Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-02-28

practicaIly-of establishing government whose
executive should be responsible to mem Tor ,ne
administration Of laws by them enacted. Inc
Articles of Confederation which had been entered
into by the States during the war, continued 10
be the form Of government for several years az
ter the ratification of TIE treaty OF peace but II
was soon found that these were inadequate to
constitute a government, harmonious IN all us
pats, and which could securely balance the pow
er between thirteen distinct and independent
States, and the authority Of a experimenting So
vereignty, to which they all contributed and were
parties. The root of the evil, the primary defect,
was the limited power delegated to the Federal
Executive, and the want Ut wholesome restrlc-
tons on the State Soyereigntles Frequent col
lisions bet ~een the two were necessary conse.
quence.-1hs We may look upon as the darkest
period in our civil history. IL will be needless
to give relation of the causes OF discomfort with
the existing form of government. A conscious
ness that il was totally unified to establish and
secure the principles of that free mode Of govern
ment which we protested to have established. ex.
listed in the minds of ALL Accordingly, at the
suggestion of irginia. Convention Of the seve-
raj States was recommended by the Congress.
for the purpose of revising and amending the Ar
ticles of Confederation. The recommendation
Washington was chosen to preside over its de-
Iibera,"ns; the result Of which is our present
Constitution.
Pursuant to the provisions Of this Constitution,
the different branches Of the new government
were appointed, and the Executive trust was con-
fided to him who had successfully asserted the
popu ar prerogatve to form free government,
and who had been prominent agent in exerting
it. No firter theme could pres ent itself, on
which to address you this day, than the acts Of
Washnston's administration. His political mea
sures. for the irmness and integrity with which
they were inSituted; his diplomatic views, for
tina moderatiok and circumspection with which
they were carriedvinto effect; the wisdom, and
knowledge OF our true interests which character
lied all his communications to the National Lee
gsIature. considering the aspect Of our affairs as
an infant nation. and our delicate situation with
regard to the beligerent powers Of Europe; com
bne to place his administration. as it took prece.
dence in time, the first among those under which
we have so prosperousIy lived. But, did not a
feeling IF inability to the undertaking deter me
from making review of that administration the
remaining subject OF these remarks, the agtatiOns
of that party tempest, whose waves he had to buff
fet. and which have scarcely yet subsidized, might
forbid more daring adventurer to trust lis bark
to their uncertainties. Washington. like all pub.
lie men, had to pass the ordeal of party scrutiny
the touchstone Of their merit-yet he passed it
unscathed The acts Of his government expert.
enced all more or less opposition; and it might
be all invidous task. at this early day, to enter
into a detailed consideration of measures, upon
Hhose propriety and wisdom party opinion may
not have been entirely settled.
Time. and the experience Of six executive
changes, have demonstrated the value of our con.
stitu,ional government; and our unparalleled in.
crease Of national greatness in a political, com.
mercial. and agricultural respect, has almost per.
suaded US to consider the sentiment of the Roman
in the light of an axiom-CiUifQs incredible me-
moratu est, adepfa ibertafe, qlantum. brsvi ere.
uerh To our liberty we may refer our prospe-
rity; and the benighted of the globe may thus be
made sensible of the truth, that in following our
example. they will reap like share of benefits
and happiness
Let US here advert to subject Of vital impor.
lance As human language is at best uncertain,
and experience has shown that no written instru-
ment can include all the eyigencies for which it
was intended to provide, it is not surprising that
different views should exist with regard to the
construction of our Federal Constitution. These
of sentiment have chiefly referred to
the quantum Of power conceded to the General
Government, and the limits of that reserved BY
the States. Many and important discussions on
the extent of these several powers have taken !,
place. While some were for giving high and
authority to the former. others main.
tanned the right of the latter to hold themselves
as a,check upon its encroachments, by claiming
all power not expressly granted by the Consti,u- |
ton. as remaining in them. Upon this question
the talent Of the country was early divided Small
decrease has taken place in the activity and re.
solution Of the advocates Of either side. Yet we
will not stop to discuss the merits Of the ques-
ton. 1t IS one out Of which factious politicians
have made much; and, unless mean be devised
for preventing their Vaccinations, they NAV 20
we'll nigh TO sap the foundations Of the Union.-
1t may be discovered, when too late that in this
consists our only permanent security ior Freedom
Those who desire il, should have seen long since |
the consequences which would result from an at. |
tempt TO dissolve the Union. If they have not, |
we cannot be charged with having never es>ayed |
to portray them; with having ever ceased giving
upon notwithstanding entreaty
upon entreaty. that they would calmly Look to
the future. before carrying their infatuation to an