Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-12-16

IL
of the community, and no measures can, or oush'
lone to prevail, without a broad and general sup
mort from public opinion. The obligation oil laws'
constitutlonally enactedby the proper authorities,
is not to be questioned; but. extreme measures
ndopted by slender mrjOrities, md obnoxious to
rhe interests and opinions of minorieo, power
full in numbers, wealth and intelligence, ca mot
be pcrseyered in without Danger TO the general
harmony, and without undermining the mora
power, not merely Of the Executive aud
Legislative Departments, but also that or
the Judiciary, which may be called to
sustain the authority, without the option OF de-
Gliding upon the expedlency of the measure.
In our system. each side has important rights;
81 those of the minority consist In requiring thaf
the power of the majority be eEeiied with
Just regard to their interests both OF person
and property. Without reasonable Difference
and concession both to measures and
opinions, the great objects of the Government
cannot be attained, and, while it is conceded
that 1t would he improper to push measures Tor
the protection of the labour or Improvement OF
the country to an extreme or oppressive degree,
it must also, be admitted that it would not be
less SO altogether TO deny to the General Go
vermont the moderate exercise of powers for
those objects for which it is believed ma nly to
have been instituted.
The real strength of the Government depends
not more upon harmonious action of its various
parts than in producing the same effect upon the
various interests over which it acts.
Considering the amount of labor and capital
employed i'll manufactures of the greatest impor-
lance 10 the country, and which have already
cont ributed essentially to our defence and
safety, and to the general prosperity, it could
not be expected that they should be suddenly
abandoned. Regarding, at the same time, the
diversity of interests resulting from the peculiar
situation of the United States, the manutactur-
ing interest Itself should content with mo-
dcrate d. gradual protection, rather than by ex-
treme measures to endanger the public tranguIlli-
ty. The indispensable necessity of the aid of the
General Government for those objects of &C
knowledged national concetn-more especially
| the Improvement of the rivers and harbors which
are the great highways of the peoplc--and to
which the means of the several States are both
inadequate and inappIicablc, could not be with
hCid without opposition to the opinions of a
majority of the people, and the interest of many
portions of the Union. 1t is at the same time
| admitted that this aid should be moderately
conferred, and with proper Difference to opinions
of an opposite character. And it cannot be
doubted that too extensive all exercise of the
powers ofthe General Government over these
objects would utimsteIy subvert the constitn
tonal sovereignty of the States. 1t must be
acknowledged that the just medium all these
subjects is difficult of attainment; but ia the
desire to seek, and in the sagacity TO adopt the
best, consists the true policy of an American
statesman.
If the adjustment suggested to Congress by
the views hazarded in this Report be in any
wise entitled to their respect, it is not unreasoB-
able to hope that the various topics of national
concern at present engaging the attention CT the
people, may facilitate rather than embarrass the
task. The interests of agriculture, commerce,
and manufactures, and the final disposition of
the pubic lands, are the prominent aud necessa
ry, and Immediate objects of public po icy. AS
incident, however, and, indeed, necessary to the
security and prosperity of these great interests,
inc preservation of a sound currency cannot
escape attention. On the soundnesz and stead
mess OF this indispensable medium Of exchange
depend the value and stability of every descrip-
ton OF property not less than the activity of
every branch of business; and it is not to be
doubted that the commercial and manufacturing
industry would be most severely and immediate
y affected by any arrangement of this spring of
their prosperity.
The measures of the General Government in
respect to the Tariff, to objects of public i'm
provement, to the public lands, and to the Bank
OF the United States, are the sources of the ex-
lstlng socitude throughout the country. For
The permanent adjustment Of all, in manner TO
promote the harmony of all parts of the Union
and elevate the moral character of the country,
the wisdom and patriotism Of the Government
ana OF the People can alone be looked TO.
| Independently of the considerations connect
ed with the currency, the interests both of the
government and individuals involved in the
lsBaDk OF the United States, make the stability
OF that institution an object Of great mpor-
lance. No reason is perceived why this great
| interest should not be equally considered in the
scheme OF Difference, and concession, and com.
promise, which the public safety not less than
the national prosperity, so urgently recommends
I-While conflicting interests and opinions on
other subjects are invited to meet on middle
ground, and on the altar of common good each
to offer something for the preservation of con-
cord and union throughout this favored land, the
| advocates and opposers OF the existing system
for regulating the currency may also be expect
ed to JON IN the same patriotic sacrifice.
1t Is not perceived that any other satisfactory
basis for scheme of general adjustment can
be devised, than that which shall paw lust re-
gard to the interests of all, and observe q proper
Difference to the public will On this ground.
mainly, one portion of the agricultural interest
has been invited to accommodate opinions con-
5e'Gnt'cns.y formed and afdenuy advocated to
opposite opinions more successfully mainlainsd
by other and more powerful interests The in
vltatIon could not be more appropriately re-
commenced than by affordIDg an example in o.
thcr cases, founded upon the same principle Ac-
quescence IN the public will is not less the duty
of Governments thar Of the people themselves.
The utmost respect is felt for an independeni
exercise of conscientious opinions; but in n
country like ours, though a sense Of duty au
thonzes oil fair attempts 10 convince the public
mind, 1t equally dictates ready acuurscence
by all, in the public will, finally expressed
In preventing to the view Of Congress the means The
Government, the bonds due for duties, which are now in
SUIT have been reserved for this place The amount of
bonds remaining IN suit since the commencement ofhe
Government, may be estimated on the 3Olh of September
last at SO 1875 s2l g. ofhs it believed that Dot
than million ofdallars could under any i,c,,
stances recovered ne hn,g