Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-08-19
From "a .Nationnl .Lo1lrnnI

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There IS something repugnaut good feelings in the
way IN which certain subjects treated 1t is even
TO be dented that few Of politicians and states
men are SO much disposed, in particular instances to
view the authority OF the General Government with an
evil eye What, in effect, is the General Government,
1t is nothing more than institution emanatinr from
the People OF all the States for the benefit of the whole
But we when questions arise in which State SIM
poses itself to be deeply concerned that instead of re-
sorting to conciatory measures kind of defiance
sent forth, tie tocsn OF alarm sounded and an inyo
cation made to stand by State rights In nine cases ont
OF ten, however, the General Government las been
right, and the State Governments wrong This is pro
we'd by the fact, that, after the matters at issue have
been fully discussed before the bar public opinion
the States have commonly abandoned the point in con
tToversy. The Government of the United States can
never have an interest separate from State rights Ii
Is strong in proportion only the State Governments
strong and cordial to the Union. IL is they that on
force all the minor regulations of society; and without
their cooperation the General Government would be
weak and Inefficient
concliatory temper is the very spirit in which our
independence was achieved What resistance could
the United States have made TO Great Britain If the
utmost harmony had not prevailed among them? How
could the present Constitution have been framed at all
if had not been for concation? Our politicians and
ourstatesmen, if they really imbued with patriotic
dsposoD should study in all their proceedings TO cu
hvate the best possible understanding between the
State Governments and that of the Union. What sig
mines the temporary importance which State NAV de-
rive from squabble with the Union? for in this LIGHT
must be viewed all the misundcTs landings and alerca.
tons which have arisen between the United States and
It's members. Ifsome would take as much pains
to produce harmonious concert Of action as they do
to produce disCoTd public affairs would go on without
The least interruption. What shameful spectacle il is
TO exhibit to foreign nations when State assumes a
high tone, almost of threat towards the national autho-
ritities. What good can be effected by it, None at
all. Every other State has deep and lasting interest
preserving the Genca Government i'm lis lawful in
tcgfy. Its should never be considered as
directed against any State in spirit of animositv:
for will venture 10 affirm, that luminosity to State
on the part of the UnioD is impossible. Here is no
family reiguDg by hereditary succession here is no pr-
YiieGed order, 70 whom tyranny usurpation could
promise an increase of power; and the States ay too
much of common feeling 10 prescribe another
1t IS not TO be presumed that the General Govern
rnent has have any interest separate from the
interest Of The several States 1t is not distinct Go
vernment existing independently Of and controlling the
States; It possesses powers but such as have been
granted by the people of the Staes it cannot of iself
increase those powers to add to its own strength and
thereby weaken the States. 1t was established bv tbe
People of the United States, in order to form more
perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tran
guilty, provide for the common defence promote te
general welaTe and the blessings of liberty 10
themselves and their postertyn To effect these great
objects all The States have coRcurred in DECORATING
tain powers which vested in the Government of the
UnloD This Government is administered by citizens CO.
ecled from the States who equally with all the other
citizens Of the Union, have direct interest in preser
wing, undmlnIshed, all the rights privileges and an
thoriy Of the States. Government so formed bas mn
power it have any inducement to Cypress anv
one Of the States acts for, and represents the whole
When, therefore, State arrays itself 10 opposition To
the General Government, it opposes, not Foreign Go
vernment which can have DO interest in its welfare
but It opposes, 10 the representative of their united
vereignty all the States If the Union Of which Il s. it.
SELF member.