The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1830-12-16

bull authorizing subscription 10 the Lou
isvllle and Portland canal alords n strik-
ing illustration of the difficulty of with
holding additional appropriations for the
same object, when the first erroneous
step has been taken nv instituling a part
ncrsllip between the Government and pri-
yate companies. Itproposes Il third sub
'scription on the part ofthc United States,
when each preceding one was at the
time regarded rs the extent of the aid
which Government was to render To that
work; and the accompanying bill for
light houses, &c. contains an appropria-
ton for a survey Of the bed of the river,
with view TO its improvement, by re-
moving the obstruction which the canal
Is designed to avoid. This improvement,
if successful, would afford Tree passage
10 the river, and render the canal entire
1y useless. To such improvidence is the
course of Legislation subject, in relation
TO internal improvements on local mat
tters, even with the best intentions on the
part of Congress.
Although the motives which have in
ifluenced me in this matter may be already
Sufficiently stated, Il am, nevertheless,
induced by itsimportance to add a few OBJ
tscrvations of general character.
In my objections to the bill authoriz-
ling subscriptions to the Maysville and
Rockville Road Companies, oppressed
my views fully in regard to the power of
Congress to construct .oads and canals
within State, or to appropriate money
Sftor improvements Of local character.
ii at the same time intimated my belief
(that the right to make appropriations for
Ieuch as were of a national character had
been so generally acted upon, and so
long acquiesced in by the Federal and
State Governments, and the constituents
Iof each, as to justify its exercise on the
ground of continued and uninterrupted
usage; but that it was, nevertheless, high
ly expedient that appropriations, even of
that character, should, with the exception
made at the time, be deferred until the
i National debt is paid, and that, in the
mean while, some general rule for the
action of the Government in that respect
ought to be established.
These suggestions were not necessary
to the decision of the question then be-
fore me, and were, readily admit, in
tended to awaken the attention, and draw
forth the opinions and observations ofour
constituents, upon a subject of the high
est importance to their interests, and one
destined to exert q powerful influence
upon the future operations OF our politl-
cal system. | know Of no tribunal to
which public man in this country, in a
case of doubt and difficulty, can appeal
with greater advantage or more propric-
ty than the judgment of the people; and
although | must necessarily, in the dis
charge of official duties, be governed
. by the dictates of,my own judgment, |
have no desire to conceal my anxious
wish to conform, as far can, to the views
ofthose for whom / act.
All irregular expressions ofpublic opin-
ION are OF necessity attended with some
doubt as to their accuracy, but, making
full allowances on that account, l cannot
I think, deceive myself in believing that
the acts referred to, as well as the sug-
gestions which | allowed my self to make
in relation to their bearing upon the tu-
turc operations of the Government, have
been approved by the great body OF the
people. That those whose immediate
pecuniary interests are to be affected by
proposed expenditures should shrink from
the application OF rule which prefers
their more general and remote interests
to those which are personal and immed.-
ate, is to be expected. But even such
objections must from the nature OF oul
population, be but temporary in their du-
ration, and lift were otherwise our course
should be the same; for the time Is yet,
hope, far distant, when those entrusted
with power to be exercised for the good
Of the whole, will consider it either hon
est or wise to purchase local favor at the
sacrifice of principle and the genera
good.
So understanding public sentiment, 8
thoroughly satisfied that the best inter
ests of our common country imperously
require that the course which L have re-
J, commended in this regard should be a
dopted, / have, upon the most mature
Z. consideration, determined to pursue 1t.
1t is due to candor, as well as to my owl
( feelings, that l should express the reluc
tance s. anxiety which must at all time
experience in exercising the undoubte'
right ofthe Executive to withhold his as
sent from bills on other grounds than thel
unconstitutionality. That this right shou
4 not be exercised on slight occasions, al
will admit. 1t is only in matters ot dee