Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-03-23
CONGRESSIONAL.
SPEECH OF FELIX GRUNDY,
pELiyEREp IN THE SENATE

On Saturday and Monday, the 27M and eelh Of Feb
ruary, 1880.
The resolution of MIR. Foot, of Connecticut, reIa-
tive to the Public lands, being under consideration
Mr.. GRUMPY addressed the Chair as follows
Dir. PREsIDENr: So long this debate
fined to the subject matter OF the resolution upon your
table, felt but little inclination to embark i'll it, und
was still less inclined to Go so, while Senators were
engaged in defending themselves and their respective
States against imputations supposed to have been
cast upon them. The field of discussion, however,
has been greatly enlarged, and now embraces within
its limits many subjects of deep interest to the people
OF the United States Upon some of these topics I
have opinions to express; and replies to make some
of the arguments of those who have preceded me;
and shall also find necessary to present answers to
allegations unfounded allegations, which have been
made by others. have no unkind feelings to graf,
fy, or accusations to make; yet must be permitted
decate my opinions frankly and fully, and to meet
what has been advanced BY others fearlrssy and I'm.
moved.
l gratfcd, greatly gratiiied at the spectacle
which this debate exhibits. majority-an admin
stration majority, OF an American Senate, contend
ing against constructive federal powers and all those
doctrines which are calculated to Increase the au-
thority of the men now in office, holding in their
hands the reins OF this government This augurs wel
1t has occurred in the history of this govern
ment, but once before; and of tine who acted in
the civil revolution of 1901, but two remain in our
National councils. 1t has been the good fortune of
the senior Senators of Maryland and Louisiana
thtessss. Smith and Livingston alone to have acted
distinguished part at both periods; and it is fortunate
for this Senate to have both these political Nestors to
direct their deliberations in the great effort noy ma
king bring back the Government to its true oripi-
nal, republican principles.
According TO the order of this debate, the first in,
quiry is, what is the true policy of this government in
relation to its public domain? Or, i'll other words
what disposition should be made of the unsold land
in the Western States' l wholly differ in opinion
with western politicians, who insist that those
lands belong to the respective States in which they
are situated, by virtue OF their sovereignty. 1 con-
fats uf
vaent, aud likely to prevail, which is that
these lands belong to all the States and should be
divided amongst them in proportion to their repre-
senta,ion in the other House. Sir, these lands he
long to the Federal Government. In that character
they acquired, partly by gift partly by purchase
The States, as such have interest in, or claim up
on them, and if my opinion would be effectual, the
States should not receive then the general gov
eminent to act improvidently and unwiseiy as to
make the offer. / unwilling to see twenty four
Sovereign States fed upon the crumbs that fall from
the federal table. l never wish to see the States
pensioners upon the bounty OF the general govern
I..e..t When gentlemen say they wish the States to
be Independent, invite them to adopt principles and
pursue course calculated to preserve their indepen
dence. fthe States to remain independent it
can only be effected by their relying upon their own
resources, and exertng their own energies; and in
never looking to this government for supplies which
be furnished withheld at its pleasure. If from
the fulneSs OF the treasury OF the general govern
ment assisting from it reveuue its lands or otherwise
the States receive their respective dividends
how can it be expected that the encroachments and
usurpations of this government be resisted?-
AS men Of experience and observation, ask Sena-
tors, most of whom have served In the State Leps-
laturest whether that firm and manly stand will be
taken in the States, which may be proper and neces
sary, when thereby the risk encountered of stop
ping the current of Federal munfcence. The exer-
else Of the taSng power is always reluctantly resor-
ted to, and public men avoid it at all times when
practicable; and it will require great frmness in
State Legislature, when it shall come conflict with
the General Government, to assert the rights of the
State and be thereby compelled perform this odous
and unpopular duty. 1t is with Governments as it is
with individuals. If one is in the constant ha bit
Of receiving benefits from another, the former loses
his independence, and the will OF the beheactor be-
comes the will of him who receives the benefactions.
Another objection is still stronger The stability and
permanency of institutions depend on The peo-
pie understanding the operations of them. TIE idea
that the General Government shall collect the money
and transfer it to the States, has tendency COM
plieate the operations of the machinery of Govern
Ident, and place it beyond the comprehension and
understanding of the community. By this means the
greatest security for faithful administration of pub
Tic affairs is lost; although the public burdens are pre-
cisely the same in the in the other, and
the people taxed Ill the same degree. All respect
for the State Governments must be anhnilated when
it shall be in practice, that the of carry
ing on the State Governments furnished by the
General Government. Whenever this state fittings
shall occur the State Governments will be put down
useless and expensive institutions; and general
government, with unlimited powers, will be es' alb
Iished. am aware that the reception of the money
by the States, would be pleasant operation-it
would be sweet to the taste but bttern and death
would follow.
The General Government owned these lands be-
fore the States existed in which they situated, 81
TREY have uether bought nor paid for them. Their
only plea is the right which sovereignty confers.-
Let it be remembered that the very act which
creates their sovereignty secures the title of these
lands to the General Government. What Justice,
tiren could there be in these new States saying we
will enjoy all the benefits and advantages accruing to
Us from solemn compact with the General Govern
ent; but will not comply with the spulations our
part! will not permit myself to believe that the
new States would do such act if they possessed
the power, whatever Of their politicians may say
to the contrary. They would thereby lose all claim
that character which is based justice, and pune
tual compliance with engagements, and justly incur
the charge Of want Of public faith.
1t seems to me that the Serate must be satisfied
that neither the states in which the lands situated