Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1835-01-01

For our own parts TO against all works, which
bear the Of Internal improvements, embracing of
course the removal of distractions from rivers when
undertaken hy the Federal Government. We find no
such power conceded by the Consiitution-nor do we
see how tine establishment port entry can change
the character of the instrument What would be the
effect OF this ruler That Improvement would Lc
stutional II law passed TO establish port of
try--ln other WORDS that the Constitution is To lc
changed by simple law only--and that Congress may
amend IL, we'll as ODDS OF the States
The President irunky states that the rule is
t,sfaetory as could be dcssed-and may not hope,
that the measures which foot b FIRE Con-
gress, will add TO his objections to the rule sclf?Mcn-
beers are now trying to within the rule They
assiduous!y attempting TO whip the Devil around the
stump AS they gct their rvcis and harbours
improved without port OF entry they are adrot OH
To accommodate themselves to the dihc uy, and
hrst asking for port of entry Mr. Upton bces fer
port at Lafayette, the Wabash On Saturday LAST,
we see Mr.. Robinson, in the Senate and Mr.. ca
scy in the IL of r., presenting joint resolutions 'of the
Legislature of the State of Illinois, nsructng their Sc
nitors and requesting their Representatives in Congress
10 use their exetons to procure the passage of law
tablisng ports of entry at Ottawa the Illinois La
iaye;te ON the Wabash and at Galena in that State
MIR Stewart, too, IS seeking to have port of entry
Brownsville, in Pennsylvania. Applications OF this sort
viii multiply upon Congresses long port of entry
smooth the way an appropriation. II is hoped
therefore, that Congress will set their faces against
every such measure 1t trap, which ought all to
shin.
So much for the ruc-Bu, what shall we think of the
much holder doctrine which Mr. Upton lays down his
Speech'
law of Congress, establishing port of entry conirs
power TO appropriate money TO improve rivers: all that
has been said and written upon this subject, has
changed my mind. entertain doubt but the power
exists to appropriate money improve rivers any part
of the United States their Territories where the bu-
siness of the people require such Improvement.
The eighth section of the first article of the Consti-
tuition of the United States granting powers reads thus
The Congress shall have power to law and collect
taxes, duties imposts and cxcses pay the debts and
provide for the common defence and general welfare of
the United States.
- Il,o o1,,lo. cit.
6" To make all laws which shall be necessary and pro-
per for carrying into execution the foregoing powers
and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the
Government OF the United States. in any department
officer thereof
'.Herc is grant of power by the Constitution itself,
authorizing the Legislative Department of the Govern
mcnt to make all taics necessary proper for public
interest The ordinance of Congress of 18th July l7c7
is older than the Constitutions aud binding on the PARTIES
to that instrument, (Which has, unfortunately too
much overlooked in this whole transaction The Wa
bash is reserved public highway; free all the People
OF the United States; and propose to establish port
ofentry that river, and improve this public highway
can find limitation he poccr Of Congress hc
ton Of rircrs and to establish ports of enfry beside Tier
o'cn discretion Does not the Constitution and constant
practice ofthc Government authorize the improving of
this river And the interest of large portion of our
constituents seems to demand il.
"Thcre s an additional reason for establishing this
port of entry it will remove difficulty from a certain
quarter that have found extremely inconvenicut. 1t
can cost nothngit will violate principle; and where
il is within the power of Congress to do SO much rood
without violating the former practice othc Government
creating expenses think it will hardly be denied
"
Here is indeed sweeping doctrine for you! Congress
have power ito make all laws necessary and proper for
the public terest-lfave they indeed? In the name of
wonders them why is there any specification ofconced-
ed powers the Constitution? Ifhey can make al laws
which may suit tho public interest why have we any Con-
stitntion at a Mr.. T. find limitation the po,rcr
Of Congress the President regards such appropra
TONS besideSer discretion pretty Limitation lhs
Now will Mr.. T. be pleased tell US, in what school he
learnt his politics? In school, that had the slightest
respect for State Rights venture say since the
stitution began. Mr. T. must show the potcer in the
instrument before he talks of their being Limitation
it. The Senator from Illinois completely misundcr-
stands the very instrument, under which he is sitting
The great principle is, that what is not given
edand hence the question is not where the limitation
to the Po'ccT at where the pOrc itself cxprcsscd
where tits accessory means in the execution of
expressed power. The public only TO be pro-
NOTED in the ways specified by the Constitution And
destroy the whole purpose and theory of the Govern
mcnt. 1t would be Consolidation in all its excess
These arc the views have expressed hundreds and
thousands of times. We have modified them TO
suit the local interests of Vginanor they be soft
cned down for the benefit of Illinois We opposed the
appropriation to the Dismal Swamp Canal. We oppos-
ed the of aiding the great New Orleans road
pass through our City We opposed the removal of the
sand bars in own river-tlough, by the by, may
correct an error which Mr. T. made in his Speech The
james River has not been improved he says was
and hope will be- after the contemplated man.
ncr of the Wabash We but the same measure to
Illinois, that we have done to Virginia.
GOVERAOR AfrDTFEJE