Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-02-10

Wcst unui Moncay morning, after lapse OF more
than twenty-four hours from the timo il was re-
ceived; and. under the most favorable circums,an-
ces, every one OF the six mails must be delayed a
day on route Of few hundred miles, by the in
PREVENTION Of the Sabbath
Is it to be believed that men Of en.erprize and
capital will. under such circumstances, wait the
tardy movements OF the mail! Expresses will be
sent in every direction and speculatons to an un
limited amount viii be made in the products Of the
country. Here IS great evil: the government
has failed TO afford the means OF information to the
honest holders OF this property, and they become
prey to the speculator, who takes the property
Tor perhaps one half OF its intrinsic value. By
the expresses, the Sabbath is violated, and many
citizens injured The Committee believe, that
such arc the fluctuations Of prices in many arti-
cies oil commerce, al some parts Of the country.
tbata greater number of persons, as expresses,
would of'en be employed on the Sabbath. than are
now engaged IN the transportation OF the mail
II this impression be correct. the of morality
would not be promoted by the suspension of the
mai on the Sabbath. But when, in addition to
This consideration, the Committee consider that
the hrst duty of the government is TO protect its
ciuzens IN their property, (and under no circum-
stances can protection be more needed than in
the cases above stated.} and the injurious conse-
quences experienced by the industrious citizen,
whose property is sacrificed. they cannot hesitate
in coming 10 tie conclusion. that the suspension of
the mail on Sunday would be deeply injurious TO
the important interests Of the country, and that the
measure would probably produce greater amount
OF moral evil than the present system.
If, as suggested by the Postmaster General, all
travel on the Sabbath. in accommodation stages or
expresses we're prohibited, to suspend the Sunday
mail would produce an injury Of more limited
extent; but such regulation will not probably be
adopted 10y the States; and, If adopted, could not
be enforced against public opinion.
The reduction in the revenue of the Depart
ment, IS viewed, by the Committee, as the small
est injury that would be likely to result from the
change II would. however, paraiyze the opera
tons OF the Department, and render moro unccr-
tain the attainment Of the primary objects for
which il was established.
A well regulated mail establishment is an in
dispensabie requisite, 10 free Government, aud
10 the commercial, agricultural, aud mauufactur-
ing interest OF an enterprisiDg and growing peo-
pie. Every buyer and seller should be informed
Of the state Of the market. at home and abroad
with the greatest possible certainty and expedition
his can only be accomplished through the opera
lions OF the mail, regulated and directed by dis
eliminating mind, intimately acquainted with the
local interests of the country. Every part must
harmoni3e like we'll regulated machine, which,
though complicated in its structure, has no dsor-
der in its movements.
On the other branch Of the case, that of Post
masters being compelled, by law, to keep open
their Offices and deliver letters, newspapers, &C.
on the Sabbath, this, the Committee believe, is not
absolutely necessary for the successful transac-
ton ot any branch of business. The merchant or
HI tne fOSt ONlCe on vi on
day morning, receive his letters, and be informed
Of any changes IN the market, before he COM
mences business 1t has been suggested, and is
believed. that the most disorder is occasioned BY
class OF individuals not OF business habits and who
seldom receive letters by mail, having leisure on
the Sabbath, resort TO the Post Office to hear the
news, and Tor paStimc.
II no distribution OF letters and ne wspapers were
made on Sunday, the arrival of a maiI-stage in
town or village. would excite no unusual auen-
lion: and consequently could occasion no material
interruption TO religious worship.
II, as is believed. the House will concur with
the Cninmittee IN opiuion. that restraint ought
10 be imposed On the consciences OF individuals by
the force OF human law, 1t will present absurdi-
,y.N we permit 20 remain, amongst our legisla-
tive acts. an express provision, requiring portion
OF our citizens to perform certain duties on the
Sabbath, which they colscientious!y believe to be
morally wrong.
The Committee cannot see why it would not
De equally proper to require, By law, our courts
oil justice to sit on The Sabbath, and that EKecu-
tive and Legislative duties should be performed
ON that day! Would such law be deemed rea-
sonabies Would the People approve of it, when
!. II might drive from the public service many Of
!he abest and most useful officers, who would re-
inquish their stations. rather than violate their
consciences3
So respectful was the Legislature OF Pernsylva-
MIA to the conscientious scruples OF a small portion
of the citizens of chat STATE that the law directing
the return of her annual elections to be made oS
Saturday, was changed to Friday.
The Committee conceive that all such cases
should be regulated by public opinion. and con-
'ToAed by emergencies, without any positive legal
1t is believed that TIE statute books
contain no provision, except in the instance OF
postmasteFs, requiring the performance of official
duty on the Sabbath.
In conclusion, the Committee earnestly recon-
mend the repeal Of so much CT the eleventh sec |
ION Of the Post; Office law. of March, 1926 as re-
luires PostmaseTs 10 deliver letters, newspapers,
SC. Oh the Sabbath.