Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-07-24
Fox THE VINO
EI-IE OF f\TFKpRET.TIcN


Mess EditorsUnie this title, there published il. lie
Wig OF the 18th of June" very elaborate essay, giving the
TO be unansweraIc o. nearly Sd Had ii Not been fof it.
strong communication, should probably, have PASSED it 10y
would thank the auor inform good people of these
States, what inflammation consolation, they derive
this propositions 'IHnt constitutional g,eSionS hare bee, noo
aud fo,scer H be sh 10 6tsc"s.,o" take grant
ed that he means ina, tie s14e Identical questions hays
do that that may at true inter
pc,atio not only because Inc has given m no rule v rb -
depreciation pTecludcs all farther discussion. And thus liz
would iasiy his own leading proposition.
The author will not permit the maxim decisis TO ap-
ply in considering and deciding questions
enquiry therefore RIO the Of that rule proper
der correctly determine its would hlr'by suggeg,
whether it the of the wise and experience!
in all ases that the human judgment is imperfect or that
have ccai means Of k"ocTg when lis discussions Jr
t,ct that gives force lie this
he reason oi that rule Does not then well apply III de'
cldnS constitutional questions, a. iiose OF municipal ord-
legal character II ~ relief IS ii cham,
of Tie law by the o'd"ay icSslr lie same e'hcdy open
in tic nTnc 10y change Of The constitution. True,
tins nco,veIient and "licu process" which is
the lesser cvi submit the eience OF The profess
aud ITS consequences, or to the varying and changing
Judgments OF imperfect men?
The says the Of the rule dcciss'
is, that OF Importance, that the ordinary law he
ri nPcci:aud also at certainty affauGie
then certainty desirable i'll dccis-
Of
the Judgment which last but imperfect Bu author
viii not admit this principle 20 apply i'm INTERPRETING cons
tional law, 'thc of never VARYING and
ending Importance that it shall be correctly pound.
cd Is not The Interpretation of ali law ra,r of real ncver
varying, and ending importance! but enquire
whether the author To Affirm that constitutional law can
expounded2 II what then pro-
position, that open discussions, For surely lie viii
Insist upOu discussing correct exposition
But If constitutional law he correctly Cxvoundc1 il
lie done time other Is that time the past present
future? And how to determine, who determine
when correctly expUundcd' The author will certainly Iu,
have completed his aboTs, m I've informs how whom,
this Is to be done The author again gives why
there should be difference betW interpreting Constitutional
and municipal law, that the first upon the hole nation,
tic latter upon individuals This presents cuquy, wlat
the uatiow shall not undertake dcfncbu vii enquire
what is nation without individuals When discussing
determining the operation of Tire constitution upon the nation
do consider thing other DIAN how affect the in
dividna OF natiou2 This Interpretation little
imaginable question under the constitution winch vi
concern ndvdu1ls affect their lives, liberty prop
ery? Is the action OF the upon the individuals ~
the natou some ideal ncorpocdl matter thing the laft
am and water Within its geographical boundaries What, at ali
times the o constitution? Is
the action Of the several great departments government upon
tire individuals Of the uaou Is ribs defined, If
open dcuSonto different dUcisims Of the same
matter
Is compact deserving The a constitutions the
ing of which open discussion, aud 10y cusrguonc,
TO coRarey of decisions Is That INSTRUMENT cOnst-'
ton which rule to-day, appetizer morrow. Wr-
means one thing IN mans Judgment aud dh'rcn; 'u-
others! Can such paper give rule 81 action 5
limit TO power right give stability proper. srct7
: to i..sF'", peEs,naI", OF coiec,!ee @CE9!.-