Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-04-07

consulted by me in teudering one of the Executive
Departments of the government to him, who as YOU
observe, had been denominated the eloquent chanp-
OF the rights and interests of tho west and who
has equally well deserved the strenuous and faith
ful asserter of the rights and interests of all.
The extent of Territory, and the diversity of re-
gions, climates, and modes of social existence enbra
ced by the North American Union, present to the SUI,
Perhcal observer, the aspect of country of hetero
gcneouS composition, with its several clements Sept
rated IN large masses from each other, and having
few of the ainites which Gun blend them into one
congenia body. more enlarged view however,
leads to the opposite concuson-It is from the great
diversity, and seeming mutual opposition of these in
terests that results the conclusive of arguments
Tor the union OF the whole into ore nation, with
common Representative assemblies, possessed of e-
glslative powers, and animated with the constant
purpose OF rendering equal Justice to all and Of har-
inonlzng those interests, the natural condition of
which was an assemblage ofelcnents unusually dis
corsant.
The only alternative to the National Union as it
exits, would be two more communities, themselves
forming large federatons, without the cement of one
legislative assembly, and the conflicting and opposite
interests OF which, aggravated beyond their present
and natural state, would still require to be adjusted
but, by diplomatic assemblies only furnishing the
means OF such adjustment, and with war at every
turn as the only sequel to unsuccessful negotiation
he greater therefore the diversity and opposition
of interests to be concated by national conisde-
ration the ndispensabv necessary to them an is
u Legislative bond of Union. In that Legislature every
interest - represented and the resources of every Sc
parae portion arc brought into action for the COM
mon benefit of all. Agriculture commerce. api,na
nuinctures are thus made tributary to the benefit of
each other and the final result the Improvement of
the condition of the whole.
The progress of Internal Improvement and the nro-
lection of domestic manufactures are especially ne
cossary to the western section of the Union but the
est does not exclusively share the benefit of epis
atIon adapted to those ends. It is sometimes urged
la hp nff1 ,n,Ir
burden with taxation of its great component in
forests for the benefit OF another. This argument
plausible iii appearance, and addressed 10 the selfish
feelings OF our nature, Is contradictory the first
principle OF civil society. 1t is the basis of the So
cal compact that the faculties and the fortunes of
every individual, shall be made subservent to the
well being OF his neighbours and associates i'll the
bond. The contrary principle is the rule of savage
lfe anu is applicable only to the solitude Of the de-
sert. All taxation is contribution levied upon the
property of one for the benefit Of another; and
the compensation to each individual for the exacton
upon himself, is found in the levying similar though
not the same contribution, upon the wealth or perSo-
nal labor of another, the immediate advantage of
which may be enjoyed only by him. The equalization
Of the burden and of the benefit among the duties
oil the Legislature, and will surely best be effected,
by supreme authority extending the whole,
and in which the interest and tho will OF every part
has an equal constitutional weight.
1t is indeed true, that III the apporonment of the
public contributions, interest may be deeply
renee OF this evil is the most niperious duty OF the
Legislature. To remove it, whenever from i1ladvcr-
tence or any other cause, it may have occurred is
among their most solemn obligations The surcst
guaranty for their fullment of these consists in the
constitution of the body; i'll the equality of represeB-
tation OF which is composed and in the frequent re-
turn and free exercise of the elective franchise
In the contemplation of the Legislature the suf-
ering interest is that which requires it's most vgant
attention. The interest affected by the injurious
competition and Legislation Of other nations is that
which VIII demand protection Patriotism itself is
no other than the sacrifice of the selfish passion to
the social tie; and If taxation never be levied upon
one man for the benefit of another where is the me-
r Of arren for lavisted upon the heights of his life
Charestowl, or the glory of MONTGOMERY for dsyo-
ting his before the walls of Quebec?
In the regret which you are pleased 20 cxprcss at
the issue of the recent election so far as it indicates
your appreciation of my public services, l cannot
out ieei myself battered. As manifestation OF the
VIII OF the People, to place another at the helm
where mad been stationed this event has nv entire
ana perfect acquIesCence--knowing, that whoever is
paced there VIII have continual need of the candor
ana indulgence CT his country, would ask it for hin
as did for myself; and hoping that he will realize
the privileges and the duties Of his place. by stan
dard commensurate with the whole Union will trrst
that MS ezertons for the welfare of the nation will be
co-c&cnsve with lts territory, crowned with success
to the sincerity Of his designs, and foow-
cd by the gratitude OF the present age, and the be-
nedictiou of after times.
Accept the good wishes Of your friend and fellow.
citzen JOHN QUINCY ADAMg
H=rr-----=-~=-.z=-----r-- -----------r-----
From New Orleans we have received, by the De
Wit Clinton, the papers of that City to the 18th
nlt incuci,o - ~