Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1830-08-03

inasmuch by forced construction aud Implication tho
very landmarks Of the charter OF liberties MIGHT be
swePtaway This jealousy Of the rights Of the States
and OF tho people, particularly conspicuous in New
England and in South Carolina; and accordingly we find
that in the notifications Of Of the States an amend
men on the subject was recommended for the adoption
of Congress.
In the ratification of Massachusetts,, dated the 9Th
Feb, 1888 il thus declared:
"nd as is the opinion of this Conv that Gel.
tain amendments and alterations in the said Conve
would remove the fears, and quiet the apprchcnsons
oil many OF the good people Of this and
more efectay guard against undue administration
oil the Federal Governmenhe Convention do therefore
recommend that the following alterations and proysons
be introduced into the said Constitution:
l. That IL be explicitly declared that all powers not
expressly delegated by the aforesaid Constitution arc
to the several States to be by them exercised
sc. ~ r.lIe :
In tho ratification of New Hampshire dated June q
l7SS, il is thus expressed:
And as Il is the opinion Of this Convention that GER
tam amendments aud alterations in the said Convention
would remove the fears and quiet the of
many OF the good people of this State, and efcct-
any guard against an undue administration of the Fcde-
raj Covcrnmcn the Convention do therefore recommend
hatthe following alterations and provisions be introduce
ed into the said Convention: w.
l. mat II be explicitly declared that all powers not
expressly and particularly delegated by the
constitution are reserved TO the States 10 be by them
exercised" sc.
IN the ratification Of South Carolina dated ON IN. oed
oil May. 1888, it is declared:
Ihis Convention doth also declare, that section or
paragraph oil the said Constitution construc-
y renquished by them and vested in the General Coy
eminent of the Union"
In consequence OF these the first Con-
grcss at its hrst session, which commenced in the
city OF NJ York on the 4h of March, 1889, adopted the
following proceedings: LN1 tln fl}lIIl = -
The Conventions of number of the States having
al he time OF their adopting the Constitution,
DESIRE in order 10 prevent msconstrucon or abuse of
lis powers tina further decaraory and live claus
es should be added; and extending the ground of
public confidence in the Government will hes insure tho
oeneiicent ends of this institutions:
"Resoiced. BY the Senate and House of Represents,
yves oil The United States in Congress assembled two
nirds OF both Houses concerning. That the following
arucies he proposed 10 the Legislatures of the several
states, as amendments 10 the Coa sution of the United
states, all or any of which articles when ratified by
hrce-iouhs OF the said Legislatures to be valid 10 all
intens and purposes, part of the said Constitution
namely Hero follows number of amendments pro.
posed, which arc not the present inquiry
The powers not delegated 10 the u. States by the
constitution, nor prohibited BY the States are
ed to the States respectively, or to the people"
nus amendment having been approved by three
ourths oil the Staes became part of the Constitution
ohu SO conunues. Now, one would suppose that hui
man language could not express in clear and ex-
picit terms, the design of the different States in adopt
ing this provision which manilesy 10 put AWAY all
possioity o. overstaned constructions And vet how
'iacious were the ancipations of the wise and eau.
tious patriots who preceded u.s. The constitution of tho
land now altered every year. without the trouble of
rcsoring to the forms o! regular amendment and
mere IS not single power, which may be desirable
.or majority oil Congress, TO exercise, for which, i'm
inc opinion OF that majority there cannot be found annie
authority IN The instrument itself And what protection
mas e minority OF States against these unlawful usur-
pauons: None whatever. They are denied the RICH,
Intended TO be guaranteed to them of having ONLY such
Constitution hree-fourhs OF the whole number of
states IN the cnniederacy shall approve. which clearly
INC ohy sort oil Constitution they have consented TO-
moi enjoying twohirds of the representation i'm both
Houses oil Congress, they can never propose amend
lnehs' AND not comprising two-thirds of the Uni ed
STATES they cannot impose Congress the obligation of
calling Convention.