Richmond Enquirer

To the Editors of the Enquirer.

Gentlemen :

I have been much surprised and not a little mortified, that no notice has been yet taken in the House of Delegates, of that part of our late excellent Governor's communication, at the commencement of the session, which spoke of the aggressions of the Federal Government on the rights of the states.

The mild, though decided recommendation of the course which Virginia should pursue on these momentous subjects, contained in that valuable state paper, was peculiarly acceptable and pleasing to the great bulk of the people; and they fondly anticipated a very early reference of that portion of the message to a distinguished committee, composed of the best talents of the House.

Surely the House of Delegates do not purpose to give these subjects the go-by altogether! Surely it is not meant that our firm and intelligent representatives in Congress, shall receive no encouragement to persevere in their laudable efforts, from the General Assembly of Va.! Surely this session will not be permitted to pass away, without some manifestation of approbation, of the able resistance made by our Representatives, to the unconstitutional internal improvement scheme; and the still more onerous and equally unconstitutional tariff!

If so, all I can say is, that we the people will be sorely disappointed and mortified!

Why wait for South Carolina, or any other State? Has Virginia been wont to perform a second part when her rights are invaded? Her dearest interests sacrificed to promote monopolies, and separate and partial schemes of aggrandizement?

To say nothing of the President's sky.light message, has not the report of Mr. Secretary Rush opened the eyes of all who are not stone blind? A paper containing the most dangerous and bold doctrines ever advanced in this or any other country-contending for the power in the Federal Government to regulate or organize the labor, the "industry," the capital of every man in this widely extended Union.

Will some member of the Legislature, take the trouble to estimate what Va. pays, over and above what is necessary for the support of government under the present tariff; and also, what she loses for want of a price for her commodities, her bread stuffs, tobacco, cotton, &c which an unshackled trade with the world would ensure her.

If I am not greatly deceived, she will be found to pay in this way, fifty fold as much, as all her state taxes put together.

And yet it is a limited government that does these things -the freest government on the globe. It is no longer a free government if these things be permitted. You may call it what you please, but it is nothing more nor less than despotism, when the government exercises the power to take money from the pocket of A, and put it into the pocket of B, or to compel C, D, and E, to become manufacturers, agriculturists, merchants, or mechanics, contrary to their will-" to direct and organize the labor, industry, and capital of the country."

Let the Legislature look to these things-this is no time for putting off-Virginia expects every man to do his duty--at least so say MANY OF THE PEOPLE.