Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1831-12-10
FOR THE .E.NrQUIRER

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The recent exposition of his sentiments by the Vice
President of the United States concerning the rea-
tons OF the State and Federal Governments, must ne
cessary command the attention of the public. Mr.. Cal
houns opinions cannot hut be deeply interesting to this ma
on on account the honorable and elevated station which
he holds; his varied and in respects brilliant
services in the Cabinet and Councils Of the Unon his
Tents and political information, and still from the cir
cumsance of his being looked to as competitor for the
Presidential Chair. His Expose is evidently production
OF uncommon genius. displaying ordinary acquaintance
with political affairs, and considerable literary and cas-
seal taste IL is truly astonishing that of srch
tvaed and enriched with science and study and adorned
WIN the flowers OF literature and aste having the advan-
tage too, long political observation and experience could
gaveiy advocate the doctrine Qualification. That State
has right TO rescnd acts of Congress- whenever she may
deem them attractions OF the national compact is strange
absury which might be expected from the dark and dis
ordered imagination of contemplate laconst; but
never from respectable the pen of j. G. Cal
hOuna man. who has held many Offices of honor and trust
and whose prospects bright for the Presidency
The high and imposing authority which may now be adj
duced III favor ola State veto, upon federal legislation
ders II matter OF vast importance, examine and inves-
gate the grounds upon which this opinion is founded
MIR. Calhoun has given to the MULTIPLYING doctrines the
weSht oil his character and tire sanction of his name and
II becomes more deeply interesting TO this communitv to
guard against the propagation Of this fatal principle II
one which impers the peace oe conedcracy and which
may cloud in darkness, the prospects that brighten
our political sky.
In the outset we must be startled al the glaring absudi-
y OF the doctrine of notification. Are in fact TO have
twenty eXpositOrs OF constitutional law, twenty.
distinct and casng tribunals, TO pronounce upon the va
diy oil statutes passed by Congress an act To be law
u ana constitutional in State, and fragrant usurpaon
OF power in another Is law imposing tax 10 be enor-
ced in New York. Pennsylvania and the money poured
into the Federal Treasury whilst South Carolina refuses
to pay cent OF it, though among other objects the fund
to be appropriated to the payment OF the National Debt the
charges OF the civil list and the unavoidable EXPENSES of
government IN which South Carolina herself vitality in
teresed Us e 10 share the benefit and avoid the burdcn'
Are the Judges OF the Federal Court to compel citizen Of
the Northern or Eastern States pay duty on an article
and exempt the favored nhabitant Of Southern latudc'
These questions admit but answer If the nufers,
taking different position, mean 10 maintain that their
strucon Of the Constitution TO be universally binding
their absury scarcely deserves the ceremony OF con
iutatoD. There are twentylour States in the Union,
spreading from the lakes the borders Of Canada to
the Gulf Of Mexico, and from the waters Of the At
anuc to The shores Of the Mississippi These States
embrace great variety OF interests, soil climate,
productions, population and pursuit. Our natural lands