Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1833-03-21

appointments, to the extent he had gone, Of
editors Of newspaperl &c"
To which aIswersd--'I might not be n
ware Of the extent he had gone. IN appointing
printers, but that IL correctly informed, did
not approve Of the appointment Of so many
though did not believe that Jackson had con-
ierrcd Office on a printer, or any citizen, as n
reward for services rendered him in his cleo
lion, (which Was the charge implied in the
question, } that I did not believe there breath
cd an honestcr man than he
SO, 3diy-lf approved Of his veto mes
sage ?" said did. and assigned no reason.
So, 4thly-lf I approved the hostility
cvineed by his supporter, in and out Of
Congress, To the Tariff INC aiming the Tariff
Of '2s-and I answered, 81 am against a ta-
rif that looks beyond the ordinary revenue
required by the common exigencses Of tho
beyond this doubted, ~ well the constitu-
tional right to impose il, as the expedicncy
and justice Of it,"
So. 5,hly-" Did deny the right Of the
General Government to appropriate funds
from the revenue Of the Union to make inter
nal improvements"
] answered, -"Ycs, I am not entirely sa-
tisGed the right exists in the General Govern
mcnt, although I think IL should. could find
no grant IN the constitution ~
! admitted, however, in my notes, added in
1881, that as ! was not entirely satisfied in
my mind but only felt doubts upon the sub
ject, that would, f elected, vote for appro-
priations To works of n national character,
IN which my immediate constituents might be
interested; because ] acknowledge the re-
representatives. responsibility under our go
vcrnment, and the imperative obligation on
the part OF the representative To vote in ac-
cordance with the wishes Of his constituents
in ail cases, unless absolutely satisfied the
Constitution forbijs, SC.
SO, Gthly-if a. denied the policy and ne
cessity Of The tariff system (which I an
s@ red under the 18th question as already sta
ted in substance. and at much length.
So, sthly-if =" denied the right Of the SUI
premc Court To declare void laws and acts
Of State which conflict with the Federal
Constitution" ! answered that al denied
neither branch Of this proposition, but that
admitted BOTH
And do not suppose any man ever did.
presume the author intended TO ask il ]
denied the righl Of the Supreme Court TO de-
eide all questions Of conflict between the
Federal Government and the States, present
ing not I" cases Of law or equity arising under
the constitution, treaties, or laws, made
or passed in pursuance thereof" but qucs-
tions Of political rights, extra the consti-
tuition, as Mr.. Madison says,) as To which
do not consider that court constituted tribu-
nal to decide in the last resort, if ithave jurs-
diction over political questions at Az.
understand the Supreme Court, or rather
the venerable Chief Justice, disclaims this
right in the celebrated case of McCulloch.
The States themselves, in my opinion, are
the only parties TO the federal compact, and
Of necessity, the rightful judges in the last
resort, IN the language of Madison's report,
in eases OF palpable, dangerous infractions
am aware that the party out Of power, IS
now, as heretofore, seeking TO get in by
changing names, without n change of princi-
plies. The aspirants Of this party applaud the
proclamation of tho President, though they
have denounced him most ndecently, and at
most Unfortunately opposed every import
ant act OF his administration, and mean, doubt
less, yet to Disgrace him if they possibly shall
be able, tnougl, IL seems TO comport with the
independence of few, TO suppress, for the
present, those charges of inconsistency which
some Of the less prudent Of the train occa-
sionally breathe.
Some Of these gentlemen are now almost
avowed Jackson men. and are ingeniously
trying to get up new party tests, such as union
and disunion, for what purpose few can be
deceived. With them, none but protested
conSolidatioDists can be the friends Of the
Union and constitutional liberty. Old time
democrats, State rights men, the supporters
Of Madison's resolutions, must repudiate their
principles; or they are denounced by these
exclusive friends Of the Union as fayoring
notification and secessioni
For my part, will only say upon Tins head,
that rePudate notification and am opposed
TO secession, whatever charges have been
made against me
am equally against consolidation. Against
both dangerous extremes maintain the prin-
ciplcs contained in Nadison's resolutions Of
-, when Virginia triumphantly indicated
constitutional liberty.
] am Jealous supporter Of the President,
and have been a Jackson man from the time
Congress elected Adams
Heretofore, have seen much TO approve
and little To condemn, in his successful ad.
ministration Of the Federal Government. and
do not permit myself 90 fear he will in future
depart in practice from his past republican
course, and shall be agreeabiy disappointed
/ If, when he CLOSES his political career, I shall
find all the new converts still ready &C. sup.
port the principles and policy his sincere adj
mirers and tTIest friends believe il will be
his greatest glory 10 have re-establishcd.
EDWARD LUCAS, Jr.
March 30, 1888