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

mproyidence IN the past expenditures oil
he Government upon these objects, but
hat the security of navigation has, in
some instances, been diminished by the
oilight-houses, and conse-
luent change Of lights, upon the coast.
Ii is in this, as in other repects, our duty
to avoid all unnecessary cxpensc,as well
as every increase of patronage not cal
led for by the. public service. but in
the discharge ofthat duty in this particu
lar, it must not be forgotten that, in rela-
ton to our foreign commerce, the burden
and benefit of protecting and accommo-
dating it necessarily go together, and
must do SO as long as the public revenue
is drawn from the people through the
custom-house. 1t is indisputable that
whatever gives facility and security to
navigation, cheapens imports, and all
who consume them are alike interested
in whatever produces this effect. lfthey
consumer they ought, as they now do, to
pay; otherwise they do not pay. The
consumer, in the most inland State de-
rives the same advantage frem every
necessary and prudent expenditure for
the facility and security Of our foreign
commerce and navigation that he does
who resides in maritime State. Local
expenditures have not of themselves,
correspondent operation.
Prom bill making DIRECT appropria-
tions for such objects, should not have
withheld my assent. The one now re-
turned does so in several particulars, but
il also contains appropriations for surveys
of local character, which | cannot APP
prove. 1t gives me satisfaction to find
that no serious inconvenience has arisen
from Withholding my approval from this
bill; nor will it trust, be cause of regret
that an opportunity will be thereby afford
cd for Congress to review its provisions
under circumstances better calculated
for full investigation than those under
which it was passed.
In speaking of direct appropriations,
mean not to include practice which has
obtained to some extent, and to which |
have, in one instance, in different ca
pacity given my assent-that Of subscrib-
ing to the stock Of private associations
Positive experience, and a more thor
ough consideration of the subject have
convinced me of the impropriety as well
as inexpediency of such Investments
All improvements effected by the funds of
the nation for general use should be OPP
en- to the enjoyment of all our fellow citi-
zens, exempt from the payment of tolls,
or any imposition ofthat character. The
practice of thus mingling the concerns Of
the Government with those of the States
or of individuals, is consistent with the
object of its institution; and highly inn
polite. The successful operation of the
federal system can only be preserved by
confining it to the few and simple, but yet
| important objects for which it was de-
signed.
A different pratice, if allowed to pro-
gress, would ultimately change the cha
racter of this Government, by consolida-
ting into one the general and State Gov
ernments, which were intended to be
kept forever distinct. l cannot perceive
how bills authorizing such subscriptions
can be otherwise regarded than as bills
for revenue, and consequently subject to
the rule in that respect prescribed by the
Constitution. lithc interest of the Gov
ernment in private companies is subord-
nate to that of individuals, the manage
ment and control of portion of the pub
lie funds is delegated to an authority un-
known to the Constitution, and beyond
the supervision of our constituents: if su-
perior, Its officers and agents will be con-
stantly exposed to imputations of favorit-
ism and oppression. Direct prejudice
to the public interest, or an alienation of
the affections and respect of portions of
the people, may, therefore, in addition to
the general discredit resulting to the gov
ernment from embarking with its cons,it-
uents in pccuniary speculations, be look
ed for as the probable fruit of such asso-
ciations. 1t is no answer TO this obiec-
ton to say that the extent of conseouen-
ces like these cannot be great from linn
tied and small number of investments. be-
cause experience in other matters teach
es us, and we are not at liberty to disre-
gard its udmonitions, that unless an en-
tire stop be put to them, it will soon be
impossible to prevent their accumulation.
until they are spread over the whole
country, and made to embrace many Of
the private and appropriate concerns of
individuals.
The power which the General Gov
ernment woulI acquire within the sever
al States by becoming the principal stock
holder IN corporations, controllipp every
canal and each sixty or hundred miles
OF every important road, and giving a
proportlonate vote in all their elections,