The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-03-22
/ Loco FoCoIsM DERIDING TIE AUTHO-
RITY or THE SUPREME COURT.

Loco FOcoIsM DERIDING TIE AUTHo-
RITY or THE SUPREME COURT.
We have much regretted to see the Boston
Post, forgetting the very elementary princi-
pies OF the consultation, and descending to the
lowest depths Of radicalism and agrarianism,
the very names Of which, we know, il but re-
Gently, and justly repudia:ed. Within avery
short period, it has asserted doctrines totally
inconsistent with its past professions, at war
with republican institutions, and Loco: toeoish
and Jacobinal to the last degree. We have
discovered a more recent proof of this, in the
following paragraph, the tendency of which
j., to overthrow, by encouraging total disre-
gard Of its decision, one of the coordinate
branches Of this goyernment--we mean the
supreme Judicial tribunal of the nation. The
Boston Post Of the l4th inst. says.
The Supreme Court al Washington has decided
the Mandamus Case against the Postmaster Gene
raj, il is said. We SHOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW IT
WILL ENFORCE IT'S DECISION
The idea intended to be put forth in the
preceding, is, that the Supreme Court pos
sesses no power to enforce its decisions! The
mee suggestion, itself, is DISORGANIZ-
ING AND REVOLUTIONARY. Let that
doctrine but obtain credence, and what security
is there for property Aye, more. What Sc
curity and protection is there for persons and
their lives! There would be none. The sug-
gestion alone, that the Supreme Court pos
sesses no power to enforce its decisions,
tends to induce some to the belief, that the
highest Judicial tribunal in the land is a mere
nonentiiy!
When that last refuge to which we can all
appeal, for redress Of grievances, on grounds
of equity and justice is scandalized and bro
ken down then farewell to good order in So
ciety--farewell TO security of property, and
to the safety of individual person and life. Let
the idea 90 abroad, that the Supreme Court of
the land, exists only in form, and that any de-
cisions made by it, or mandates issued under
its authority, cannot be executed and are ofno
avail, and what becomes of the jurisdiction of
the minor and State courts Their power
and authority too, will be resisted, defed and
ridiculed! What would follow : ANAR-
CITY, DISORDER AND CONFUSION.
Loco focoism would then predominant. If the
Supreme Court possesses no authority or pow
er TO enforce its DECISIONS then let it be known.
The more speedily it is made known, the
better for the country, and for individual safe
ty. If the Judiciary is to be overthrown, in
dividuals must arm themselves in self-delence,
and in the maintenance Of their rights.
We do not believe in such doctrines. We
90 for sustaining the Judiciary, whose duty ii
is to expound and enforce the laws /; and if
they do not already possess complete power
to maintain the laws and enforce their doc
trines, then let it be forthwith delegated to
them.
This doctrine, sneeringly promulgated, that
the Supreme Court has no power to enforce
it's decision against the Post Master General
in this case, or against any one else, in any
similar case, is to be regarded as utterly SUBJ
versive of the constitution. No man, il seems
to us, who understands even the rudiments' of
constitutional law, can for moment enter
tain a doctrine so REVOLUTIONARY. 1t is alike
unworthy man of common sense, or re-
spectacle education, as it is inconsistent with
either the professions or practices OF an ho-
nest republican.