Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1845-02-22
FoR THE ENQUIRER
Trgi,liG as she ,cas and should Jc!

NO Sldtc HdS HllIleIlO WlcIueu IllOIe
than Virginia. Firmness and infexibily OF pur
pose, promptness and independence in the vindi-
cation OF her rights have always characterized
her. She formerly was ever foremost in the ex-
preston OF her opinions on every question Of
magnitude. She was in advance Of her sister
colonies in her opposition 10 British usurpalion,
and excelled them all in The energy with which
she denounced every illesitimale exercise ofpower
on the part Of the mother country. On the passage
of the famous Stamp Act, the glowing cloqucncc
of Henry vindicaed the rights Of Virginia and The
colonies, declaring, in his ever memorable resou-
tons, that taxation and representation are inse-
parable, and that no power under Heaven had q
right 10 tax the colonies without their consent.
On the passage OF the Tea Act, the same deep
rooted and Incorporating hostility 10 tyrannical
exercise Of power actualed Virginia in l774, TO
recommend 10 The colonies the appointment OF
delegates TO represent them in general Congress,
for the purpose OF devising some regular and con-
nected plan for prosecuting the war. The mea-
sures which were adopted by that Congress- con-
tributed, in great measure 10 the ultimate
triumph of the colonies. But Virginia, after the
storm OF the Revolution had already commenced,
and was preparing 10 sweep with wild and DESC
lating fury 'over the land OF the free and the home
OF the brave" with that tar-sightcd sagacty for
which her statesmen were 50 pre-eminenty DIS
war might be terminated, the blessings OF liberty
could never be permanently secured without
total independence otthe colonies on their mother
country. Therefore, while the tornado was fast
approaching, and threatened her with ruin,
while the universal commoion OF the popular
pillows gave unerring signs OF the near approach
Of great moral tempest Virgini, quailed
moi; but in a moment, with an undaun spirit,
severed forever the bonds Of colonial vassalage,
bydeclaring herself free and independent. In the
Spring of l77G, the Old Dominion took her
stand among the independent nations Of The earth,
and appealed 10 her sister colonies TO follow her
example she instructed her delegation in Con-
sress 10 make use of every exerion 10 have the
colonies declared Independent, which was accord
ingly done the 4th July, &c. But lei it ever be
remembered, with patriotic pride by Virginans,
that this iluslrous Old Commonwealth was a
Sovereign State three months prior TO the Decla-
ration OF Independence by Congress, and while
other colonies were dependencies OF Great Britain.
Blu, Virginia was destined TO add other wreahs
10 her chaplet Of undyng glory. Unity of feel
ing, indemnity of Interests and the accomplish
ment of a common end, had connected the colo
MES together in bonds Of ndissoube union during
their arduous struggle for independence. But,
when their Liberties were consummated, and
peace and tranquility restored the colonies soon
federation IL became necessary either 10 amend
the old, or TO adopt new Federal Constitution
The colonies were apparently in imminent dan
ger. All former Governments had either been
the offspring OF fraud or force. That people
should calmly elect representatives 10 adopt a
written Constitution TO secure their liberties was
Unprecedented in The annals of mankind. But in
this emergency, Virginia did not ialter. No fac
,ious spirit, no sectional feelings, no local prejud-
ces operated on her; all were sacrificed at the
altar of the public good. Virginia again led on
the van As she had been first in war; SO she
was frs, in peace. II was al her suggestion, that
the different States appointed delegates to assemble
in Philadelphia in 1887, who after mature and
deliberate consideration adopted our present Fee
dereal Constitution, Inc broad and deep foundation
of our glorious political fabric.
But high as was the rank OF Virginia in the
scale Of States she had not yet reached the sum-
init Of her glory and honor. 1t was her proud
destiny to interpose and preserve that Cohsttu-
ton, which she had been so instrumental in es-
tablishing II is well known that after the adop-
lion OF the Constitution, Two parties agiiated the
country, the Federalists and Republicans. The
former believed, that the General Government
was TOO weak, and therefore attempted, by forced
and latitudinous construction of the Constitution,
to embrace powers which were not designed 10
be exercised by its trainers. The latter contend
ed, that broad and latitudinous construction
was dangerous and would ultimately consolidate
the States; and therefore, they construed il strict
". The former commended, that The Constitution
was the peoples Constitution, the Peoples Go
vernment, made forthe People, made by the Peo-
ple. and answerable TO the People" The latter
denied, that the Constitution was made BY the
people in their aggregate capacity; but that it
was made by the States in their sovereign capaci-
ty, and that, consequently, the States are parties
to the Constitution, and must judge of its infrac-
lions. Virginia has always, since the division Of
parties, been Republican in her politics. When,
therefore, the elder Adams, experimenting on the
capabilities Of the Constitution, enacted the no
torious Alien and Sedilion laws, the Legislature
Of Virginia declared them dangerous and palpa-
bic violations of the Constitution, and appealed
to her sister States TO assist her in so declaring
them.
But the States Rights Republican doctrines Of
Virginia were not congenial to the spirit Of Fede.