Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-04-07

has III
war: and has proved itself fit for both 1t has
been assailed from without, and successfully re-
sisted the shock; 1t has been disturbed within,
and has effectualy quoted the disturbance. 1t
can stand trial-it can stand assaut-it can
stand adversity.-it can stand every thing but
the marriny Of its own beauty, and the weaken
ing of its own strength. 1t can stand every
thing, bat the effects Of our own rashness. ana
our own folly. 1t can stand every thing, but DIS
organization, disunion, and qualification: =,
1t is a striking fact, and as true as 1t Is strik-
ing, that at this very moment, among all tne Pri"-
ci6al civilized States of the world, that Govern
ment is the most secure against the danger OF
popular commotion, which is itself entirely pop.
ular. Itseems, indeed, that the submission oil
every thing to the public will, under Constitu-
tional restraints, imposed by the peoPi" 'he'l,
selves, furnishes, ITSELF security that that viii
will desire nothing wrong
Certain it is, that popular Constitutional iloefe
ty as enjoy it, appears, in the present sta'e Oh
the world, as sure and stable basis tor Govern
ment to rest upon, as any Government of enllght-
ened States can find or does find. Certain IT is,
that in these times of so much popular knowledge,
and so much popular activity, those Governments
which do not admit the People opartake IN their
administration. but keep the people under anu DE-
meath. sit on materials for an explosion, which
may take place at any moment, and dow lhch III
to thousand atoms.
Gentlemen. let any man who would degrade
and enfeebie the national constituencies any
man who would nullify its laws. stand forth ana
tell us what he would wish. What does he pro-
nose? Whatever he may be, and whatever sub.
sttute he may hold forth, am sure the people OF
this country will decline his kind interference
and hold on by the constitution which they pos
sess Any one who would wilins destroy IT,
rejoice to know woald be looked upon with ao-
horrence tits deeply entrenched in the regards
of the people. Doubtless, it may be undermined
by artfu and long continued hostility; It may be
imperceptby weakened by secret attack; 1t may
be nsiduousy shorn of its powers 10y slow de.
grees; the public vigilance may be lulled, anu
when it awakes, it may find the Constitution frit-
tered away. In these modes, or some OF them.
doubtless it is possible that the union OF the states
| may be dissolved.
Bat if the general attention of the people be
kent aIiye-if ,hey see the intended mischief be-
fore it is effected they will eectualiy prevent by
! their own sovereign power. They will in'crpose
themselves between the meditated blow, and the
object of their regard and attachment. Gentle
men. next to the controlling authority OF the peo-
pie themselves, the preservation OF the Govern
ment is mainly committed to those who admins.
ter it. Ifconducted in wisdom, it cannot but stand
strong. It's genuine original spirit is patriotic,
liberal. and generous spirit spirit OF conciia-
ton, ofmoderation, ofcandor, and charity: sp,r-
it of friendship and not spirit OF hostlll-
ty, with the States: spirit, careful not to
exceed, and equally careful not to rellnquish its
lust mowers. While no interest can or ought
TO feel itself shut out from the benefits Of the con-
st,tution, none should consider; those benefits as
exclusively its own. The interests OF all must
be connected. and reconcicd, and provided for,
as far as possible, that all may perceive the bene-
! fits of united government.
Among other things, we are to remember that,
since the adoption of the constitution, new States
have arisen, possessing already an immense Popu-
lation, spreading and thickening over vast re-
gions, which were wilderness when the Constl-
tuition was adopted. Those States are not like
New-York, directly connected with maritime
commerce. They are entirely agricultural. and
need markets for consumption, and access to those
markets 1t is the duty of the government to
bring the interests of these new States into the
Union, and incorporate them closely IN the faml-
| ly compact Gentlemen. it is not lmpractlcabe
to reConcile$aeSe various interests and SO to all
| minister the government as 10 make 1t useful to
ALL 1t was never easier TO administer the gov
| eminent than it is now. We arc beset with none
or with few. of its original difficulties: and it is
time of great general prosperity and happiness.
Shall we admit ourselves incompetent to carry on
the government. 50 as to be satisfactory to the
whole courtry? Shall we admit that there has
so little descended to US Of the wisdom and prn-
dence of our .-.hers: Ii the Government could
| be administered in Washington's time, when 1t
was yet new, when the country was heavily In
debt, when foreign relations were threatening,
and when Indian wars pressed on the frontiers.
can it not be administered now? Let US not &C
knowledge ourselves so unequal to our duties.
Gentlemen. on the occasion referred to. it be-
came necessary to consider the judicial power,
and its proper functions under the constitution.
In every free and balanced government. this i.
most essential and important power. Indeed
I think it is remark of Mr.. Hume, that the adj
ministraton of jusice seems to be the leading OBJ
ject Of institutions of government: that Leglsa-
lures assemble, that armies are embodied. that
both war and peace are made, with sort of ulti-
mate reference to the proper administration OF
laws. and the judicial protection of private rights
The judicial power comes home to every man.
If the Legislature passes incorrect or unjust gen.