Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-01-06

the proper exposition at the Constitution: some
holding to free, and others to strict, construc-
ton OF its powers. These opinions have been
held with various notifications: some OF the more
ardent partisans on either side pushing their doc
rines TO the opposite extremes OF latitude strict
ness; and some OF the more moderate nearly coiu-
Gliding with each other. The differences Of opin.
ion are now grown very serious. and productive in
some parts Of the sountry OF high degree OF ex-
element The Legislatures of different States have
declared themselves in favour of diierett and ir-
reconcilable principles OF CoRstru cton, and
mended measures founded these principles.
Every session OF Congress renews this controversy.
Laws are passed against which some Of the States
protest, as OF direc violation of the national
pact, which kindleS bitter animosities, and call
forth fierce reproaches and recriminations between
the different members Of the Union. These
great evils: they call aloud for remedy, and the
question Of what that remedy should be, demands
a careful and dispassonatc reflection. The pro-
ject of a Convention of the States settle these
disputes and restore harmony, by compromise of
opinions and by mutual concessions has been men
toned as the most plausible. It certainly is de-
serving Of consideration
We avow, therefore, frankly, that we should
prefer National Convention, with certain speci-
fled powers. But, we not iastidious as to the
mode OF settling the Irrigated questions, Of giving
the general government lis fair, proper and neces
sary share OF power. and erecting new guards a.
gaihst its future entertainments. II, however, the
present evils can be remedied by the more usual
process OF amendments, be " SO--NO one would
see their removal, in some satisfactory shape or 9TH
er, with more pleasure than ourselves.-We are
sick OF contention. We wish 10 see harmony res
tored to our public councils and to the different
States. We wish some rule to be fixed for the
people in authority, (which all may understand, and
Of which all may avail themselves: II Congress
is to have power over roads and canals, let us
have fair share OF the appropriations; for, too
have rivers TO improve, and roads to estabsh.-I
the tariff law is TO be fixed upon us, let know it,
positively, that we may accommodate ourselves,
as far as we can, to its requisitions-and manu-
facture for ourselves.Let settle all such ques-
lions, 1t possible; and let stop all new usurpa-
tons. 1t the government can 20 as it has done,
where is the stopping point! When eau we say
that The Danger is 0uer?-.No,c seems to us to be
the time to act From the. moment that Mr.. A. de-
livered his celebrated Message, il was obvious that
no benefit was to be expected in this way from his
Administration. He was an Uitra-what hope had
we from hm!-But the people have ousted him
And is it not time to improve the victory we have
bring back the constitution to its original prnciples
All we have to do, for the future, is to act up TO
\ the principle, laid down by the venerable George
| Clinton. when he gave his casting vote from the
chair Of the Senate Of the u. s. ssIn the course
OF long time, have found that government is
not TO be strengthened by the ASSUMPTION of
doubtful powers, but Uise and energetic execu-
ton OF those which nteStibie; the former
never fails to produce suspicion and distrust while
the latter inspires respect and confidence. IT, how
ever, on fair experience, the powers rested in the
government shall be found incompetent to the at
tanment OF the objects for which il instituted,
the constitution happily tuTnishes the means for
renedying the epi by amendment"