Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-06-18

ne abandoned, anu tne ueSraoHg truth, that
"unfir for self government, admitted."-Ayain. at
"Would seem to Inc that an honest application of the
conceded po,Ders of the general government the
advancement of the common veal, prese nts a suf-
"fccnt scope to satisfy reasonable ambition
Again. 1.-The preservation and success OF the re-
! publican principle rests with us. To elevate its
character, andextend its influence rank among our
"Inost important duties" Your EXcellency will per-
ceive the advantage of using language like this In
the South the republican principle is only considered
secure by rigid construction of the Constitution;
whilst in other portions of the Union, is thought to
be best preserved by liberal interpretation All
Will be satisfied however, because all are willing to
preserve the republican principle in their own way
Hero You have furnished the North and West
presume with additional proofs of the coinci-
dence OF my views with theirs.
| Preraicr.-I have asserted the power to appr,pri
ate money Tor Internal the ground of
precedent and long usage, and have shewn the absur
dity OF departing from the settled practice Of govern
ment Hear me on this head: Tine symmetry and
purity OF the government woeld doubtless have
"been better preserved if this restriction of e pom
ser Of appropriation could have been maintained with
scout weakening its ability to fulfil the general objects
"of its institution: effect so likely to attend its ad
EMISSION, Notwithstanding its apparent fitness that
''every subsequent administration of the government,
embracing period of 80 out of 40 years of its eXs
"tence, has adopted more enlarged construction Of
the power. And again,-"For although is the duty
cot all to look to that sacred instrument 1.-THE Cons-
"tution) instead of the Statute Book,-to repudate
sat all times, encroachments upon its spirit which
"are too apt to DE effected by the conuncture of Pc
"cuilar and facilitating circumstances it not less
true that the public good and the nature of pc
ticai institutions require, that individual differences
"should yield to well settled ac1uiescence of the
'peope and confederated authorities, in particular
constructions of the constitution doubtful points "
| Hcro.-Well sa,d.-I understand then that you
assert for me the right of appropriating money to In
ternal improvements?
| Premier.-l debut with these express qunficn-
tons: LIST. l admit that the power doubtful, and
that 1T is better for the harmony and purify of the
Government that 1t should not be exercised. 2dly.
The proposed Improvement must be national, and
conducive to the benefit Of the Uhoie Union'-apd
3dly Although the power is admitted, yet contend
that 1T cannot be exercised without an amendment of
the Constitution. have said that ''Lhe 9ccasioB-
'He snanner.-and The ertent of the appropriations
sould be made the subject Of constitutional regulc-
'stion "
Hero.-Van, you perfect conjurer.-I am
airaid that this confounded metaphysics of yours,
will undo me IN Kentucky,--in Ohio, and Pennsyl-
vania.
Premier.--Let your Exceency DISMISS the appre-
hension. have given these States ample ground of
encouragement IN the following passage:-" Although
"mnny of The States with laudabe ZEAL and under
the influence of enlightened policy, success
fuliy applying their separate efforts to works of this
charaoter. the desire to enlist the aid of the Gene
"ral Government in the consJIrc.,en OF as from
thelr nature ought to devoive upon it, and to which
'sthe means OF the individual States inadequate,
els both rational ami patriotic; and if that desire is
'nos grated non, does not fottoio that never will
! s'be.'
Hero.-That is right. In times like these it is
lawful 10 promise what do not to perform.
Although you admit then the power to appropri-
ate,--you deny the direct authority of Congress to
establish Roads and Canals
Premter.-I bave done expressly. Nothing
short OF such denial will satisfy the exasperaed
South ThIs IS the language of The Veto--''Al-
though frequently and strenuously attempted the
power to'this extent has never been exercised by
1.-THE Government in single instance. 1t does not
I'm my opinion possess It, and no bill therefore which
"adinits IL, receive my official sanction."
Hero.--But how will th,s conport with some of
my votes IN the Senaie?--DId not vote for cs-
tabiishlng the Road from Memphis in Tennessee to
Little Book IN Afkansaw; and did not that Road
touch upon sovereign State. Did not also vote for
the bill s'to provide for the necessary surveys for
Roads and Canals,--wbich involved the whole con-
stltutonal principle?
Premer--I grant that you did But remember
that Senator and President are two different per-
sons. The one has only to consult the Interests of
his State-the other the interests and wishes of all
the States. grant that those also who elected you
believed that you still maintained those OPINIONS
but trust me, if during the You had rashly
uyowed your real sentiments you would have
reached your present exalted station. Notu may
speak out WITH perfect safety. We have side
the democracy of the country; the army of Office
holders and office hunters;-the influence of pat
ronase;-tbe Press,--and the Post Office. What
then can harm us! There may possibly be
some little connection IN the camp--but the
Victory of Orleans will put to fight thousand
arguments, and stife a million Of groanS about roads
and canals The South too, aircedy little lukewarm
and somewhat offended at system of Reforn--
will be re-animatcd in cause. Our faithful and
diligent Enquirer will sound high the clarion of ap.
plause-and our watcbful little Argus in the North
will echo the strain. Fnlow the counscls. OF your
faithful Minister, and all will be we'll.
Hero-Van-you we're born either to be my sucs
cessor, or to be hanged Have you said any thing
about the Tariff in the Veto? That most perplex-
ing of all perplexng subjects, haunts like the
night mare. On the side, these Carolina Hot
spurs ravng like madmeD, and must be appeased.
On the other hand, only touch these Cd spnn NJ
Jennes, and you hear the Pennsylvania Black Dutch
growing like distant thunder.
Premier.-I have made the Tariff, and the course
of policy should pursue, with regard to 1.-THE
subject of profound meditation. Your message at
the opening of Congress, contrlved that nei-
ther North nor South should be offended and yet
both draw fromr the strongest encouragement. The
Veto, whilst perhaps little decided in ia
of protection. Sound policy requiring at This time de-