Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1838-03-13

to the House. he had repeatedly attempted 10 90 os
fore the great Importance of the subject embraced III
the resolutions, and the proPfiey which existed 90 w
thought, for some expression OF opinion oy this
ture since the bill then under consideration IN the De-
nate of the United States according TO his conceP
lion in direct hostility with The principles winch ''''
State had ever cherished and he trusted would ever ce
rsh in reference 10 The Federal Government From the
very foundation Of that Government II had seeneu 70
be The peculiar province of Virginia, to take The LEAD
in advancing her opinions on oil great qnesionS'
pectine the Interpretation of the Federal Consu'u,
lion or the wisdom of any system of policy whch n's"s
have the effect TO augment the powers and influence VI
that Government When the Alien and SedIli0n Laws
were enacted Here the Speaker reminded mr. tiou
rps that il not in order 10 discuss the Alien anu &c
dllion Laws MIR. Hodges said that he was aware tna.
the alien aud sedon laws did not constitute Inc sureo,
of consideration before The House. he certainly dla not
intend TO enter into discussion of the 7aerS OF these
laws he only referred to them to illustrate his poslon'
that whenever any question OF magnitude had atsen'
touching the powers of the General Government, the
voice Of this Legislature had been heard To procia'h
its opinions in regard it, Now, however, that ques'
ton has been presented to us, which, in his judgment,
at least equaed if it did not Transcend N Importance
any other which has ever been submitted TO the So
emn deliberalion Of the People of this country; d
question not merely abstract and theoretical in its na
ture {; not simply respecting the construction OF any
clause Of the federal constitutions but one which IN uu'
dion 10 all lhs is emineny practical in its character
and operation now that such question has arisen, we
gravely told that it is waste OF tne-at The Legs
alure ought not to interfere with The subject Of federal
politics. He differed widely from those who affected
1.-THE Speaker desired Mr. Hodges 10 conne his remarks
The proprety Of taking up the resolutions NJ fhat mc
Mr. Hodges said that it would be difficult matter Tor
him prove that it necessary to take up The resp
ulions that moment, that day, or the next oaf'
or the day after; and he conceived it would be equally
difficult show that they ought 10 he taken up at any
particular period during the session. though from the
great magnitude of the subject he thought It Obvious
That they should be considered at some period IL !e
rule of the House which restricts discussion, on Holion
to take up TO the simple question Of the e.PedIency OF
taking up, ulwuyo enforced with as much igor as
on that occasion, he did not see how The PROPHECY o
considering question like the one then under discussion
could ever be established Mr.. Wrghts bi'i m'Snt oe
decided upon in the of few days, or II n'gnt
not and although if this Legislature were to act IN re-
ference 10 il a, ALL its aclion ought to take place before
the vote upon that bill should be taken; yet hr Hodges
could no, designate the particular momento day. when
the subiec, should be brought beure TINT body before
lie should take his seat he would call for the nyes and
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