Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-12-05
Ntr11asso SIatDtQ>
WEDNESDAY MORNING. DEC. s. 1s27.


Gooernors Juessage.-The great length of the Go
vernor's Message, excludes much interesting matter
from columns, and well nigh pyecl,.des comment at
ibis time. We invite the readers attention one or
two promiust topics.
Passing by the details of executive business; the
parative in Virginia several other states
demonstrated by the relative numbers OF Pententary
conscta gratifying the feelings of the Virginia ciii-
The reflections of The message upon the subject
ofcrimnal Jurisprudence though new, just; and
hope the reader will Gud the pleasure ex-
pereuced, in the recommendation 10 the Legislature
abolish the barbarous punishment of sale and trans
poraou free people of colour, for certain crimes
inferior grade. II is melancholy reflection that Vr.
iaa, deeply and ardently devoted TO the rights of
man, toerates laws more subversiye OF those rights.
more cruel and dsproporoned the offence, than are
found 10 the code of any civilized people upon earth
BY these laws, cooured female for the most paltry
theft, may be sold into slavery and that curse visited
upon her posterity to the latest generation.
We read the Governors reflections and recommen-
da,ons, upon the subject of Internal Improvement BIZ
State means, with less pleasure than establishment
There was impression upon our minds of having
heard him not quite IL months ago, prescribe all in
ternal improvements but those made by individual
ruinous, and the public crediby informed that he
had pronounced the New York canal ITSELF curse!-
We are happy at conversion, beneficial we hope
20 the holy of State improvement it certain.
~ is sudden and unexpected. Arrived at an age, when
the human mind particularly tenacious ofs opinions
and of repued temper peculiarly prone to adhe re TO
us DECISIONS the rapid and total change of Governor
Giles sentiments this important subject is little
less hanr We h,; ,
omen and as the signal for revivng under happier cir
cumstances, those plans OF mproveme stunned and
delayed but not destroyed trust by the unfortunate
and abortve project of the James River canal The
Governor goes upon this head, far the most enthu-
siasiic friend of improvements can wish him. "Grand
and splendid projects for connecting the New River,
the Roanoke and the James, are Indirectly recommen-
DIED. No difficulty in borrowing the requisite funds is
anticipated and the Improvements when completed,
will lie thinks 'srea,Iy than compensate in value,
She expenditure for their completion"
The Governor circuously, recommends nrotesta
tons anew, upon the part of the Legislature against
the Tariff and Internal improvements. In the name
oiheayen we hope the Legislature will slight this part
Of his ExceIency's recommendation. Protest. Cui
bono? FIas there not been protesting and resolving
enough in Ill conscience? Has it produced any other
~
nny thing be prepostereus than the Legislature
one state out of "a annually laying down the law TO the
other members of the confederac, known as il is from
"imsei that James Madison, the father of the constu
ion, u The great leader of Virginia interference in the
affairs of the general government at the crisis of 1913
disapproved of the resolutions of last winter their no
Icy temper and sentiments in partseen as it is that
the Congress OF the o. States respected them no more
fl,o
che Legislature will not again repeat tie farce, TO
crafty the spleen of Gov. Giles.
We need not notice the Governor, dissertation unon
the constitutional right OF the General Government to
regulate commerce among the several States. He
seems very clear, that the clause of the constitution
congress shall have power 10 regulate commerce,
WAN foreign nations, among the several states and with
the Indian tnbes"does not confer the right to make
''eIhai Improvements. We are Of the same opinion.
Perhaps as Gov Giles chairman of the committee
a' reported the first bill for constructing national
ROAD ne can derive that disputed power more pausbiy
The message considers the power of congress- 10 inn
pose tariff limited by the objects of the constitutional
s'a"'-Hr Mad'son on the other hand, who largely
shared IN framing the constitutions and has ever been
co'Sdsr'o is most faithful and rigid expounder thinks
That the power Of congress not only extends TO the
r''" W "auu'actuTes, put asserts that That was
primary object in the formation of tho constitution
itSeif. II Is sufficient for purpose to place these
authorities IN oPpositioD--wc presume there is little
oonbi 10 which tue public will attach most faith
james Madison or VIM b. Giles.
III Is with deep reluctance and regret proceeds the
Nessage that my duty constrsiDs me TO observe to the
General Assembly, that while the tariff found 10 be
more destructive in its effects generaIy--but partico
IS'i5' upon agriculture, than was sn,icipated,n &c.
40 tbs broad declaration, every buying and selling
man VIII oppose downright negative. Both ciasaes
Know The one that they never bought their Foods
@j'F' ite other ti'a they we're able to sell y
cheaper Ills single fact, which every mans rerso
Ma experience ~ grea. measure confirms Is worth
V"'nme' OF defamation on tie sabjoc, OF The TarF