Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1835-12-17

security. Wnen uniounoeo, the httcns
ton which they arouse, and the dis
cussions they excite, deprive those who
indulge them, of the power to do harm;
when just, they but hasten the certain
ty with which the great body of our
citizens never fail to rcpel an attempt.
to procure their sanction to any exer-
else ofpower Inconsistent with the jea-.
lous exercise & maintenance Of their
rights. Under such conviction, and
entertaining no doubt that my constitu-I
tional obligations demanded the steps
which were taken in relernce to the
removal ofthe deposites, it was impos-I
sible for me to BIO deferred from the
path ofduty, by a fear that my mo-
lives could be ~misjudged, or that poll
teal prejudices could defeat the just
conception of the merits Of my conduct.
The result has shown how safe is this
reliance upon the patriotic temper and
enlightened discernment Of the people.
That measure has now been before
them, and has stood the test Of the sew
ere analysis which its general import
ance, the interests it affected, and the
apprehensions it excited, were calcu-
lated to produce and it now remains
for Congress to consider what legisla-I
ton has become necessary, in ons
qnence.
need only add to what | have. on for
mer occasions said, on this subject gener.
ally, that in the regulations which Con
gress may prescribe respecting the custo
dy Of the public moneys, it is desirable
that as little discretion as may be deemed
consistent with their safe keeping should
be given TO The executive agents. No one
can be more deeply impressed than ] am
with the soundness of the doctrine which
restrains and limits, by specific provisions,
executive discretion, as far as it can be
done consistently with the preservation of
its constitutional character. In respect to
the control over the public money this
doctrine is peculiarly applicable. and sin
harmony with the great principle which !
felt | was sustaining in the controversy
with the Bank Of the United States, which
has resulted in seyering, TO some extent,
a dangerous connexion between a money
ed and political power. The duty of the
Legislature TO deliSe, by clear and posi-
tive enactment, the nature and extent OF
the action which it belongs to the Execu
tive to superintend, springs ont oil policy
analogous 10 that which enjoins upon all
the branches Of the Federal Government
an abstinence from the exercise of powers
not clearly granted. In such a govern.
ment, possessing only limited and specific
powers, the spirit of its general admins
~iration cannot be wise or just, when II op.
poses the reference of all doubtful points
to the great source Of authority, the States
and the People whose number and diver
sified relations. securing them against the
influence and excitemeGts which may ms
lead their agents, make them The salest
depository of power. In its application to
the Executive, with reference 10 The lie
g~islatiye branch of The Government, the
same rule Of action should make the Pre-
sident ever anxious 10 avoid the exercise
Of any discretionary authority, which can
be regulated by Congress. The hiasses
which may operate upon him will not be
so likely to extend to the representatives
of the People in that body.
Ia my former messages 10 Congress, |
have repeatedly urged the proprie'y OF
lcssening the discretionary authority iods
ed in the various departments, but 1t has
produced no effect, as yet. except the dis
continuance of extra allowances IN tae
Army and Navy, and the substitution of
fixed salaries in the latter. II is believed
that the same principles could be advant
ageously applied, in all cases, and would
promote the efficiency aud economy OF the
public service, at the same time that great
er satisfaction and more equal justice
would be secured TO the public officers gen.
orally.
The accompanying Report OF the Secre
tary of War will put you in possession OF
the operations of the department conided
70 his care, in all its diversified relations,
during the past year.
am grati6ed in being able 10 inform
YOU that no occurrence has required any
movement Of the Military force, excep,
such as is common 10 a state vi peace -
The services Of the army have been limit
ed TO their usual duties at the various gar
risons upon the Atlantic and inland Iron
tier, with the exception stated hy the DC
cretary Of War. Our small military esia'
blishment appears to be adequate to the
purposes for which it is maintained. and
IL forms a nucleus around which addition
al force may be collected, should the pub
lie exigencIes unfortunately require any
increase of our military means.
The various acts Of Congress winch
have hecn recently passed in relation TO
the army. have improved its condition and
have rendered its organization more use
full and efficient. II is at all times IN a
state for prompt and vigorous action, and
it contains within itself the power OF exten-
sion to any useful limit; while, at the
same time, it preserves that knowledge,
both theoretical and practical, which edu,
cation and experience alone can give; and
wh;,h. if moi acquired and preserved In