Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-03-16
SPEECH OF MR.. BUCKNER, OF KEN.
On the Buifo obtaining the necessary Surrey,
on the subject ofR '"''s and Canais.

On the Buifor obtGilins, the necessary Surreys
on the subject ofll ''''s and Canals.
IN THE II. OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
FEBRUARY S, 1924.
Mfr. Buclzner, of Kentucky, said, that, in re-
guesting the indulgence of the Committee, he
very much feared that he should be considered
Us guilty of a most unreasonable and improper
intrusion. He knew that the subject had ex-
cited great interest throughout every part of the
Union, and had been investigated long since, by
some of the most able aud enlightened states
snen of the country; and, among others, by our
present venerable Chief Magistrate; whose o.
pinions must at all times-be considered as enti-
tied to the very highest respect, whether we re-
gard that sincerity Of heart, and devotion to the
interests ofhis country, which have SD uniform
ly marked his course; or that fund of useful
practical information, and powers of strong To-
gcal argument, which have gained for him tho
eminent and dgni6ed stand which he now &C.
cupes. Nor, sir, continued he, shall forget
that, within few days past, this subject has
been most ably and deliberately discussed. 1t
would, therefore, be vanity in him to suppose,
that, he could cast uponit any great additional
light. The disposition, however, so evidently
displayed by the committee to listen to all that
could be urged, for or against system of inter-
nal Improvement, by this government, Ito which
the present bill was to be considered but as a
preparatory step,) had encouraged him to offer
the few remarks he was about to submit In do
ing it, he was satisfied that he had nothing to
depend upon, to ensure attention, but their
kindness and complaisance. Mr.. b. said he
should vote for the passage of the BILL because
he did not feel any doubts as to the constitution
ality of the measure, and, from conviction that
tho most salutary consequences would result
4 TO ba IDio A trJo
riic picture Gifts effects had been drawn by Sc
veral gentlemen opposed to the bill. They
would induce US to believe, that it will be an u
surpation of power, on the part ofthe general
government, by which state sovereignty is to be
destroyed, and the fabric of liberty made to tot
ter to its very centre. An honorable GENTLE
Inan from Vermont, Mr.. Mallary,) has repre-
sented this government commencing the at
tack upon the state which he has the honor in
part to represent; and under the fair pretence of
regulating and facilitating commerce between
the states, and providing the means of diffusing
political information, road or a canal is made
No other state would feel sufficient interest to
Interfere in the matter, and poor Vermont, I'M
aided and alone, falls an easy victim in this most
unequal contest. Some adjoining state next
feels the grasp Of tyranny and usurpation and
thus, thestates, one by one, share he same fate.
But, is not all this mere fancy. How, i'm the
name ofcommon sense, said Mr.. B. can the ma
king of fine road or canal in a state, over
which, when made, the general government
will not attempt the exercise ofan exclusive egis-
lation, operate to the injury ofsuch state, or in
the least impair its sovereigntys If, sir, this
government shall ever so far lose sight of its
true principles, to aim at the downfall of state
rights, it will not commence the preparation of
so wicked and nefarious design, by exhaust
ing its funds in improving, beautifying, and
Strengthening the states. The powers, which
are indisputably conferred on it, to lay and COL
1ect taxes without limitation, to RAISE and sun
port armies, to provide andmaintain a navy,&c.
are the means which would be resorted to; and
against the abuse of which powers, the intelli-
gence and patriotism of our citizens and the
responsibility of every officer of the government,
either mediately or Immediately, to the people.
finm the only sure and effectual protection.
Such, sir, continued Mr.. B. are the advanta-
ges which would, in my estimation result to the
United States, by the adoption and judicious
execution of a system ofinternal Improvement.
by this government, that, before its expediency
was questioned by those who stand opposed to
the passage of this bill, had supposed the ar
.gVrncnt would have turned exclusively on the
constitutional question involved in il. The
PRESIDENT, i'll the objections which he made to
the passage of a bill on a former occasion, en-
Tracing the same point, not only acknowledges
the propriety ofsuch measure, fif, constitute
Nlally, it could be executed,) but warmly re-
coininends such an amendment of the Constitu-
ton, would clearly confer the necessary
power. But, it has been insisted, that each
state could attend, with more convenience to
the construction of such improvements as might
be necessary, than the general government; be-
cause they would be more Immediately under
the inspection of such state. Whether howe
YER, they be made by state or by this govern.
9nent, it is evident that the construction them
would be superintendent by agents employed for
that purpose; or that they would be made by
individuals, under contract, with the govern
Inent. 1t would, therefore, be as convenient to
the one as to the other. But, if ever this go
vcrnment shall attempt such course, it was
said that partiality was to be displayed. Such
conclusion, however, is deducibe ONLY from that
want of integrity and vigilance in those to- whom
the management of the public concerns may be
Conhded, which cannot reasonably be presum-
ed; and ought not, therefore, to be INDUCED n
The argument relied upon to prove the exped-
ency of the measure, icsyllich it was insisted
that an interference by this government would
very much diminish, if not entirely take away,
all inducements on the part of each state to in
cur muck trouble or expense in making roads
aud canals, appears to be entitled to rather more
consideration. But it is evident, that no pro-
jects of the kind, except those Of great national
Importance, ought, would be undertaken by
it; and as to them, from the want Of concert
and unanimity of purpose, between the states
through whose territory the road or canal might
be conducted, as well as from the further con-