Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1839-07-19


Report on the Alien and Ssdilion Laws, "was unc'r
the discussion which preceded its ratification, is well
known that great appebe nsons were expressed by ma
ny, lest the omission Of some positive exception ION
the powers delegated, Of certain rights, might expose
them to the danger of being drawn by construction within
Of the powers vested in Congress- more especially
of the power make all laws necessary and proper or
carrying their other powers into execution. in reply
TO this objection t was invariably urged 10 be Un'
damental land characteristic principle OF The Cons.
tuition, that all powers not given by it, reserved;
that powers were given beyond those enumerated in
the Constitution, and such fairly incident 10
them.
From this posture Of the subject resulted the inter.
estin. question in many OF The Conventions, uhe
Their The doubts and dangers ascrbed to The Conslu.
ton, should be removed by any amendments prrviors
TO the ratification be osponed in conde that as
far they might be proper they would be introduced
in the form provided by The Constitution. The latter
course was adopted; and in most Of the States, the fa
fcatons were followed by propositions and instructions
for rendering the Constitution explicit and more
sale TO The rights not meant to be delegated by H.
In pursuance Of the wishes thus expressed the r't
Congress that assembled under the Constitution, pro
posed certain ameBdmens which have since BY the ne
cessary ralihcaons, been made part Of it
The proposition Of amendments made by Congess''
introduced in the following words:
1.-THE Contention of number Of the States, barring al
the tune Of their Adopting the Constitution e1presstaa
desire, IN order TO preeent alnst q "
poners. tint further deelaratory rsstrettre taus
should be added and, extending me ground Of p"'
confidence in the Government ac best ensure The tsHsr
cent ends Of its institution "
Here is The most satisfactory and lhen,c proof tha
the several amendments proposed be conslde
either declsratoy or restrictive; and whether the one
or the other, corresponding with desire e1pfesfa
by number Of The States and extending the groun'
Of public confidence in the Government
Some of the acts Of ratification by the States expressly
declared that every power granted by The Cons"I
ton remains with The people of the United States anu
And at NH nj n
be cancelled, abridged restrained or modlheo'
the Congress by the Senate, or House of Represent
ves. by the President, any Department or o'hce,
the U s, except in those instances in which power
given by the Constitution
If such precautionary measures were necessary w." ~,
commend the Constitution they are equally nece''3'
now direct the inter probation Of its powers ,.;
Yet, despite of these wholesome, conservative p'"
PIES and this clear of historical and inosPb n,
BILE facts, Congress did, in February, I79 cha Tsom
IT, 8. Bank, against the official Amusement OF ~ The
Jefferson and Edmund Randolph, then members ., ,,s
Administration and in direct opposition 70 ,n and
vote of the Virginia delegation, including "sois'"
Giles .,.,,
Jefferson, then Secretary of State, said The r0"e''''