Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-01-23

- o,a cr his Ieiiers 10 the Executive Of Virginia that
bc should be aided BY the Legislature when
Nod He had no doubt that it committee shouid r.
mort and this house should he convinced, that the Go.
ernor had fallen into his construction oi
IN. Constitutions and should express that op,nion That
tie Governor would review his decision, and comply
with the demand Of the Executive OF Virginia.
This was a grave constitutional question, and 1t the
Governor had made communication on the SUD-
ect Inc had no doubt this House might properly
c, for the correspondence refer it, and pass IN OPT
MON upon the matter in controversy. lie (air. W
believed that the Governor had erred IN his con.
s,ructou sf the Constitution, that 1t was not sound
construction. and that if persisted n II must lead to
d;nl,or IL the Union He belle we'd that the Execu-
tive OF this State had complied with his obligations
under the Constitution; that il was his duty, immed-
atey on receiving the rcqulsition OF me ooVeih', o.
vr1inia 10 have surrendered the iugtives VINO ad OIL
Tended against the laws OF that S,ae' ana ta' posi-
ton was not n sound one, then there was no force IN
the Constitution under which lived II was Tor the
house 10 saw whether, under the circumstances, II was
not worth our while TO this controversy, and set
our Governor right, if convinced that he is ID the
wrong.
Mr. Looms said it matter of indifference 10
him to what Committee this subject REFEREED and
he had therefore remained silent SO long that ques
ton was up. But it had become question whether
this matter Of Importance enough to have refer
ence to any committee, hereafter, lie desired 10
say word on that subject The very fact Of the exist
evinced to his mind that there something wrong
in our legislative cnactmens, some defect IN The Con-
sttuton mistake IN the Interpretation OF II, mat
required legislative expression or legislative acton
If the Executive of two States, each endeayoring 10
execute the laws had to such opposite conclu-
sons it appeared TO him, it was high time that the e-
qisature had taken up the subject The tar inference
was, that the Governor, in communicating 10 ms cor
respondence, expected that would receive attention,
If not action and courtesy to him and 10 the Executive
~. H. "A Iaasf ha
taken up, and looked into. At all events, he was not
disposed to say now that the subject should not be re-
erred at ali.
Mr.. folley said lie noticed among the documents
resolution Of the Legislature of Virginia, requesting
that the subject might be laid before the Legislature OF
New York. Under these circumstances, It would be
but courteous (if the would not be dsconr-
tcous) 10 refer the subject, and 10 act upon it, And
with view have the aid Of the opinion OF the other
branch to the propriety Of taking up the SUBJECT
and in any ultimate action upon vt, he moved 10 amend
10 make the resolution concurrent, and TO pro-
vide for joint committee Mr.. ii had been at loss
as to what it hest and proper 10 do. lie had no
desire TO make party capital out of question Of this
grave character He valued this Union too highly
he was loo thoroughly impressed with the I'M
portance Of good understanding between all the
members of this conicderacy, 10 hazard all by an
attempt to make political capital out OF such state OF
things. He meant to act strictly with view TO the
rood of the State and the harmony OF the whole coun
try. Perhaps the Joint committee might let the matter
Law longer, that the opinions Of the people might be
known in reference to it. lie should be glad 10 feel
that he was resting the clear opinion Of his consti-
tuents 1t was question, and one Of Importance.
and he slonld not be willing to consider II now at ALL
but that lie would treat with respect the ancient Com
monwealh with whom this controversy had arisen
alf H. moved for the present 10 lay the whole subject
the table.
Mr. LAwRFxoE assented 10 the modification Of his
resolution proposed b. MIR. llnl.ey, and
In this shape it was laid oil the table.