Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1850-03-08
For .,s Enquire:
: Q. u Q.
To JOHN 3. FLOYD. ESQ, GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA
~ JoH.N D. Y, ~

TO JOHN B FLOYD. ESQ, GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.
90. lf)
.,o toms which should enter into csti
maze r the value OF the Union, there IS one To ~c nav
n , dr,od mean the probability that in escaping rom
nov hrace of our Northern brethren, we might hnd
them converted into open enemies nn eay and an in
ids friend Neither do PROPOSE at inns moment 10 en-
ouire OF the probable results OF any nose controversy '
might arise do not mean to e'aae 'ne'. ope ~ w '"I
wave % ao' enter A. once on the enquiry, "what ought
V;;a - do Al thi. mel In introducing this question
will premise that the course OF aeoo r d t
t The Union than 10 endanger it, and that even should
end in dissolution hardly fail 10 render II pacihc ana
10 afford time and opportunity 10 ooi parties W Az
their hest by establishing relations best suited TO
their condition. o,.,xo , ,.h;.h H.
The Nashville Convention The measure 10 when .ne
minds OF most are this nome nj, uiec'a - Is ca
sure thai men who app,hend all manner OF EVIL from the
loss of the Union tell must inevaey eu 10
have taken some pains 10 ascertain inc oi s ap
prehension, and have oeeh su'P''' "
they ore. 1..,,,ion m,s, boro nov
r N dissolve the Union II is gravely asserted mat the very
60 Tn,;on imnars unlimited power. 1t is true that
such is the give 10 those extra as
sembles OF men, commissioners ~ M If STATES and =,
establish others in their place But II Is ms commission
from the people whom the power ~ do ihese nngs ina
enably belongs and not the nnme oil Conro winch con-
fers such mower Convention is in truth, only Roen ge
for any kind Of assemolage OF men, ~hen met
by agreement and with view to any measure OF 10 any
discussion Other words nearly SYNONYMOUS might be used
bu these words political nomenclature nave specc
constitutional meanings assigned TO them Assembly IS The
name of State Legislature Congress IS ias Of me
legislature of the Union. Either Of these would suit the
purpose were liberty use H. The latter would be
the most appropriate word for technically applies to
meeting of deputies from sovereign onles IS 'e name
piyen By our fathers assembly exactly Ike his now
nroposed which met in Philadelphia, in September -,
without powers of any kind whatever But II II should be
suggested that this assembly Nashville should De called
by that its appropriate name those who start at the word
Convention would be yet more alarmed al Inc uea oi ~
val Congress- which they would expect 10 see opposing lis
legislation that OF The Congress established oy the Con-
stituon 1000 !, -. - r.
power Whatever the proposed assembly may 10 csied II
can have no power not given by express delegation If
none be given will have Ii certain powers are con-
erred while others withheld II may exercise the one set
and not the other If vested with authority TO consult and
advise they may do II 10 ac-hey may act II TO
covenant their constituents will be bound hut whatever
they NAV attempt beyond the limits of granted power will
end in words without meaning.
And what power can the Legislature of Virginia give {!
None certainly they have The power TO dissolve the
Union is with the people who created it, not by an act Of
the Legislature, but BY Convention expressly authorized
TO do So The proposition that the Legislature cannot
grant power which the Legislature itself does possess,
IS indeed plain be denied enforced by argument
But NAV Legislature delegate such power does
possessl IL has mono delegate. 1t has power 10 ex
ercse but not delegate II sa universal maxim that dele
gated power cannot be delegated The Legislature can
elect Governor Judge Can they authorize the selection
of either by any other or number Of men! They Gun
make laws Can they shift oil this duty on committee OF
one or both Houses and home leaving their task OF egls
ation this smaller number
But il the Convention is have power why assemble
in To consult and advise. To compare minds. To ac-
quaint each other with the wishes sentiments views interest,
and resources of their respective constituents To deber
ate on the Of preserving the Union To advise
las they might ii people had their way surrender
all The rights Of the south for the sake c lnion 10 de-
wise and recommend securities Tor The preservation oil those
rights Should they advise action within tho compeien
cy of the Legislature that body may adopt or reject such
advice and accordingly Should they advise any action
v,hi fha of
from the Union is of this chaIacter the Legislature must
first deliberate the call OF State Convention for that
pose and then the Convention mus, deliberate on the wisdom
and justice the proposed secession this must be done
the cxtrayagant superstition that every member OF
Nashville Convention should be disposed 10 hurry the
dissolution OF the Union.
But admitting all this be true il has been asked whe
Their those who elected by the people IN the several
election districts will necessarily be clothed with unmit
ed power Certainly not when The power conferred is
pressly limited When the Legislature call upon the people
10 elect members 10 Convention for the purpose oi chang
ing the State Constitution, the elections which may take
place under such caR will clearly be made with view 10
the exercise of such power and they who elected will BE-
invested with IT, But here the power Is derived from the
press purpose of the Convention, anc from the
name Ard So in all the express duty assigned del
ega,es however elected will e the precise measure :" their
powers.
vention! TO dissolve The Cnion II all that the legs
atue can do will be call upon the people first meet in
Convention here at home and in that Convention 10 decide
"wheher sy lrN 10 dissolve The Union md il So how to
20 about it," But who dreams Of such thing!
Does any expect ~ish the Nashville Convention 10
propose and recommend bring about disunon'
have rs vet such And should they thus advise
their advice be approved By the Legislature and after
wards by the people in State Convention before il can be
carried into effect.
To what purpose then should Convention nj Nashville
BIZ called
will give my answer in the form of resolutions which
will clearly express The object TO be accomplished, and the
power be conferred
l. "Resolved Thar A, B, c. &c be; and they hereby
requested attend the Convention Of the southern States
10 be held AT Nashville the first Monday in June next,
then and there 10 GGpise and consult with those who
shall attend the other States, the best
Of acting the minds Of men, In the Northern section Of
this Union procure proper securities for the rights OF
the Southern States and 10 restore the harmony and union
80 earnestly de,iredby the rhok South
. That the people Of each OF the several Senatorial or
Congressional Districts be and they hereby requested
NJ the next election for members Of the General Assembly
hold poll for the selection of person attend
the said Convention their behalf fer the purpose.
g. That 10 give ample time for deiberaton and consul
,ation among the people the next election OF members
the General Assembly be postponed until heday Of May
merit.
l. That the officers whose duty il H. by law to superin
tend the elections hereby required give effect the
second OF these resolutions by opening polls the purpose
therein expressed.
g. That all persons who pursuance of these resolutions
shall attend the said Convention be- and they hereby
quesed keep account Of their necessary expenses the
said Contention, and going 10 and returning from the
same lay the before the General isemby
along with Of the proceedings of said Convention
g. That if the General Assembly be in session the
time of the adjournment Of the said Convention then that
such report OF the proceedings Of the be made the Err
ecutire Of this State.
At another time shall offer my reasons in support of this
plan of operations and especially Of much is indicated
by the words written in italics.
4 SON OF VIRGINIA.
-----------<sS>------