Fast should ninge in the strug-
gle, and fight, side By side, with lis Western bro
Their, agains, all comers2 Sir, when a Prince has
pisi come to his throne, with powers greatly Grip
Pied by particular circumstances, in biz accession,
il may be deemed prudent 10 strengthen is alli-
ances and court the popular favor. II is history
sir, and therefore, may repeat It, that admin
isiration, in this country, raised up a new set OF
Judges TO cover their retreat and shelter theft re-
,pement from the supposed vindctveness and ga
got vengeance Of a triumphant caemg. So e my