Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-03-16

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deny its great and almost unlimited Importance
to the Union. 1t stands, proud monument of
national industry and the patriotic enterprise of
It's projectors. He needed not, however, con-
sumo time, by considering separately all the
objections which had been urged against a sys-
tenn OF internal improvement. Its advantages
were too obvious to require such course. 1t
would give an additional impulse to, and open
new sources of commerce between the states,
IA consideration, in his opinion, far more impor-
tant than our foreign commerce; it would fur
nIsh strong incentives to industry, and would
save great labour and expense to our citizens in
carrying their produce from one part of the
country to another. The facilities, also, which
it would afford to the United States, in marching
our armies-in transporting to points where
they may be wanted, provisions, arms, and all
the munitions of war, could not be too highly APP.
Preciated. But, in no point of view (said he)
would it be more important, than in the happy
effect 1t would produce in extending and en-
couraging familiar intercourse between our
citizens. An honorable gentleman from Vir-
ginia MIR. 81 has told us that shc entertains
no fears upon the subject; that no man could
make him believe that the rejection of this bill,
or the refusal to exercise the power now claim
ed, is to separate these states, or ALLEVIATE the
affections of the west from the Union.n
No sir, (said Mr.. b. as a representative of a
certain portion Of that brave and patriotic peo-
pie, should be sorely mortified, could it with
proprety be msinuated, that such a measure
was particularly necessary for the west or that
they felt less devotion to the interest and pros
perlty Of their government, than the people of
any other section of the United States. He
meant not vainly to boast of either their valor
or their patriotism. Let their conduct during
the last war, and on all occasions, when an on
portunity has offered for display of those noble
virtues, bear testimony in their favor. 1t af-
lords more unerring test of their worth, than
idle eulogiums, which are often pronounced
when least deserved. But, sir, continued he
since the observations of that gentleman have
authorized reply, he would assure him, that
the western people shrank not from a Compare
son with any, however ardent their zeal for the
public cause may be, or however meritorious
were their public services. They are devoted
to their government, as securing to them all the
blessings of freemen, and are willing and ready,
at all times whennecessary, to risk their proper
ty and their lives, in support of that liberty,
which they regard as the richest legacy be-
queathed to them by their ancestors; that Iiber-
ty before whose altar they had been taught,
from their very infancy, to bow, as with an idol
atrous reverence. But the measure proposed
1t Is believed, cannot fail to have salutary eff
lection all. Wehavean extensive territory, which
from time to time, lis getting to be still more ex-
tensiye; and with 1t our population is spreading
Our government, although the best, no doubt,
that any people on earth were ever blessed with,
is still the result ofhuman wisdom and, therefore
not perfect. With all its exceIencies, it's
warmest and most enthusiastic admirers would
not insist, that energy and promptness of action
are its distinguishing characteristics. There
appeared, to be sure, at this particular time, to
q mo- of
aments by which to unite us-all appeared to
be actuated by one common purpose. He
would not even say that there had been peri
cd since the establishment of this government,
when strong symptoms of an approaching storm
had appeared. 1t would not, perhaps, be pro-
per, to recur to any particular occasion of the
kind, as topic of public discussion. fiat any
time our political horizon had been darkened by
such cloud, happilyi it had been long since dis
sipated; and the sunshine of harmony and good
feeling again warmed and ilIumined every part
of this great and fourishing republic.
But, let it be recollected said Mr. B. that we
are as yet in the youthful vigor of our Republi-
can principles. Our domestic situation may not
always present prospects SO pleasing. We can
not claim an entire exemption from some por-
ton OF that combustlble matter which was to be
found, to a greater or less extent, in the bosom
of every government that ever existed, or ever
will exist, until human nature shall be changed
until angry passions shall no longer swell the
human breast-nor a sleepless ambition disturb
its repose. AS wise legislators, then, let us take
every step In our power to pcrpetuate that Un-
on, which has produced rapidity of growth in
national prosperity and Importance, of which the
history of mankind furnishes no parallel; which
with the representative principle, has made our
Government the admiration of the wise of every
country, if not the dread of tyrants throughout
the world. a separation of the States is an evil
not only more probable, but even more to be
deprecated, than a consolidation of power; and,
1t ever the predictions of our downfall, by the
enemies of Republics, shall be realized, it is to
be the result of a separation produced by secli-
onal feelings and jealousies. But, whatever
may be the advantages of the proposed measure,
it is insisted that the constitution confers no pow
CIR on Congress to interfere in it. Ifgentlemen
be correct in that view of the subject so let it
rest, until, by an amendment, all doubt may be
removed A; for no blessing should be considered
as otherwise than dearly purchased, by wilful
violation OF that sacred instrument. Believing,
however, that the necessary power had been
clearly conferred, he would conCisely give his
views on this subject. Permit me, however,
said Mr.. b. before enter into a particular ex-
animation of the clauses by which the power is
either expressly given, OF from which it is clear
ly deduclble, to answer some remarks made as
to the nature of our government, and the powers
intended to- be conferred on it. It was insisted,
that those matters only were intended TO be con-
fided to the care of this government, in which all
the States were equally interested; and, assum-
ing that position correct, it was further urg-
ed, that road or canal, in particular State,
could not be equally interesting and beneficial
fo ~ f,c fLn 4oJ