Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-11-27

long as they are worthy OF the iioeIJ 'e! g"
joy: 90 ma.
nv of my anxious thoughts whilst was aoseh''
that must be pardoned for adverting 10 IL 'e"
moments. l refer to the unhappy dssen,ions
which, for some time. seemed to threaten 'ne We
~ existence Of our confederacy. Danger u al
ways mapniied in the distance, and although
relied with confidence on the attachment OF the
people to the Union, yet there were moments
when was almost ready to despond. lhe hopes
of the enemies of free government throughout
Europe were elevated. They believed That the
moment was rapidly approaching, when II woulu
be demonstrated by our example, that man was
not fit for self government; and when despotism
would enjoy final triumph over human liberty.
! The advocates Of liberal principles we're depress
ed in the same proportion. They believed that
I the happiness Of millions throughout all future
generations, was at stake upon the issue. they
beheld the march of events with the oost intense
anxiety, and from the want of a foi k"e"iedse
of our situation, they feared the very worst
shall never forget with what a thrill OF delight
received the intelligence thar the compromise
had been happily effected. did not stop to
consider whether it was the best that could have
been made; it was sufficient that the danger
which threatened our institutions had passed
away. Each citizen Of our country ought to feel
sort of personal responsibility in the exercise
Of his political rights. aud ought to act as u his
conduct might affect not only the permanence Of
our Union. but the liberties of mankind. Above
all. he ought to remember that the Union was the
result Of mutual compromise, and that the spirit
which brought il into existence, can alone render
it perpetual.
Political parties must ever ezist in this eoun.
try: In my opinion, they ought ever to exist
Their foundation is deeply laid in the Federal
Constitution itself. They arise from the upper
lection Of human language. In the yer, begin
ming, one portion of our citizens dreaded conso.
lidatiOn-the other disunion. The one was dis.
posed to give strict-the other liberal inter
probation to the powers Of the Federal Govern
ment. Between the two extremes there was
much intermediate ground; but still this broad
line of demarcatiOn has ever existed.
The sovereign States of this Union may ex.
tend their jealousy Of Federal power too far; but
NAV the day never arrive when their watCbful-
ness shall sIumber The State Governments
existed before the CONSTITUTIONS; they elected the
Delegates to the Convention by which It was fra
med; through their agency this Constitution was
submitted to the people OF the several States for
ratification; and in the theory OF our system, as
announs ed bv the Federalist. they are seDtinels
to give the alarm TO the people, should the Fede.
raj Government transcend its proper limits
Power is always stealing on, almost without the
knowledge Of its possessors. Liberty is Hespe-
ran fruit, and can only be preserved by watchfui
jealousy. 1t is the condition on which alone it
can be enjoyed. It's because the present ADM
nistration, whilst it has never flinched from ex-
ercisng the powers unguestionaby granted, has
never shown disposition to assume powers not
fairly delegated, that it is entitled to the support
of a republican people. | do not mean to saw
this Administration Is infaIlible. This attribute
belongs not to man. But it was upon these prin-
ciples they came into power, and in my opinion,
they have always held them steadily in view.
The exercise of doubtful powers must ever
prove dangerous 10 the harmony OF the Union. |
They generate perpetual struggles. Whilst the
Government ought fearlessIy and firmly to carry
into execution the powers clearly granted, they
ought never to tread upon doubtful, which is al.
ways dangerous ground. / know that as able
heads, and as pure hearts, as have ever done no.
nor to this country, have been in favor OF extend
ing the powers Of the Government by what has
been called a liberal construction; but believe
that the longer our experience shall continue, the
more clearly will the falIacy OF this doctrine be
demonstrated.
These are not the parties, how ever, from which,
when confined within proper limits, we have rea.
son TO apprehend danger. Ii is when large sec.
tionaI masses become intlamed against each other
upon vital questions, that we ought to be most
alarmed. regret to find that some excitement
has arisen on the question OF slavery, during my
absence. Judging from my own knowledge. |
think the South have no just cause to be alarmed
upon The subject | have never conversed with
any well informed man Of any party, who pre-.
tended that the Constitution conferred upon Con-
gress the power to control or regulate this ques-
ton.
thank my God that my lot has been cast in
State where slavery does not exist. In the alb
stract, it IS an institution which cannot, for sim
gle moment, be defended. But what them
Shall we attempt to violate the constitutional
compact which has made us great and power
full nation, happy at home and respected abroad
shall we endanger the existence Of this Union
on the perpe,uty of which the human race have
so deep a stake-by endeavoring to usurp pow.
err which has never been granted7 The day. | 4
feel firmly convinced. will never arrive when c
Congress shall forcibIy attempt to interfere with
this question; but If it should, the knell of our