Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-03-28
Far Ms Enquirer.
TIE CONSTITUTION.


While the conviction prevails very extensively
that the Federal Constitution is in imminent danger
the precise nature and extent Of that danger is not
generally understood.
Every careful amd candid observer sees that dis
solution of the Union, resulting naturally from the
action OF the republican faction Of the North. would
put an end to the Constitution 1t is Constitution
for the whole country, not for part; for the whole
country iraternav united not divided into hostile
fragments. Again. il is evident that the uuconsflfu-
tuual abolition of slavery by the federal authority,
would destroy the Constitution This is probably the
mode in which the more moderate portion Of the
leaders Of the faction would prefer to accomplish the
end. \ powerful s0cicy has lately been formed,
whose fundamental principle is, that ConGres. has the
constitutional power to do that act. We are likely
soon Ia be treated with elaborate and profound argu
ments from respectable editors md able lawyers, in
the Websterinn style, aiming TO prove this position.
We regret to see Mr.. Raymond Of the editorial
corps. gradually forming the habit nf talking IN q
mys.lcnl and quibbling way about the Constitution.
We hope he will reform before he has gone too far
for repentance. He understands Mr.. Greeley morally,
but not politically. Any act of the federal legisu-
ure implying the truth of This theory nt The Cnnstl-
tuition, would imtllct deep and fatal wnnnd upon its
very hcart--it would be the dcath-knell of liberty.
The above views, though Of solemn moment, are
inedeuuatc 10 the real ryigcncics ot hs cnse. The
Jesuit is abroad. One "t tile best ways ot UNDER
standin. the designs and tendencies at party or Il
faction j. TO study carefully the character und aims
Of il leaders II we pursue this method with the
republican faction, the most momcnous conc luslons
will bc forced upon the mind. Let ns take in gross
IN. most notable leaders of the faction, and sec what
light they throw upo" our path Of INQUIRY They are
Greeley, Seward Weed, wrbb, GIdd,nSs, Blar-shaii
Notice, first, the deeply Popsh element which
runs through nearly tho whole limo. 1t may
strike some persons with surprise, that Mr.
Greeley should be coupled with Popery But does
moi his defence of Bishop lughe. tend to justify such
nm imputationl Does not his opposition to the Church
Tenure nw tend to The result also. his patron
age of the foreign also, his hattery OF Popsh
flnaonurcs; also his opposition to the Western Eu-
ropean Alliance The relation Of several of the
other notables to Pupery, il too evident TO require
any proof. Tho Republican faction, then must hive
some special connection with Popery: il cannot be by
accident that this crew have got board the same
ship.
the mo ,rity fhese mbued with this element,
whether frun uuucky domestic associations, or oter
causes we know not but certainly the commander
in-chief has enough Of II tor the whole troop. 1t ls
impossible that he could have assumed the leadership,
unless. the main drift Of the enterprise was under
stood 10 be the furiherance Of his darling schcme-
With him, Socialism is the end-Popery and Abo-
tion the means or incidents. The sudden abolition
of slavery is favorite feat of Socialism. There is
reason therefore, to fear that the Republican faction
Can this faction be the instrument Of both these
systems We think il can. The two ara radically
the same thing: is The religious aspect Of
tain System or principle; the other, its political as
pect What difficulty there be in their fraternal
union 10 effect common and lrs'ernal desiSnsi Why
can they no, make use of the same agencyi
In view Of these suggestions, we are justified in
saving tiat country Is exposed to more appalling
dangers thau the mere destruction of the Federal
Constitution. Tha! is fearful enough; but it is by no
means all. Beyond the violation of the constitution
-beyoud the dsunion Of the States lies the danger Of
Papa usurpation, rendering States Of the Church
and the danger Of social reorganization rareluI
study OF the Trb,nG-a careful noting Of s nattery
of PUpery; its hippant treatment OF constlu'o';a
subjects It's open Of that charter ot liCery u,
ridicue Of our venerated ancestors; iis co'u IonP
meuts TO the Fathers of the Republic, Will leau 10
the conviction that the conductor ls THt 'thi
SOUL OF ALL JEsCITIsM, aud the press Az LN"icL
OF DEsporIsM, VICE and PAGAHiSM' Anu o"eiu'
reflection upon Socialism itself, VIII eaa 10 'ne CON
cuson that it il the refined essence VI al
rsyous aud political dcspotsm-thIs Is the port TO
which these men wish to Conduct Inc snip OF otate
Shall we give them the helm onaii we give lheui
even q place before the mast
r. conclusion we wish 10 add word Of caution
r, :; otural that an inclination should be manifested
h enIou, persons to apply legal restraints of lesiti
and prudent character, to the order OF Jesults
nd the Mouastic Institution, ON account OF their po-
Eical bearings. This may De attempted oy state ie.
sston and by State constitutional provisions. IL It
hould be proposed, hope a: least that all measures
iII be adopted deliberately and after thorough dis
cusson-that they will be moderate in their tone ant
consistent with the liberal Spirit of Democracy-snd
that they will be evidently just as to commend
themselves to every mans conscience in the slght Oh
God. Then and only then they will become per
manent and neradicabe part of the constitution or
the Isws Of every one of these happy States.
NEm HAVEN, 1856. a. o. -