The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1821-04-03

The following extract from the National Ga
zette," conducted by Mr. Walsh, contains
sound views ofthe danger of national Influence
II cannot but be perceived that the patronage
OF the general government is rapidly extend
ing, ana that the state soTereigntes are a. rap
idly losing their independence. There has
been time when the Federal Government was
weak and the State Governments were strong
too strong perhaps, for the efficient exercise
oy the former Of the salutary power vested in
IL. But their relative situation is changed and
the reverse is now true. II State Independ-
ence Is worth any thing, some checks ought 10
be InterPosed TO the overwhelming influence
oy patronage and place, OF the general govern
ment.
It IS mentioned in some Of the daily prints.
That Governor Of one Of the State, has pa-
ced himself on the list uf candidates for the
Office OF commissioner under the Florida Urea
~. We sincerely hope this information NAV
prove erroneous. When the chief magistrates
OF The sovereign members Of the Union. look
10 participation ID The lucrative lois al he
disposal of the Federal Executive, The indie
Pehdence Ut the state governments may d.
considered as stricken in an important branch.
1here must then arise an irregular influence.
operative upon all branches in support the
general administration, whatever NAV Be rs
character. Ii the first officer VI the state. whor,
every 'hIng concurs tn invest with al unequal
led degree Of personal ascendency, be counte-
hahced 10 such pursuii-a pursuit every
way unbecomlng and derogalOry as regarjs
ms exalted sta;ion-the President will possess
a formidable mean: vi undue control over tlg
course o! state politics the expectant canuut
lai - become the Instrument Ut lie DISPENSER.
OF profitable office.
An oosequIousness 10 the Federal Execu.
i've IA general politics, j. not ihe only mis-
effect To be alprehended inIiGgr-
ehCe anu la1Ily IN the discharge Ut Immediate
ou'ies Or carelc'sness about the essential
concerns and ultimate good vii ~ lie people
81 the State, might follow, where provision,
independent Of their favour, could be RELIEF
upon as the price Ut devotion al another shrine.
70 would, perhaps, going too tar 10 deny
10 Tue Chet magisU-.e Of state. the aim vi
representing the Uuion abroad, or eApuundinE
10 laws on The bench # The Supreme Court
an aspiration after functions uiihis kind, would
seem co-Urtnate with the dignity VI bis post
" would SAVIOUR more ol generous ambition that
common Cupidhy his talent. might be ndis
pensIoe or desirable in them. Tor The national
veal The instances q appointment must ne
cesssarIly BE rare, and tie ublique attraction
probably feeble. As a general rule, however,
we should prefer. that Tie governors UtAse
staies be forever debaHed lran any py-t Vi
honour Or profit within The gli VI the edera
executive. The weight and magnetism ofthe
general government are destined greatly ~ III
crease. Against al inordnate momentum III
the direction If The stale governments, I'D PIE
Caution which should tr attended only Hilh
possible priFation lor the national Interests.
and mere hardship ior few individuals,
ought . be neglecled ~ ca.e. Nhtre niI.L.