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

poftionateiy participated, we have, as
matters now stand, but little security
tha. the attempt would do more than
change the inequality from one quarter
10 another.
Thus viewing the subject, have here
toiore felt it ny duty To recommend the
adoption of some plan Cor the -,dliisiribu-
ton of the surplus funds which may a,
any time remain in the treasury after the
national debt shall have been paid, A.
mong the States, in proportion TO their
representatives, TO be applied by them
to objects of internal improvement.
Although this plan has met with favor
In some portions of the Union, it has also
ELECTED objections which merit deliberate
consideration. a brief notice of these
objections here, will not, therefore, i
trust, be regarded as out of place.
They rest, as far as they have come to,
my knowledge, on the following grounds:
lst, an objection to the ratio redistribution.
Cd. an apprehension tina. the existence
of regulation would produce nnprovi-
dent & oppressive taxation to raise the
funds for distribution; Sd, that the mode
proposed would lead to tho construction
of works of u local nature ....ia,1e exclu-
sion of such as are general, and as would
consequently be of a more useful char
acter; and, last, that il would create
discreditable and injurious dependence;
on the part of the State Governments,
upon the Federal power. OF those who
object to the ratio of representation as
the basis of distribution, some insist that
the importations of the respective States
would constitute one that would be more
equitable, and others, again, that the ex-
tent of their respective territories would
furnish standard which would be more
eXpedient, and sufficiently equitable.
The ratio of representation presented it.
self to my mind, and it still does, as one
Of obvious equity, because of its being
the ratio of contribution, whether the
funds to be distributed be derived from
the customs or from direct taxation. 1t
does not follow, however, that its adop-
ton is indispensable to the establishment
of the system proposed. There may be
considerations appertaining TO the subject
which would render departure, to some
extent, from the rule of contribution,
proper. Nor is it absolutely necessary
that the basis of distribution be confined
to one ground. 1t may if in the judg-
ment Of those whose right it is to fix it, it
be deemed polite or just to give it that
character, have regard to several.
In my first message, stated It TO be my opiE-
ion that oil is not probable that any adjustment
Of the tariff upon principles satisfactory TO tho
people Of the Union, viii, until remote period,
if ever, leave the Governmopt without u consid
cradle surplus in tho treasury, beyond what may
be required for its current service" l have
had no cuuso 10 change thst opinion, bur much
to confirm It. Should these expectations be
realized, suitable fund would thus DO produced
for the plan under consideration To operate up
on and Il there be NO such fund, its adoption
will in my opinion, work no injury 10 any inter
est for | cannot assent to tho business Of the
apprehension that the establishment of the pro-
posed system would tend 10 the encouragement
Of improvidcnt legislation of the character sup
posed. Whatever the proper authority, in tho
exercise Of constitutional power, shall, at any
timo hereafter, decide 10 DO Tor tho general
good, will, in that as in other respects, deserve
and receive the acquiescence and support of the
whole country; and wo have ample security that
! every abuse Of power IN that regard, by the a..
gents of the people, will receive speedy aud
effec,ua corrective at their hands The views
which take of tho future, founded on abe OBJ
vous ont increasing improvement Of all classes
OF our fellow citiZons, IN iDtolligence, anc IN
public and private virtue, leayo Iop without
much apprehension on that head
! do not doubt that those that come utter us,
will bo as much alive we are 10 the obligation
upon all the trustees of political power 10 ex'
! empt those for whom they act from all unnocos
sary burthcns and as sensible Of the great truth
that the resources Of the nation, beyond those
/ A.. a. liafo pur
poses of government, can no where DO 30 well
deposited as in the pockets OF the people.
II may sometimes happen that lhe interests
| of particular states would not be deemed TO CO.
incide with the general interest in relation to
, Improvement within such states. But n the
danger to be apprehendcd from this source IL
sufficient TO require it, discretion might be 10
served to Congress to direct to such improve
msnts Of general character as the states con
cerned might not be disposed TO unite In, tbs
application Of the quotas Of those states, uDde
the restriction Of C mining To each state the ex
pcndi,urc of its appropriate quota.
IL may, however, be assumed as safe gener
al rule, that such Improvements as serve To IN
crease the prosperity Of The resrssti7e state
in which they are made, by giving new iaciillo
, TO trade, and thereby augnienting The wea!t
and comfort Of their inhabitants, constitute IN
surest mode of conferring permanent and sub
stantial advantages upon tho whole IL
strength as we'll as the true glory OF the couicd
eracy is mainly founded on The prosperity an
power Of the several Independent, soverc'gu'ie
Of which IL is composed, and tie certainty VIII
, which they can be brought into successful, nc
! tive cooperation, through tho agency Vi III
Federal Government.
II is, however, within the knowledge OF sue
as are at all conycrsant with pubIc affairs, TIA
! schemes Of internal improvement, have fror
a.. aad tuLl O.