Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-07-21
COMMUNICATEn

the Sourt-lfou in the city of Williamsburg, pur.
suant to notice. for the purpose Of taking into con-
sderatton the propriety of appointing deputies to-
an Anti-Tarif convention, proposed to be held in
the City of Philadelphia; Col. Burwell Basset was
called TO the Chair, and James Semple il. ESQ.,
appointed Secretary.
The following resolutions were offered by Jamesr
Sempc, Sen. viz.
'''Fhe Government of the United States being
created by Sovereign States, is Federal, and not
National Government. 1t derives all its powers
from the grants of the States, the parties to the
compact and can exercise powers which are
not granted; al powers not granted, nor prohibi-
ted to the States remaining with the States, res
pectivey with the people of the respective States
where they resided at the adoption OF the Consttu-
ton This is clear upon principle, and has been
expressly declared by an amendment TO the Consti-
tuition. All the powers granted to Congress, and
to other departments of tho governments are emu
meratcd, and congress rightfully exercise no
power which has not been set down in the Gnu
meration Of the powers granted. Implication is
nor source of power i'll the Federal Government.
ifthat W admitted, the enumeration and limita-
ment would be unlimited.
Governed by these principles, it quite clear
that must look TO the enumeration of powers in
the Constitution, to determine whether the Tariff
Of 1928, which was laid cxpressy and avowedly to
promote, or encourage manufactures, be justified
by the Constitution-Upon a strict examination of
all the enumerated powers, not one is found which
can Justify the Congress in passing law imposing
duties TO encourage manufactures 1t is true, that
the Congress have power to impose taxes, duties
imposts Sc, but the clause which grants this
power, contains expressions w hich forbid the Law.
ing dutes to encourage manufactures. 1t is declar-
ed that ''Taxes, duties, mposts &C. shall be laid
and collected; pay the debts and provide for tho
common defence and general welfare of the United
States" An application of money by law, to tho
common defence and general welfare of the United
States, would be an absurdity Money raised can
only be appropriated to the common defence and
general welfare by apProPriating it, to carry into
effect some enumerated power. The power to en-
courage manufactures (and thereby to promote the
common defence and general welfare) is not grant
ed by this or any other clause of the Constitution
1t IS also true, that the Constitution grants TO the
Congress the power ''to regulate commerce with
foreign nations, &c" The Tariff, however, was
not adopted as regulation of commerce, and
therefore, 1t Is not justified by this clause in the
Constitution even the grant of power to regulate
ioreIgn commerce, passed the power to lay taxes,
imposts, duties, &c. Nor can it be admitted, that
tile grant OF the power to regulate commerce.
conveys the power TO impose taxes, imposts, duties
&c. 1t would be against every Just rule of con
structlon' to claim power as an incident to ano-
Their power, when the power claimed was expressly
granted, and the end also of the grant expressed,
If the power to lay and collect taxes, SO. had
been expressly granted still the power to tax, &C.
would not have passed as incident to the regula-.
ting power. The revolution long since settled that
question. The right of Great Britain, to rorulate
the trade of the Colonies admitted, and vet
the power to ''tax' was denied This was the
and they put every thing to hazard sooner than
submit to be taxLd, whilst they admitted the right
to regulate the trade and commerce ofthe colonies
No other clause in the Constitution, furnishes
even pretext for the exercise of the power to-
promote manufactures.
Resoired, therefore, That the Tariff of 1923 is
Palpable violation Of the Constitution of the Uni
ted States.
Resolred, also That the Tariff of 1923 is unjust,
imPoIltic and highly oppressive to Il large portion
Of the people.
Resoiped. That the Tariff ought to be repealed,
and mPosta and duties laid JUSTLY and with Wow
to revenue alone
Resolyed 'That Convention for the purpose Of
securing the efficient cooperation Of the friends of
free trade throughout the United States, in pro-
curing the repeal Of the restrictive system be held
at the Mansion House, in the City Of Philadelphia,
at III o'clock, on the morning of Friday, the Both
OF September next, and thst there be invited to
attend the such Citizens from the States Of tho
Union, as may be favorable TO the objects Of this
meeting
Res9Lrcd, That ---- be requested To at
tend accordingly, and express the views contained
m these resolutions and that any other Citizens who
may find it convenient, unite with them in carry
ing INTO effect the objects contemplated by this
meeting.
And thoy boing read, were adopted without
amendmept. a division being called for, tho
Count stood as followe-for adopting the preamble
and resolutions 22-ogaInst il 2; majority in IA
vou- Of thor abortion 20-The meeting then pro-
ceoded TO Eli the blank in The last resolution, with
the names Of James Seinple. Sen. Thomas r.
Dew, Robert Garrett, Richard Coke, j.. and Bur
well Bsssett
On motion of DR.. p. ?. Richardton, IL was.
RcsolUsd, That the proceedings Of this rheetipg
be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and
that the Editors Of the Richmond EDquiyer, Cone
etitutional Wing, and Norfolk Beacon, bs reqGss
ted 20 publish thenl--SiSned,
BURWEBL BASSETP, EkotYra7
JAWS SB,spLg, " Sso1stug.
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