Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1835-04-07

vdual agents. and not dclberativc one, without the
power but possessing the form of legislation If such
DC e iact let gentlemen produce their Instructions pro-
perry authenticated Let them the time and place
lat which the People assembled and dcberuted this
question. " no they have written, verbal in
structons; but they have implied instructions The
law is unpopular and they bound to repeal it, in OPP
position to their conscience and Have gentle
men reflected on the consequences of this doctrine
Are we bound in all to do what is popular?-
III 1T is true, how political errors, prevalent
ever to be corrected? Suppose party TO spring up in
this country, whose real views were the destruction
oil liberty suppose that by management by the patron
age of Offices by the corruption of the press they
should deude the People, and obtain a maiorty-and
surely such state of things is impossible
what then, viii be the effect of this doctrine, Ought
we TO SIT qule' Ought TO be dumb rather ought
we to appreciate, though that liberty is to be
nguied This doctrine of implied instructions if
not mistaken, is one, for the first time preached
In this House, and if am not greatly deceived, not
more new than dangerous IL is very different in its
character and effects from the old doctrine that the
constituents have night TO assemble and formally to in
struct the representative; and though would hold
myself bound to obey any such instructions, yet
ceVe t the doctrine Is not OF very dangerous charac
ter as the good of the People have
ed them from exercising such right, and win, in all
probability, in future prevent them But this novel doc
trne rs OF far different character Such instruction
may exist any day and any subject 1t may be always
at hand to Justify any alteration from political duty.
Mr. Cwoud ask its advocates in what they differ in
their actions from the trimmer the political
ther-cock 1t is true, the may have in view his
advancement in consulting his popularity and the other
may DC governed by Mistaken but conscientious re-
gard to duty yet how is the country benefited by this
dlhcrence, since they equally abandon the plain road of
ruin ana reason, to worship at the shrine of this po
cal idol? 1t said by member from Massoe
(Nlr Conner0 that this right of instruction is only de-
med IN onarehcs and proof Of it, he cited the Opt
Mon of Mr. Burke, whom he called a pensioner, at
the Bristol election. So far is he from being
rect that in of the free governments of antiquity
can he point out the least of his doctrine 1t
originated in the modern governments of Europe
particularly that of Great Britain The English Par
lament had at its origin, other power duty, but
granting money to the Crown and the members of
that body We're frequently urgently pressed 10 enlarge
their money grants, it pretty convenient
AVOID the aeeze to say they were not instructed Tho
gcntlenapNvas incorrect in calling Burke pensoner
the time hesdsyered the celebrated speech the Bris
ol polls Burke at that time, whatever may have been
his subsequent character, first champion in
the cause of liberty and Of thS country and if the gem
eman would recur to the points in which he refused to
obey the Instructions of his constituents will not
greatly increase his affection for such doctrines. That
mind must be greatly different from mine said Mr. c.
who canread that speech and embrace its doctrines
L, too, said Mr.. C., advocate for Instructions
am instructed Tie Constitution is ny letter of nSuc
ton. Written by the hard of the People, stanpt with
their authority it admits of doubt its obligation
Your very acts in opposition to its authority null
This IS the solemn voice of the People which bow in
perfect submission. II 10 here the PopMi is the
Del This is the all powerful creative voice which spoke
our Government into existence and made politically
as we are This body Is the rst orb in the political
atlon- ard stands next in authority to the original
voice. tha People; and any attempt give different
direction from what the Constitution and
the. doIiL esNte oonedara,;a, Of 10 t 80,
consider ASIAN innovation on the principles of Go
This is necessary to make the People really
happy; and any invested with public authority ought
TO be sensiby alive to the People, happiness
gentlemen wish the House to be to popularity
1t will be from the following extract of Mr. Pick
erings speech, the OCCASION that he and Mr.
Calhoun agreed perfectly in their sentiments with regard
to the right of obstruction:
MIR. Pickering said
che had received instructions from the Legislature of
Massachusetts As to instructions, whether from the Le-
gslatnSss the People of district he did not admit
their validity If they contain for against any
measure these will merit respectful consderation-but
instructions, unaceompanied Ivy reasons were not en-
titled to the observance of the He felt
humbled that the Legislature of Massachusetts should
have descended to this small business especially as il
was one intrusted 10 Congress by the Constitution