Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-02-14

r,,r ,,,,,,.,r ,,,. FOR THE ENQUIRER.
The PRESIDENTS PRoCLAMATION-TN wi
If regarded the Proclamation in the igbt in which il
IS viewed by many, should be as much dissatisfied with
II as hey are One OF the positions objected to- has
eHPaeu oy 'ne Gooe TO mean precisely what it seemed
W e 10 EXPRESS out, win some ambiguity, il is
though that ambiguity is found most Of the forms of ex
preston commonly used TO convey the idea of the several
political communities which constitute the United States
The Presidents object was show that the government
was not exclusively federal but i'm some of lis branches
Tue TeoPe' III contrauislnchon to the State Ouernents
were represented-hat it was in regard TO those branch
es, essentially popular government The Convention
mat framed the Constitution differently organized
Tor the members OF voted by States and not per capa
ana any amendment required to be adopted in the
federal allowing the smallest State an equal
yoiee WIN the largest To abandon this principle in
auoh 10 amehhnents would indeed be giving up a most
essential State right In ascerainnp the true character
oil the Constitution too much stress has been laid both on
.ns particular moue oil forming and amending it. The
question i not hotc 1t was built up may be amended
but what is 1t as we have it, have already shown that
is partly federal and partly consolidated and was so
pronounced TO be by its able trainers These great men
in delivering out OF their hands for ratification bv the
people me States put their ueto upon the idea of Gov
h"yne and oil many others, that the States are still COM
Peteiy sovereign, as much now, cas- they were prior
to entering into the compact" For the letter of General
Washington, approved by The unanimous uote of the Con
veon' says II obviously impracticabe in the Fede
RAJ government OF these States TO secure all rights Of in
dependent sovereignty to EACH and vet provide for the
interest and safety OF andivduas entering into society
must Sire up share Of liberty TO preserve the rest
The force OF this view of the subject cannot i'm nv mind
give place 10 The avonIe doctrine of unqualified State in
dependence.
In former number | omitted TO point out fully the
cheeks and balances of beautiful and novel system
ana 10 Snumerae all the barriers erected by the ConsI-
ion against the abuse usurpaon of power and the &C.
VeraI constitutional modes and measures of redress" TO
winch the STATES or the people may resort when aggrieyed
constitutions and especially written Constitutions are
intended TO protect the rights of minorties But without
proper checks and balances the history of mankind
That mere words and parchments are but weak shields
'G'nS, unpncpled ayarce ambition, The determn-
Ell WIN oil aoi'Ies Malorities need protection. Ac-
cordng TO The theory of popular government thew have
The rght-the moral right control and according to
'he heory OF DINER governments they have the ply steal
power.
In our system, the powers intended to be exercised by
the government are specified and mited-A not so emu
meraed except such necessarily and clearly Incl
DENTAL are reserved TO the States or TO the Peope and
make mp what are called State Rights All persons in
he employment either OF the general state govern.
neht' are SoTn to support the Constitution of the United
STATES which declares, that he Iacs and treaties made
IN pursuance thereof shall be regarded as the suDree
law OF the land any thing in the laws and Constitution o
the Slate TO the contrary Notwithstanding" Now this
oath embraces Ie maintenance of the rights of both the
hauona ana slate governments and taken in conjunction
WIN the enuneratons reservations and restrictions of the
either government
In the next place, the Executive the Senate the House
oil Representatives, and the Judiciary all checks upon
one another The Executive and House of Representa-
ves are intended TO he elected by the people and are
amenabe TO them The Senate is elected bv The S,,o
Legislatures and have been considered amenable TO them
Va the legislative department. have the popular o ma
ona or consolidated feature, and the federal feature check
REF
sents the whole people according uniform and
ratio OF representation 1heract are presumed TO
the VIII OF the majority of the whole people as thouoI
they were consolidated completely; but this not being
The case the Senate, in which the States are equally re
presented have check The will of the majority of te
other House. Thirteen Of the smallest ties with popu.
laton OF only 3Oi2,322 may reject measure which is
supported by the other eleven States, who have a popu
ldlion OF 95l3Sl3. Here is minority check of more
ihan three TO one. But, should bill Of abonina
tons get through both branches Of Congress there are
yet two other checkstle President may veto il; and
unless two-ihr OF both Houses persist in passing IT, il
cannot become law Though, should he approve H. the
Judiciary have The right to pass upon lis constuondliiy
The question gets before them. The independence OF
tie Judiciary IS amply secured. BY the length OF the
er OF service OF the Senator's they protected against
The parayzng effects Of the ehervescence and excitement
OF public feeling. We have instance Just occurring
81 the nature Of this protection by lapse Of time Popu.
lar excitement sprung up against Virginia Senator within
lew days after his election, and great that IL is
thought he could, al no time for three years have been
'gh elected Yet, election is supposed 10 be
/ secured ny the abatement Of That excitement.
~ 'hese admirably arranged, counterscng wheels in
we machnety Of the system do not always protect the
gs The States and secure the great objects intended
20 ne erected, II arises from The ailty OF our VA.
es man from any thing else. But there are other con
ush"i safeguards Of our tights, all Of which ought 10
ee appealed TO IN Unin, before we can be justified in
Nunucalon, Secession, resort 10 tho ultima ratio
INC right oi the people peaoeaby 10 assemble snl 10