Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-03-19
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
MARCH 3, 1880.
SUNDAY MAIL.

Mr.. JOHNSON of Kentucky from the Committee nm
ing Post Office and Post Roads, to whom had been
referred petitions and rcmOnst against the trans
por AID opening of the public mail on the Sab
bath day, made the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Post Offices and Pest Ro,ds 70
whom the Memorials were referred for prohb;tipr
the transportation the Mails and the openino Of
Post Offices, on Sunday, report
hat the menloriaists regard the first day Of the
week as day set apart by the Creator for relirous
r$efcses and consider the transportation of the mail
ayl the opening of the post Offices on that dav tire vi
oation OF religious Duty and call tor suppression
OF tht practice. Others, by counter memorials are
hrown to entertain different sentiment beevno
tlst no one dry Of the week is holer than another
others, holding the universally and immutubility Of
tie Jewish decalogue. believe i'll the sanctv of tbc
fepenth day Of the week as day of RELIGIONS doc
tipiE and by their memorial now before the commit
tct they also request that it may be set apart for
teHgous purposes Each has hitherto been left to
the exercise OF his opinion; and it has been re-
afqed as the proper business of Government to pro
tcct all, and determine for none. Butthe atIcmr. s
nov mace 70 bring about greater uniformity, at
iast, In Practice and, as argument has failed the
government has been called upon to inNrpose its uu-
thority to settle the controversy.
congress acts under constitution of delegated and
!in!ted powers. The committee look in vain to that
instrument tor delegation of power authorsinp this
pqdy TO inquire and determine what part of time or
whether any has been set apart by the Almighty for
religious exercises. On tho contrary, among the few
Prohibitions which il contains is one that nrob;ts
religious test; and another which declares that Con-
gsesS snail pass no law respecting establishment
or reirion, prohibiting the free exercise thereof
The committee might here rest the arpument unon
the ground that the question referred to them does
not come within the cognizance of Congress; but the
perseverance and zeal with which the mcmoralists
pursue their object, seems to require afurthcr cuci
Gatlon OF the subject. And the opposers of SIM.
ddy mails dscla!m all intention to unite church and
ss2te, the committee do not feel disposed to impurn
their motives; and whatever may be advanced in on
position to the measure, Will arise from the fears en-
eftaned OF Its fatal tendency to the peace and hap
pineSs OF the nation. The catastrophe of other ma
tions furnished the trainers of the constitution bea
CON OF awful warning, and they have evlnced the
greatest possible In guarding against the same
eYil;;.
The law as it now exists makes no distinction as
t9 tire days OF the week. but it is imperative that the
P0stmasters shall attend all reasonable hours in
every day. to perform the duties of their offices: and
the Postmaster General has given his instructions to
an fosimasters, that at post Offices where the mail
afrlves ON Sunday, the office is to be kent open
one hour more, after the arrival and ASSERTING the
iaA; but IN case that would interfere with the hours
OF pubic worship The office is to be kept open for one
hour after the usual time Of dissoving the meeting
Tins liberal construction of the law does not satisfy
tIe nremorfalists But the committee believe that
there IS not just ground of complaint, unless it be con-
cefed that they have q controlling power over the
c2Hscrhces of others. If Congress shall by the au
tiforty OF law, sanction the measure recommended
would constitute legislative decision of religious
CONTROVERSY, ID which even Christians themselves
are at issue. However suited sucl, a decision NAV
he to an ecclesiastical council it incompatible with
as fOr if;coI
and not religious purposes.
In orr individual character, we ali entertain opi
mons, and pursue corresponding practice upon the
subject of religion. However diversified these may
DC, we ell harmonze citizens while each is willno
tliat the other shall enjoy the liberty which he
claims for himself But in our representative cha
raeter, our individual character is lost. The inyi-
dHal acts for hlmsel-the representative for his con-
sttuents lie is chosen to represent their POLITICAL
and not their religious views-to guard the RIGHTS of
man, not to restrict the right of conscience. Despots
regard their subjects as their property and usurp
The Divine prcrogave of prescribing their religious
fath' But the history Of the world furnishes the
Melancholy demonstration that the disposition of one
man to cocrce the religious homage ofanother springs
from an unchasteDed AMBITION rather than sincere
devotion TO any religion The principles of our Co
yernment do not recognize in the majority any au |
tnorty over the minority, except in matters which
regard the conduct of TO his fcow-man a
Jewish monarch, by grasping the holy censor lost |
both his sceptre and his freedom; destiny as little
10 be enyed may be the lot of the American people
VINO hnid the sovereignty of power, if they, in the
erson OF their representatives, shall attempt to unite
IN the remotcst degree, Church and State.
FROM the earliest period Of time, religious teachers
nave attained great ascendancy the minds of the
people; and IN every nation, ancient or modern whe
i!ler Pagan Mohdmedar, or Christian have SUCCEED
ed IN the incorporation of their religious cnes with
me political institutions of their country. The Per
sian IDOLS the Grecian oracles the Roman auputies
ind the modern priesthood of Europe have ali in
then turn, been the subject of popular aduatoD and
the agents of political deception. If the measure re
CohImehucu shouid DC adopted, 1t would be difficult
TOT human sagncIty to oreeee how rapid would be the
succession, or how the train of measures
winch might follow, involving the dearest rirhts of
al-the rights OF conscence.-Itsp perhaps fortunate
ior our country, that the proposition should have
been made at tins early period while the spirit of the
revolution yet exists in full vigor. Religious zeal
enlIsts the strongest preuices Of the human mind;
and when instructed. exccs the worst passions of
nature under tire delusivc Dpetext Of doinc God
service. Nothing so inurates the heart to deeds of
rapne and bood nothing is so incessant in its tolls:
perseveriDg in its determinations; so appalling in
hs courses Or SO dangerous in is conseq The