Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1836-03-17

faithful discharge Of bis duessubiect 10 be mpeacied
and convicted by it, in case Of Observation-Disclosures;
in Short functionary designed by our State Constiiu.
ton to be the creature, the humble organ OF The will OF
the people, expressed by their Delegaes--we have
tb;, rcdouLtable funconary, when requested by
the Peoples Representatives TO transmit certain resolu-
tons Senators in Congress, take upon himself lhe
authority, und HISTORICALLY USURP the preroga-
tive to pass Judgment upon the cnnstitutloHay OF those
resolutions! -. ....... s.... ....... 49,.
In what pui Of The Constitution Of Virginia does Lit
TETON Waller razew.ll find the GUpcrnOr invested with
hi. power? In what clause section OK tho
Constitution the Goecrnur made paramount judge OF
the co',st:;ut!unaiy unconaltuaIi'y Of The laws
resolutions cnactrd by The Legislature? Where, IN
tia. whole instrument, does lie ud This despntc grant
OF the Fesp i'nwrr.
Is there great interest concerned in his question:
Shall we be told that that is not gent interest which
IS here invoived for my part, do not hesitate to
declare, that this Of the Governor furnishes mat
ter for impeachment This may truly be He'd on AS
sumption OF power; this may truly he called an i"va'
sion Of the constitutional rights of the Legislature
this may truly be stigmalised act Of the most
odous Executive usurpaliou. 1t is an enc1oachmeh'
which must be denounced and resisted in the most
decisive manner, and that immediately else IN short
time hence, this usurpaon may be claimed as 1T pre-
ceden aut!ursng any and every abuse and violation
One thing at least is cea If the Governor can Judge
and decide upon the constitutionaty OF Resolutions
passed by the Representatives Of the people, he may Will
fully much propucly, take upon himself to judge OF
the consuonal!ty OF any particular law or laws, whch
he from caprice, from considerations of setnerest,
may be induced TO dislike. The conclusion is powerful
and irresistible. Wlrat is law: II is that which re-
ccves the sanction of and passed BY both branches
oil the Legislature What is that upon which the Co
vernon lately passed Judgment? 1t is resolution rrgu-
ary and deliberately adopted by both vusrs of the &C.
neral Assembly. Our Constitution does not recognize
any such thing third power i'll The passing Of rcsolu'
tons, the framing of laws: the contrary, such
power expressly and exclusively conveyed TO the Re
representatives. of the people. The Executive can only
interfere through sheer. usurpation. He is elected
for the term Of three years: il Was contemplated
by the Constitution to give him absurd supe-
rori,y as the exponent Of the popular will, over the
immediate aad yearly elected Delegates of the pro.
pie This consideration alone, if other, should
have taught Governor Tazcwcl 10 feel profound
respect than he has cvinccd for the will of the People Of
Virginia, as cxpcSscdy their agents in the General As
scmiy. lie should, aso have b"houg ut himself OF the
times and circumstances under which he was elected,
and Of the complete revolution in public opinion which
has taken place since then. Let ne tell him in this place:
also that this late step OF his las undccvcd and dsa-
busrd many viii, regard TO his real character. had h.
trrtu thought him honest and sincere though transport
ed by passion and parlzan error, in his opposition to
what he was pleased to call Federal Executive cncronch-
nrEl; bat since by his late unwarTanahic act, he has
shown great unrss for cncroachmcnl, too, must he
permitted To doubt his former sincerity and will here
conclude 10y reminding him. that Charity brgInnrlh at
hoinc." 4 VOICE FROM GOOCliI.AND.