Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-01-21
SOUND CONSTITUTIONAL DOCTRINE.

SOUND CONSIlTU TION AL DOCTRINE
The following article contains such sound
truths in bold, and energetic language, that ere we
have no doubt shall consult the pleasure OF our
readers in laying it before them. We copy it from
tie iIfelligencer printed in Clark sburg Harrison
county. We know not the writer but il is 10
be hoped that he will not rest from his labours
There is no question but hat the quarry whence
such sound stuff comes, sgood, and needs only
70 te wei worked. Editors Eng.
From the clarksburs Intell,. ,neer.l
.ueSSrS. Editors
The Presidents message is a most interesting
communication, and for proprety of matter and
elegance OF composition, fully maintains the high
re9Iatiol of its author Yet mu st confess 10
Jou, that have read it with feelings of disap-
pointment and regret, almost amounting 10 despair
We are told, tits true. OF power and re-ources-
oi extended territory and OVERLOOKING treasures :;
that we respected abroad and happy at home
ho,h in our moral and physical condition. Bat
peace and plenty are t'ansitory blessings often the
result OF iortutous circumstances, and depending
Tor their continuance, on the caprice of kings and
the vicisstudes Of the seasons. II is of more con-
cern that we should be assured of the stability of
our social Institutions that they are moving on
without encroachment III their appropriate 81 here
and promise a perpetuity of those enjoyments
which come, not from the bounty of Heaven but
the wisdom and virtue of man. II is in relation 20
this subject that the sentiments of the Message
have deceived our hopes All who are conversan i
with political affairs, know, that doubts and dis
'pl;es have arisen OF late regard to the powers
OF the Federal Government {; some contendIDg that
they are conhnei 10 such as are granted IN terms
by the constitution and others that the constitution
should be construed literally, so as 10 allow by
implication, all such powers as it IL expedien, for
the common good, that the Federal Government
should exercise-a doctrine, that would at once
clo.be that government, withlegislative authority,
co-extensiye with the catalogue of human wants
and leave to the states only the shadow of save
reisnty. And yet the decisions OF Congress have
cen uniformly in favour of il, whenever the oue.-
ion has been presented. The establishment of a
NaiionM Bank, rnarked!the fist assumption of
these constructive powers. grand system of
internal improvement, was next projected, ernbra-
cling every object that could in any wise promo
what is caniingly called, Z" the general welfare -
Some preliminary points have already been set
tied, and it is suspected that its pr oiDoers, embo-
dened BY success, will shortly present the scheme
fully matured, for the formal adoption OF Congress
AT this interesting moment, when the little band of
Southern politicians, raying their strength re-
solved 10 exert every nerve IN support OF the con-
stituton, against the enormous usurpa.ions of the
Federal Government, il was hoped, that the Presi-
dent viewing the grounds of controversy, calmly
and dispassiohately, would recommend it to Con
gress, to abandon the right of general legislation
20 suspend the exercise of it, until by a suitable
amendment OF the constitution, the power might
be expressly granted and every scruplc satisfied.
So very different. however, is his advice, that we
are forced to believe he has not examined the sub
ect with critical circumspecon, but with the rash
ness OF an enthusiast who is blind TO every obsta-
Gle that may oppose his wishes. lie admits what
no one has yet had the hardihood to deny)
that the constitution is limited charter and
crayely advises those who doubt whether il was
intended TO grant the powers in question, to o.
hey the dictates Of their Judgment at the same
sine avowing it as his high official opinion, that
there are no constitutional objections He re-
commends it to Congress to takca more enlarged
and liberal view Of the subject Of Internal I'm
froyement--to establish national universities 49,
national obseryatores--in short, every kind off
suion that may be expected Immediately or
remotely to conduce to the general velfare;" for
support in his doctrines, he appeals to DE pride OF
some By faiering picture OF the prosperity OF the
country, attributng all TO the wise administration
ri the general government, and nothing 10 those OF
The states He plies the vanity of soSe, by telling
low isrwe are surpassed by The Europeans 10 works
Di art aud ornament. and how little we have ct con
,dbuled to the fund Of scientific and practical know
edge, by Voyages Of discovery and polar " explo-
iations." He stimulates the ukewarm and the scrr-
pulous, by reminding them mat such are the eg.u-
mate purposes of government Most speciOus and
sophistica argument Such undoubtedly arc the puf
poses OF government, but il is uncandid Of him 10
disguise. that the question is not what the powers
d government are, but TO which, the Federal or the
state Governments, those powers belong under the
constitution, and by which, IN wise policy, they
onzht to be exercised. Upon the latter point. an
Ioosst difference Of opinion may exist, and if upon
reference to the people, it be thought safe 90 ex
~ the authority of the Federal Government, is.