Virginia advocate. [volume] (Charlottesville, Va.) 1827-1860, 1830-06-04
THE ADVOCATE.
CnAnLorrEsvlLLE, FRIDAY, JuNE4, $780,
May %, 1920.

Our readers will find in our columns 10
day the message of the President accom-
panying his return ofthe Bill appropria-
ting $4,000 to the construction of the
Maysville and Lexington Turnpike, with
his objections to its becoming a law. Ii
will command careful and attentive pc
rusal from all descriptions of readers. His
reasons for his rejection are fully and clear
ly developed and in their respect for the
constitutional limitations of the federal
power, and the lust views which he eX-
hibits of the policy which should direct
and controul the exercise OF the power
over the internal improvements of the
county, in case it should be CONFER
red on the general government, he full
ly realizes tie expectations of the friends
of limited construction, and vindlcates
their support OF him against the Iatitud-
marian usurpatlons of the coaition.-It is
message which will mark an epoch in
our government. 1t will inspire confidence
in the friends of state rights and animate
with new vigor their struggles against
those encroachments of federal power
which are fast absorbing the reserved SOW
reignty of the States, and changing our
federal system into consolidated govern
ment. We hail it with unEegned delight.
We hope that the time is coming when
"VIRGINIA Principles" will no longer
be theme of contempt and scorn, or of
affected ply for the weakness which can
entertain them; nor constitutional scru-
plies considered as indications of simDIici-
ty and folly,-as Distinguishing mere
green-horn in politics.
The message will be read and scanned
with the most careful investigation by ev-
cry one we cannot, however, forbear to
call the attention of our readers to some
passages which leave no doubt of the views
OF Its author on the Constitutional ques-
ton Speaking OF internal improvements.
he says:
do not suppose that there is an in
telllgent citizen who does not wish to see
them flourish. But though all are their
friend, but few, trust, are unmindiul of
the means by which they should be pro-
NOTED: none certainly are SO degenerate
as TO desire their success at the cost of
that sacred instrument, with the preser-
walton OF which is indissolubly bound our
country's hopes. Indifferent impressions
are entertained in any quarter if it is
expected that the People of this country
reckless OF their constitutional obligations.
will prefer their local interest to the prin-
clples OF the Union, such expectations
will in the end be disappointed; or, if it
be not so, then, indeed, has the world
but little to hope from the example of
free government. When an honest OBJ
servance OF constitutional compacts can
not be obtained from communities like
ours, 1t need not be anticipated elsewhere;
and the cause in which there has been
SO much martyrdom, and from which so
much was expected by the friends of
erty, may be abandoned and the degra-
ding truth, that man is unfit for selC-goy-
eminent admitted. And this will he ,be
case if erpcdiency be made rule Of con-
structIon In interpreting the Constitution.
Power, IN no government, could desire
better shield for the insidous advances.
which it is ever ready to make upon the
checks that are designed to restrain its
action"
Again, with profound sagscity, and
just respect for the limitations of the Con-
s,ltution, he remarks
eff it be the wish of the people that
the construction Of roads and canals
should be conducted by the Federal Go
vernment, 1t is not only highly expedi-
emf, but lndispcnsably necessary, that a
previous amendment of the Constitution
delegating the ne cessary power, and de-
filming and restricting its exercise with re-
ference TO the sovereignty of the States
should be made. Without it. noah;nn
extensively useful can be effected" Q
II it be the desire Of the people that
the agency CT the Federal Government
Shoulfl he copGnod o. H. .