Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-02-10
C0ll1reS9to 1III.
TRANSMISSIoNS OF THE PUBLIC MAILS
ON SUNDAYS

", n
teresting subject by Mr.. Mexican, from the Com
rnittee on the Post Office and Post Roads:
REPORT
OF the Committee on the Post Office and POSI-
Roads, to whom was referred certain memorials
against the transportation of the mail on the Sab
bath, and the delivery Of letters, &c. from Post
Offices that day.
The memorials on this subject, on account of
the numerous sources from which they have been
received, the number and responsibility of the
signatures we'll the intrinsic importance of the
question involved, require from the Committee and
The Legislature the most deliberate and respectful
consideration. II IS believed that the history OF
legislation in this country affords no instance in
which stronger expression has been made, if
regard be had to the Numbers, the wealth, or the
Intelligence Of the petitioners.
They present subject not entirely clear of diff
ifculty, but one in which they feel deep interest
and which, in their opinion, intimately concerns
the moral character Of the country.
1t is not considered to be the duty of the Com
Inttee nor does it comport with its inclination, to
enter at large into the origin of the Sabbath or the
sahctity which belongs to it,
IN all Christian couDtriesit is considered not on
W as day OF rest from secular employment, but
one that should be set apart for religious obser.
vances. So intimately is it interviewer with the
doctrines of Christianity, that it forms an iupor.
tant part of the creed OF every Christian denoIni-
nation. They agree in the principle, though some
oE,hem differ as to the day.
The Committee believe that proper observ-
ahce OF the Sabbath is calculated to elevate the
moral condition OF society. In accordance with
the recorded example Of the Creator of the Uni
verse, and enforced by Scripture precepts, one
Gay in seven should he distracted from, ordinary
business, and devoted TO moral and religious exer-
Cises. Wherever these duties have been regard
ed in the true spirit OF Christianity, moral infiu-
cnce has imposed salutary restraints upon the IL
c6ntious propensilies Of men. 1t has made them
better citizens, and better men, in all the relations
Of society, both public and private.
The institutions of the Sabbath is respected in
various operations OF our government. In the
Halls Of Legislation, the Courts of Justice, and
the Executive Departments, except under peculi-
ar emergencies business IS suspended, not by ie-
gal provision, but by force CT public opinion
Restraints imposed on the conscences of indirid-
walls by human laws, sanctioned by severe penal
ties, have always failed 10 produce reformation
They have generally, if not always, made men
worse instead of better. Under such exercise of
power, Christianity degenerates into an instrument
ofoppresson, and loses all its beauty and moral
excellence. IL foufishcs most unaided by the Sc
cular arm.
The Committee, therefore, as citizens and legis-
lators, would be ready 10 repel any attempt to (
bring the consciences OF men under Legislative
control i'll this country. disposition 10 do so
can never proceed from the pure principles Of.
Christianity.
The standard Of moral obligation should re.
main In the scriptures, and all acts which do
not interfere with the rights of others, should
rest between the individual, his conscience and
ljs God
1he Federal Government was formed for CT
vii and not religious purposes. The functionsS
which belong TO it will have been discharged
within the sphere OF lis operation. in regulating
the civil concerns OF the nation 1t is very pro-
perly inhibited from establishing religious test
or IN any manner III etering with the rights Of con-
science.
But 1t has been deemed necessary and proper, !
on many occasions, TO require an oath for the due I
execution OF civil trust 10 elicit the truth in
evidence; lands have been reserved for religious
~ andh I,.ttuf -.
ployed as Chaplains to Congress- and to act in a &!
similar capacity in the Army and Navy. In thus ]
recognizing, by official acts, the duties and obli-I
CATION, OF Religion, the National Government
has acted III conformity to public opinion, and as5
was believed, within the legitimate boundaries oil
its powers.
The Committee entertain no doubt that the nu-
irerous petitioners for the discontnuance of the
the Post Offices, have generally acted from pure
MOVIES and with reference to what they consider
the best interest of the country.
They do not ask Congress to impose certain du- 1
ties on any portion of citizens which may interfere
with their religious opinions, but TO relieve from
the performance OF such duties.
The transportation Of the Mail 10 great Go. !
vernmen,al operation, and the petitioners believe |
IT should be suspended on the Sabbath, and the
Post Offices closed, out of respect TO the day as well
as The business of the Legislative, Judicial and |
Executive branches Of the Government They !
do not probably, consider that greater difficulty |
cpulu arise, IN designating the flrst day of tho
week as the Christian Sabbath, for this purpose,
than had been incurred in the instances referred |
TO. II is not considered, by the Committee. that
the petitioners ask the introduction of any new
principle into laws, but the extension Of one
which has already been recognized, 10 the poll.
cy of the measure desired, the Committee believe
the petitioners mistaken, but they DO not con.
sider the attempt made by them az tending TO
form the justly Odous combination Of Church and
State.
In the operations Of the mail, every part ofthe
Union has deep interest," our agricultural, com.
mercial, manufacturing, and political concerns, :
afs all dependent, more or less, on this branch OF
the Government. IL iS considered an object Of
Urinary importance to distribute intelligence
through the mail in less time than il can be dis
seulnated in any other manner. From The let
ierof the Postmaster General, annexed TO this re-
port II Will be seen that he has steadily pursued
this. policy.
On the important lines Of communication dailv
niaiIs are established, and great expedition is re-.
quired The improvements which have been
made in this respect; the general operations and
entire condition Of the Department since il was
placed under its present head, have elevated ia
character and greatly EXTENDED its usefulness
BY the annexed letter it will he seen, that the dis
continuance the Sabbath mail will not only de-.
privc our important commercial towns OF the
seventh mail, but that great delays must occur il
fhe other six weekly mails. The injurious G nses
Fi9Hces q ''rtse fs'sys go ess.4o sFTr