Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-09-30
TUESDAY MORNING, ,.EpTEMBERa 30
THE CANVASS BETWEEN MESSRS. GAR
NETT AND SAUNDERS.-A NEW PLANK

NETT AND SAUNDERS.-A NEW PLANK
IN THE kNOW-NOTHlNG PLATFORM.
A correspondent, reporting the discussion in Mid
desex, between the candidates for Congress in the
First Congressional District, represents Mr.. Saun-
ders to maintain this proposition. that although the
Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional, yet it
valid and obligatory, the principle that vio-
laton OF the Constitution may be justified by circum.
stances" This is absurd and misclievous u pro-
position that doubt as to the accuracy of the
report would be excusabie if il not attesed by
50 many and such reliable witnesses. writer in
TIE Norfolk ArSus, confirms correspondent .
statement Of MIR. Saunders speech in Middesex.-
But, what is of more consequence another gentle
man in letter which is inserted in this issue of the
Enquirer, reports that Mr.. Saunders propouuded the
same principle in his speech in Westmoreland.-
So that it ia proved beyond question. not only that
Mr.. Saunders dues maintain this extraordinary posi-
tion, but that he maintains it deliberately aud from
conviction.
MIR. Saunders is known to entertain very peculiar
notions Of government, but nobody anticipated any
such absurd sentiment even from him. Persona IA
miliar with his habits of thought on political matters,
were prepared to hear that he thinks the British
monarchy the perfection of government and that he
regrets the Declaration of Independence; but this
idea of c1.rgcousHutjonaiRy and OF the necessity of
occasionally isregarling the obligations Of the fun
damental compact, is so absurd and SO mschievous,
that people aru astonsled that even Mr. Robert
Saunders gravey euuuciate and defend i, as Il
correct principle.
Mr.. Saunders denounces the repeal Of the Missouri
restriction But Mr. Saunders cannot affirm that the
Missouri restriction is in accordance with the Cons
ton. He has, then, no escape but maintain that
al infracton OF the Constitution may be justified by
circumstances. lie will understand us when We EN-
ploy his own academic phraseo!ogy and tell him that
this is rsd~rtio nd aJsurdum. When any man as.
sunes position which involves him in such All ab.
surdi;y, if he is logical he will at once acknowledge
his error and recant his here.y
Here ia apt illustration of the rischie yous ten.
dency Of Bottss.I. Mr. Saunders Is Disciple Of
Bolts He processes and practices Bottsstn with pi
Gus purcuelity. With Bolts he denounces the repeal
OF the Missouri restriction, and talks solemniy OF the
violation Of sacred compact. But with more .cg.c
and less dupcity than Bolts, he :a,.s hesdong into
the absurd conclsstIu which his vicious principle
conducts him. Mr.. Saunders teaches the existence
and acknowledges the obligation OF Law superior to
the Constitution. With Seward, lie confesaes himself
a disciple Of the ihghrr Lar! Thrs Id deInoustra
ted the identity OF Hnttssln and Sewsrdisin.
The conservative and patriotic people of the First
Congressional Dis,rct were repused by Mr.. Saun
ders' denunciG,ion OF the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS bill. We
suspect this declaration OF allegiance to the H,ghcr
Lar vii. swell the tide Of their disgust beyond all
limit. 1t is enough to have a Seward in the Senate
Saunders IN the House IL more than the country
can stand. al any rate the people Of the FRS, Con
gression6. District do not c"vet the honor Of bein:
miS.representcd by politician Of the ,it:.e' "a,
s,huol.