Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-03-28
To THOMAS RICHIE, ESQ,
Brandon, Prince George county, Va.

BRANDON, (os JAMES RIvEaJ MARCH IS 1881
Gentlemen IL have received your aiud and cordial invita-
lion 10 public dinner 20 De- gwen at Richmond No
can more highly appreciate the honor which you would do
me:and vet mus, ask your permission TO decline it.
This compliment Is still more precious 10 me- because
comes as from the jury OF the vicinoge-tom those
who have known longest, and known me best,-and
whose rood opinion has always served animate my
tons as we'll as reward hem We have fought side by
side in the defence common principeswe have toge
he 'partaken triumph pursued the gae III have
any little virtues earth you have them III have
contributed any degree the Of those great pn
cples on which the Union of the States and the rights
the States those great elements of national prospe
rty repose you have been the best witnesses of
e1ertons. The map OF nearly all my le both public and
private has been spread before nearly half
tury and when you forward TO bear witness in my
behalf your approbuton next 10 own conscience Of
unspeakable value.
The longer live my frends-th see Of the
which are around me-the strongly satisfied Of
the impregnaby of the rock upon which We have stood
We must rule the Federal Government TO strict consuc
ZION of the Constitution II should exercise powers
which are not granted end
end which is specified in the instrument itsef;-or rs
means Unnecessary and proper" carry the specified
powers The balance between the centrifugal and the
frpeal powers was originally laid down By authors
Should any additional authority be found necessary in the
working of the machinery to carry out the objects OF this
great conedeacy it should be sought for from the parties
The compact, by an amendment 10 the Constitution.
Let us too forget that this glorious Union
formed in spirit of Cancellation and of compromise it
be maintained in the same spirit Our country is 80 extern
awe in its territory through many atudes and
embraces such variety of SOIL climate interests aud popu
aton that section has right dictate the Each
part yield something every other part Ii
shade Of opinion every variety of feeling is const
sute cause of discord and alienation Union is
stantly exposed to the dangers of dissolution.
By these general principles have attempted TO guide
humble bark, both at Richmond and in Washington ! re-
tire TO private life with these sentiments deeply engraved
upon my memory and my heart shall leave il TO younger
men and ADLER champions 10 defend the CITADEL which
have assisted TO establish
state these things. gentlemen because shall not have
the opportunity of repeating them in person. You must
cuse ME for accepting your very kind invitation. But
have come Virginia 10 see portion of my family from
whom have been long separGted and have brought
with me the seeds of indsposton which is yet
iirey suhdued II would of ITSELF prevent me from enjoy
Ing the opportunity of meeting the social board and
of exchanging those greetings with my ancient friends
which should have much desired Besides | am very
reluctant put them to the trouble OF giving such
sexsa proofs of their and good viii
With afectonate regards and best wishes to all
I am yours faithfully THOMAS RICHIE.
To Col JOHN RuTHERrooRp and Others, Richmond Va.
from the New York Journal of Commerce
STRICT CONSTRUCTION. The policy by which this
country should be governed is indicated by the disturbance
Constitution. That great instrument adopted TO meet the
exgences of few States lying along the Atlantic coast,
contains capacities suited TO the extension of the
try from Such indeed the grand design
Of some u the men who framed it, Their prophetic eyes
behed the extension Of country and their wisdom
established those organic features IN the Constitution which,
as new States grew into being mashaed them into place.
revolve their orbits with the regularity necessary for all
the great ends of human government We owe 10 those
performed TINS WORK on nas.S OF SuCn
grandeur the deepest sraude debt which should ever be
present minds in performing the duties which they
cast upon thosche free citizens of Amercaon whom The
burtheus of government fall To the Inhabitants Of this
poplous city, which its magnitude 10 the trainers OF the
Constitution B the OF that work OF the highest
importance Our relations with the whole We have
commanding interest with any particular secton-Norh,
Sou:h East or West We stand TO the country large in
Oh. eation 10 stake-hodcrs indifferent between the
But we have interest great beyond expression in the
peuity of the government in peaceful, orderly wise and
benecen management of its concerns These relations TO
md acEr urlaIrn cd
To this fact owing that that grand movement which
originated in New York in behalf the compromise measures
reached with its healing and peaceful influences, every
hamlet throughout the broad extent of the country and set
lied for and revocaby the doom OF lis opposers The
heat of conflict in some degree ove and the time
has arrived for considering with mature care o what means
lie patriotic influence Of New York that we yet
,usak only for the ciy)shal be continued and the union
Nth all gories and blessings, preserved However i'm
oorant may have been and relations with foreign
countries vet the OF the United States its mani
fold productions It's growing wealth. the extent the increase
aAd the spread OF population, the variety OF interests
oAd evident harmony be disturbed from the
operations omissions OF the government all show that
eur dearest and important interests are at home
cd that attention is emnently due TO tho means ne
0Dosary for preventing difficulties between the different
sections of the country The heaburnngs and lealoIsies
Ohch have arisen States due
- failure perform parts compact and the assump
den by the general government OF powers intended To
- conferred The these the omission OF duties
Ma undergone ntense discussion question deliver
IN 40 gves from domestic eervitude Should the pers
& question finally DO pissed without any other msfo
tnna than the alienation of feeling between Southern and
Northern Saies-terrible may be lha, ditcuty--he
eonutry will have for rejoicing That may BE- s,of
ed hsrca:tef through the influences OF time, of wisdom
hospitates oi q spirit the OF that which morbid
philanthropy s now showing and from the prevalence of
the idea destined hope prevail that the Union fruit
full OF blessings all its parts We do not propose now
enter on branch OF the subect ohec,
present views in relation to the danger OF exercising
bowers not conferred Two opposing rules of construction
have been applied the constitution OF the U. States the
trct and the implied rule they respectively termed
The implied rule extends the OF the over
nF auioat rho Yna
them TO the powers intended to be conferred. The
assumption of new powers by the General Government
cessary dmnishes those OF the States; for is expressly
declared In the Constitution that the granted BY
H. arc reserved he States respectively or TO the people,
To iptrench upon these reserved
violation OF the spirit of tho Constitution disregard of the
rights Of the States and innovation certain to end in the