Virginia free press & farmers' repository. [volume] (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1827-1832, 1830-12-15

some general rule for the scsisa OF the
Government IN that respect eoghtto be
lestxkiishsd. -9s> 49,. ~
! These suggestions were not necessary
10 the decision OF the question then before
me. and were, I readily admit. intended
to awaken the attention. and draw the forth
opinions and observations. Of our censtitu-
eats, upon u subject Of the highest impor-
ta1cs 10 their interests, and one destined
10 exert powerful influence upon the
future operations Of our political system
! know Of no tribunal Go which public
msn IN this eoaatsy, in . case Of doubt and
difficulty, cen appeal with greater advan-
tage or more propriety than the iudx-
~ent Of the people aud although mus,
necessarily. in the discharge Of my oil
cisl duties. be go,eracd by the dictates OF
my own judgment, I have no desire TO
conceni my anxious wish 10 conform, ne
lar "a | can. 10 the views Of those for
whom I act.
AL irregular expressions Of public opin-
100 are Of neccssiiy attended with some
doubt as to their accuracy. but max
'nx Toll allowances on that account, can.
not. | think, deceive myself in believing
that the acts referred to, rs we'll Is the
suggestions l allowed myself TO make in
relation TO their bearing upon the future
operations Of the Government, have been
sppsoved by the great body OF the people.
That those whose immediate peemniary
interests arc to be affected by proposed ex.
pends'ures should shrink from the appli
cation Of rule which prefers their more
general and remote Interests 10 those
which are personal aud immediate. is 10
be expected. But even such objections
must. rom the nature OF our popuia-
ton, be but temporary in their duration;
and u Uwere otherwise, our course should
Dc the same: Cor the timo Is yet, ] hope.
Tar distant. when those entrusted with
power 10 he exercised for the good OF the
~hole, will consider IL either honest or
wise TO purchase local favor at the .acri.
hce of principle and the general good.
So understanding public sentime ut, and
'horonghlr satisfied that the best into
rests OF our common country imperiousl,
require that the course which have ro
commented IN this regard should be adopt
K eel. have, upon the most mature copsid
Grafton, determined to pursue IT,
/ u u due TO candor. as well as to my
own feelings. that I should express, the
reluctance and anxiety which mus. a,
all tunes experience in exercising the I'm
doubted right OF the Executive 10 with.
hold hrs assent from bills on other grounds
'han their unconstitutionality. That tbi,
right should not be exercised on slight
occasions, all will admit. II is only in,
matters Of deep interest. when the pr,oci-
pie involved may be justly regarded as
next in Importance TO inffactions Of tho
Constitution itself. that such step can
ne expected to meet with the appreciation
Of the people. Such an occasion do con.
scientiously believe the present 10 be
d n ha fsix ~
" responsible duty. ! am sustained by The
reflection that the exercise of this power
has been deemed consistent with the oh
legation Of official duty by several Of NV
predecessors; and by the persuasion, too.
That, whatever liberal Institutions may have
TO Tear from the incroachments Of Execu.
tive power. which has been every where
mo cause Of SO much strife and bloody
contention. but little danger is TO be an
pretended from precedent by " hich that
authority denies TO itself the exercise
OF powers that bring in their train influence
and patronage Of great extent, and thus ex
ciudes the operation Of person al interests.
every where the banc OF official trust
] derive, too. no small degree Of .atisfac-
ton fvom the reflection, that. IL Ibave
mistaken the interests and wishes of the
people, the Constitution affords the mean,
OF soon redressing tac error, nv selecting
ior the place their favor has bestowed IN
on me a citizen whose opinions may ac-
cord with their own. trust, in the mean.
Vine, the interests Of the nation will be
saved from prejudice. by rigid applica
''on oil mat portion OF the public funds
~h'cn might otherwise he applied 10 diff
ierent objects. to that hisbest of an nm,
oohgai'ons, the payment Of the public
debt; and an opportunity be afforded for IN.
adoption Of some better rule for the onera.
'isos Of the government in this matter than
any which has hitherto been acted upon.
Profoundly impressed with the i'm
portsnee Of the subjsci, not merely as
relates TO the general prosperity of
me country, but 10 the safety OF the r.,
derai system. cannot avoid rrpeatinr
my earnest hope that all good citi,
zehs' "ho tsko proper interest in
me success and harmony Of our admira
Ole political Institutions 7; and " no arc in
capable OF desiring TO convert an opoo.
SITE sfaie OF things into means for The
gratihcAtion Of personal ambi,;oo-vilI
laying aside minor considerations. and
disc"rding local prejudiees, unite their
honest exeriions TO establish some f;,sd
general principle. which shall be calrwIa.
'ed 10 effect the greatest extert If nublic
good IN regard TO The subject Of internal
Improvement, and afford the least ground
for sectional discomfort
Tho general ground OF my objection 10
local appropriations has beea i,eretofa,s
expressed; and shall endeavor 70 avoid
a repetition Of wbat has been already nrg
ed-ibe importance of sustaining the STATE
soVsIeign'les. as far as 10 Consistent win
The T'gbtfal seiion ofIbe Federal Govern
men'. and OF preserving the greatest AZ. I
'a'Habis harmony between them. Twill
nPw only odd an expression Of Iny con.
vieiioD--a conviction which every a..