Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1837-01-05
tn ,he Editor Of tie .HcaanGria Gazette.

SIR:-hly absence from the city of Washington on q
short visit to the country has prevented me until This
morning, from noticing paragraph which appeared IN
your paper the 22d ull., headed with my name Your
whole article is written in proper and liberal spirit
That feel it my duty TO respond 10 it without reserve
If doubts nisappehensons prevail in relation 10 my
opinions on the two subjects mentioned by you, it has
not been ing 10 any fault Of mine; for have
been in the habit Of concealing either my opinions or
Impressions on any subject interesting to the public; al
though do not think that any justly accuse
OF being violent political pIrtizan. ..-.
regard to the right of Congress 10 abolish Slavery
in the District Of Columbia, whilst have felt dispo
sition to denounce those who admitted in theory, but
determined to oppose it as decidedly in practice
if their objections 10 its exercise, were constitutional
ones-my settled conviction has been, that Congress
possesses such rg ht. AS u Representative OF the
State Of Virginia. my object will be 10 prevent as far as
possible all agitation OF this exciting subject; and TO
oppose, the utmost, the designs Of the Aboltioniss
10 interfere with it in any way in the District or else.
where, under the firm belief that Union will be
dangered they receive TO any extent the countenance
OF Congress-
In relation 10 the other subject 10 which you invite
explanation Of my views, have TO say, that if MIR.
Davenport, of Jefferson in the debate the election Of
Senator, expressed his belief from personal knowrdg
otherwise that my opinions Of chartered rights
consonan with those Of Mr.. Dallas, lie greatly misun-
deTslood them In proof of this mil ht refer to several
letters written by to different individuals, soon alter
MIR. Dallass communication appeared and to conTer:a-
tons held with others, amongst whom may mention
Judge Tucker, Of Court Of Appeals. have never
thought that convention, more than all ordinary
Legislature, could impair the obligation Of contract pro-
trcted by the Constitution of the u s.: nor have ever
expressed any opinion concerning the justice legality
Of the State Of Pennsy interfering with the char
ter granted BY it, to the Bank Of the United States In
pou of fact: never read that charter; know not how
it Obtained nor what has been its operation, for
good evil, upon the people Of that State-But in
speaking of The abstract question Of the involabilly of
MI charters, have more than stated it my i'm
preston, that charter granting privileges, whether
banking COMMERCIAL intended Tor public purposes
well as for the benefit of individual stockholders might
be resumed by subsequent legislation for of
State necessity; provided just compensation was made
10 the persons affected by the repeal including Of
The return Of any bonus exaccd In other WORDS
do not consider all charters granting mere privileges,
as coming within the meaning Of that clause in the Fc
deral Constitution, fobddng any Stale TO pass law
impuring the obligation OF contracts, nor do be-
leye that SO broad proposition has been 'blish
ed by the decisions Of the Supreme Court of the United
States on which sone rely 10 maintain it, or by any
other, entitled to respect. freely admit that the faith
of the State is virtually pledged TO respect chartered
rights Of every description, long The corporation
acts within the scope Of its Authority, and The public
good does manifesy and inperiousy require its pr
vleges TO cease and there are, my opinion few
which would justify Legislature in resuning its grant
But it has appeared TO me- that to contend that there are
such cases. anu that is question for the decision
of tie Courts Alone is 10 place the interests and even
liberties of people, for indefinite PERIOD at the mcr
cy Of al unnormed or improvident legislature without
the poSSbllty OF obtaining redress Under the Suarcs
and restrictions have pointed out cannot at present
see that this doctrine would be- unsafe unreasonable.
have believed it to be the doctrine Of the English
Wings and of many eminent. Statesmen in Gown
country, who neither radicals Jewelers. confirmed
by the practice Of several of the State Legislatures
Yet, confess have examined it in all its bear
ings with The il merits. Should ever have
sion 10 act on 1t IN any capacity, and upon full consider
alton find it to interfere with the vested rights CT pro-
perry, with the obligation of contracts, will be
unwilling than myself to it established,
more readily relinquish the impressions now entertain
in respect to it.
1t is not, you will perceive, sir, my object in this
hasy communication 10 do than to state frankly
my real sentiments in relation to the subjects to which
you have called !my Eaention. | am sorry that this
explanation has been postponed by my absence from the
city. 1t is at your service.
Respectfully, am your obd't servant,
RICHARD Z. PARKER.
Washington. Dec 30th 1896.