Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-01-01

upon fixed principle, as a matter of right, and from 6 fund to the creation of which it had itself contributed its fair proportion. Surely there could be nothing derogatory in that. As matters now stand, the States themselves, Tn their sovereign character, are not unfrequent- ly petitioners at the bar of the Federal Le- gslature for such allowances out of the na- tional treasury as it may comport with their pleasure or sense of duty to bestow upon them. It cannot require argument to prove which of the two courses is most compatible with the efficiency or responsibility of the State Governments
 But all these are matters for discussion and dispassionate consideration. That the desir- cd adjustment would be attended with difficult ty, affords no reason why it should not be at tempted. The effective operation of such motives would have prevented the adoption of the Constitution under which we have so long lived, and under the benign influence of which our beloved country has so slgnally prospered. The framers of that sacred in strument had greater difficulties to overcome, and they did overcome them. The patriot ism of the people, directed by deep con viction of the importance of the Union, pro duced mutual concession and reciprocal for bearance. Strict right was merged in spl- Tit of compromise, and the result has conse- crated their disntcrested devotion to the ge- peral veal. Unless the American people have degenerated, the same result can be again be effected, whenever experience points out the necessity of resort to the same means to upheld the fabric which their fathers have reared. It is beyond the power of man to make a system of government like ours, or any other, operate with precise equality upon States situated like those which compose the confederacy; nor is inequality always injustice. Every State cannot expect to shape the mea- sures of theGeneralGov to suit its own partcularinterests. Thcca which prevent it are seated in the nature of things, and can not be entirely enumerated by human means. Mutual forbearance, therefore becomes duty obligatory upon all; and we may, am con fdent, count on cheerful compliance with this high injunction, on the lart of our const- tuents. It is not to be supposed, that they will object to make such comparatively incon- siderable sacrifices for the preservation of rights and privileges, which other less favor ed portions of the world hate in vain wadcd through seas of blood to acquire
 Our course is safe one, if 1t be but faithfully adhered to. Acquiescence in the constitutions ally expressed will of the majority, and the exercise of that will in a spirit of modera- , tion, justice, and brotherly kindness, will con } stitute cement which would forever preserve ) our Union. Those who cherish and incul- cate sentiments like these render a most es- sential service to their county; whilst those who seek to weaken their Influence, are, however, conscientious and praseworthy their intentions, in effect its worst enemies
 If the intelligence and influence of the country, instead of laboring to foment section al prejudices, to be made subservient to par ty warfare, were, in good faith, applied to the eradication of causes of local discOntent, by the Improvement of our institutions, and by aciltating their adaptation to the condition ot the times, this task would prove one of less difficulty, May we not hope that the obvious interest of our common country, and the dic- tates of an enlightened patriotism, will, in the end, lead the public mind in that direction.
 Alter al,l the nature of the sutject does not admit of plan wholly free from objection.
 That which has for some time been in opera tion is, perhaps, the worst thats could exist; and every advance that can be made in its Improvement is matter cmnently worthy your most deliberate attention.
 It is very possible that one better calcula- ted to effect the objects in view may yet be de- yised. lfso, it is to be hoped that those who disapprove of the past, and dissent from what is proposed for the future, will feel it their duty to direct their attention to it, as they must be sensible that, unless some fixed rule for the action of the Federal Government in ) this respect is established the course now at tempted to be arrested will be again resorted to. Any mode which is calculated to give the , greatest degree of effect and harmony to our legislation upon the subect-vhich shall best serve to keep the movements of the Federal Government within the sphere intended by those who modelled and those who adopted it which shall lead to the extinguishment of the national debt in the shortest period, andimpose the lightest burdens upon our constituents, shall receive from me a cordial and firm sup port.
 Among the objects of great national con- cern, cannot omit to press again upon your attention the part of the constitution which regulates the election of President and Vice President The necessity for it's amendment is made so clear to my mind by the observa- ton of it's evils, and the many able discus sions which they have elicited on the floor of Congress and elsewhere, that I should be wanting to my duty were l to withhold ano- ther expression of my deep solicitude upon the subject. Our system fortunately contem- plates recurrence to first principles; differ ing Tn this respect from ali that have preceded it, and securing it, Itrust, equally against the decay and commotcns which have marked the progress of other Governments. Our !. felloW-citlzens, too, who, Tn proportion to their love of liberty, keep steady eye upon the means of sustaining it, do not require to be reminded of the duty they owe to them selves to remedy all essential defects in so vi- tai part of their system. While they are sensible that every evil attendant upon its operation is not necessarily indicative of a bad organization, but may proceed from tempora- ry causes; yet the habitual presence, or even a single instance of evils which Can clearly be traced to an organic defect, will not, trust,