Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1832-08-01
1.-The United States, instead Of establishing Bank proper

proper. Whatever interest or influence, whether
public or private, has given birth to this act, il
cannot be found either in the wishes or necessi-
ties of the Executive Department, by which pre-
sent action is deemed premature, and the powers
conferred upon its agent not only unnecessary.
but dangerous to the government and country.
Ii is to be regretted that the rich and powerful
too often bend the acts of government to their
selfish purposes. Distinctions in society will
always exist under every Just government. Equal
lty of talents, of education, of wealth, cannot
be produced by human institutions. In the full
Ienioyment of the gifts of Heaven, and the fruits
lot superior industry, economy and virtue, every
man is equally entitled to protection by law. But
when the laws undertake to add to these natural
and just advantages, artificial distinctions, to
grant titles, gratuities and exclusive privileges,
TO make the rich richer and the potent more pow
ertul the humble members of society, the farmers,
mechanics, and laborers, who have neither the
time nor the means of securing like favors to
themselves, have right to complain of the in
justice of their government.
There are no necessary evils in government.
lis evils exist only in its abuses. If it would
cohflne itself to equal protection, and as Heaven
does its rains, shower its favors alike on the high
and the low, the rich and the poor; it would be
an unqualified blessing. In the act before me,
there seems to be wide aud unnecessary depar-
lure from these just principles. Nor is our gov
eminent to be maintained, or our Union preserved
by lnvasons Of the rights and powers of the
several States. In thus attempting to make our
general government strong, we make it weak
Its true strength consists in leaving individuals
and States, as much as possible, to themselves
IN making Itself felt, not in its power but in its
beneficence, not in its control hut in its protec
tlon, not in binding the States more closely to
the centre, but leaving each to move unobstructed
IN its proper orbit
Experience should teach us wisdom. Most of
the difficulties our Government now encounters,
and most OF the dangers which impend over our
Onlon have sprung from an abandonment of the
legitimate objects Of Government by our national
legislation, and the adoption of such principles
as are embodied in this act. Many of our rich
men have not been content with equal protection
and equal benefits; but have besought US to make
Them richer by act of Congress. By attempting
to crafty their desires, we have in the results of
oar legislation, arraved section against section,
interest against interest, and man against man, 10
a fearful commotion which threatens to shake the
foundations of our Union. 1t is time to pause in
our career, to review our principles, and if posi-
BILE, revive that devoted patriotism and spirit of
"hiSh VIC SuSOo Vi TIC
revolution, and the fathers of our Union If we
cannot at once, in justice to interests vested I'M
der lmpFovlden legislation, make our government
what Ii ought TO be, we can at least take stand
against all new grants of monopoles, and exciu-
slye privileges against any prostitution of our
Government, to the advancement of the few, at
the expense Of the many, and in favor of com
promise and gradual reform in our code of laws
and system of political economy.
have now done my duty to my country. If
sustained by my fellow citizens, shall be CRATE
ful and happy; if not. | shall find in the motives
which impei me, ample grounds for contentment
and peace. Ia The difficulties which surround us,
and the dangers which threaten our institutions,
there is cause for neither dismay nor alarm. For
relief and deliverance, let US firmly rely on that
kind Providence, which am sure, watches with
peculiar care over the destnIes of our republic,
and on The intelligence and wisdom of our coun-
trymen.-Through His abundant goodness and
their patriotic devotion, our liberty and Union
will be preserved.
ANDREW JACKSON.
w tsHyNrroN j. lab. 1899