Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-03-31

II is derived from the power to reguate commerce;
and by others, il is inferred from the sweeping
clause to which have before referred. Is it not
somewhat remarkable, that the friends OF this sys
TEN Of protection, should diier widely to the
source OF its legitimacy. And does it not draw
out the suspicion, that they have really right TO
protect manufactures at all: II three men are
found in the and possession of piece of pro-
perty, OF which fourth alleges he has been i'm
properly deprived and, on examination, they all
give different accounts OF the source whence they
have derived it, ask, in The name o, common
sense. If the strongest suspicious may not be well
entertained, that they have what does not belong
to them? II the power claimed for the Federal
GovernpeDt, was expressly granted, there could
be no contest about il: il il was clearly deducibe
by plain inference, its friends could not be divided.
am here forcibly reminded oil the adjage. :" that
truth stands hru. on one foot while ialseooi tot
tiers on two"
1t has been forcibIy urged by my friend over the
way, (Mr. Fitzhugh,) that the Tariff Laws are
constitutional, because, he says, they have been
in operation from the foundation OF the Federal
Government TO the present time, and their consti-
nationality never questioned until iSl6-and
all the Presidents, from the Immortal Washington
down-yes, down 10 the present incumbent, have
given their sanction to the protecting laws. 1
frankly acknowledge, Mr.. Speaker, that these
considerations entitled to much weight; for
the opinions Of those ilustrious men, L feel great
Differences; but, after ALL the plain language oil the
Constitution must be my guide. l have ever
learned, that the most elicctual way to spread
nate the Bible without commentaries. Like the
Bible, the Constitution OF the United States will
infuse its pure spirit wherever it is read.
We are required too, sir, 10 point to the clause
OF the Constitution Of the United States, which
iustfies the establishment of Banks, or the pur-
chase of Louisiana, or the relief afforded TO the
people Of Caracas and Alexandria, the dona-
tiop to La Fayette. Sir, the gentleman from Fair
fax. knows better than can tell him, the grounds
on which these several measures were defended
by their friends. II l am to speak my opn-
ion Of these matters, l will tell the gentleman.
where these powers are tound-they are found
where the power TO protect manufactures is found
lin the fanciful brains of Iatitudinarians, and no
where else. Those who do not know my w orthy
friend from Fairfax, may do him the injustice to
suppose, that he means to qualify niraetion OF
the Constitution of the United States, by pleading
Others. He has too much good sense to adopt such
course OF reasoning. IL is merely slur on the
consistency Of our party. Believe me, Mr.. Speak
er, 1t is the strongest OF all reasons that can be
Constitution Of the United States. The mischief
Of bad presidents is incalculabe. 1t is felt when
TOO late to be remedied. l truly mortified on
yesterday, when my worthy -adjutor, the able
member from Albemarle, in the fervor of his
zeal, but in the gloom of his devotion to State
Rights, foreold, that these resolutions were TO
pass this House by the lean and meagre majority
Of 20. Sir, hope the awful forebodng will not
be realized. cannot believe, that Virginia is
within 20 seconds of crossing the line. No, Sir !
Dark and dismal as is the cloud which has arisen
in the West, it will be disspated; and the doc
times OF '9S and '99 will continue to irradiate Fir.
ginia's course.
That the Tariff Laws are impolitic and oppres-
sive, and should be repealed, is proposition, in
support Of which, the arguments already urged Oh
this hoor, are too powerful and conclusive TO re-
Quire amplifcation. / hold in my hand q table
which presents this striking fact: {" Brussels
carPeting, an article of luxury, intended to pam
per pride and vanity, pays duty of 90 per cent.
while the very next article on the list is coar Sc
ANAL rftnta nf ito,
clothed old women, sick persons, and little chill
dren,) which pays duty of lib per cent /,
Is oppressive in the extreme; is it polite 10
compel me to exchange bale of cotton in New
England for 90 l-2 yards OF flannel, when could,
for the same bale of cotton in old England after
paying charges, get l05 yards of flannel. Sir, 1
have done with the question. and shall record my
vote in favor of the Report and Resolutions in
your hand.