Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-09-14
FOR THE ENQUIRER.

To tie Peopte Of lhe United States.
Any proposition TO amend the constitution OF
tie United States must necessarily be a subject Of
great interest 10 those for the security OF whose
liberty, and that of their posteriiy, it was ra.
tied and establi-hed by them The vote in the
House of Representatives during the last winter
on Mr.. McDuffies resolution, and other concur
ring circumstances since, afford some pr sage
that the peri i not distant hen Z" the Congress
shall propose" (5) an amendment to this Con
stuton for the states to prevent the election
of President, and Vice President from devolving on
the II. OF Representatives, in any event whatsoe-
yer. During the progress OF the debate in the
House OF Representatives, certain principles, and
doctrines advanced, hich il is believed, so
completely subyersve Of the Fundamental princi-
pies Of American liberty, and of tCritten consi-
tuiions, tina, as one OF he People, beg leave iy
enter a protest against some of them.
Mr. McDufhe { ID who opened this debate has
put the following case" New York, we know
is now div dsd into electoral Districts, by a law
which is admitted on all hands 10 be constitutional
Suppose the Legislature OF hat state, were, TO
re assume The power which they formerly exercis-
ed, and appoint the Presidential electors Sup
pose the People OF the existing drtricts, maintains
ing this act oil resumption, on he part of the Lee
gisstuTe, 10 be unconstitutional, were TO vote tor
electors, different from those chosen by tie Lcgis
latuTe; and that under these conflicting titles two
pretenders should claim the sceptre OF executive
ly be decided by civil war. solennly declare''
says he, that | am utterly incapable Of deciding
which Of the two competitors would be the real
president"
=. TO one candidate. would say. you have the
constitution your side, to the other, you have
on yours the practice OF mos, of the legislatures
add the acquie-crace OF the Country"
Let be recoeclej, Mr.. MeDydie has himself
told us that in his opinion, this power exercised by
the legislatures, is an 80 usuTpsuon." (2)
The opinions iere asserted that " the practice
ri most of the legslaiure-, and the acGuiescence
ofhe Country are Of equal (3) obligation with tie
Constitution ITSELF & that too upon the cience
OF one who believes that the practice is contrary
10 The constitution which he has sworn TO SUPPORT
As Mr.. McDuffie has not disclosed TO Us the
grounds upon which, IL hi- spinion the practice oil
most Of the legislatures has become Of equal force
10 The Constitution, might with = confidence au~
ihorizej by his example tell him that 50 ne who
demands decision without permitting enquiry afIirms
that The decision he asks does not depend on en-
qsiry;' that " until The People have, by some
solemn, and authoritative (4) act, annullel or
changed the established form, it is binding upon
ftsniseices collectively, as we'll as Individuality.
snd no presumption, Or even knowledge of then
sentiments, warrant heir rcprcsentafives IN
departure from h prior to such an act."-But IL il
easy to see, that II would require an uncommon
portion Of foritude in the judges 20 do their dufy
- faithful guardians Of The CONSTITUTIONS when lie
gi-aiiye invasi0ns had been insugsted by the ma
ior voice Of the community 90 Nor Toes il
require much discefnmsnt Tor us TO discover that
there is demanded degree Of foTtiuGe no less un~
common, ~ representative TO perform the HIGH
DUTIES assigned TO him by the Consultation.
where DE Practice Of mast Of the Legsia'urss, and
he actfuiescence o. The country hos produced an
oslrleuon upon ConsiitaUon which sii are sworn
f4 20 gof.