South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1835-07-04
SATURDAY, JULY a, 1896.

~ OF schemes. 70 all these ilstenN
ed, without giving my assent to any,
and never for a moment did l harbour
thought of proposing OF supporting
any one, except in the event Of failure
in the experiment to use the State
Banks; and then only such scheme
as should be entirely free from consii-
tutional objections, and have toe ap'
probation d the Administration and the
the Republican party.
The recent developments of the
power OF doing mischief possessed by
National Bank, and the uncontrolla-
BILE tendency 10 use this power to direct
the politicks of the country, have sat
isfed me that no such institution
should be tolerated, under any circum-
stances. The facility and success with
which the public business has recently
been done through the State Bankss
have, 10 my opinion, proved that Ma
tional Institution is as unnecessary as
it is unsafe and unconstitutional.
In relation TO the Tariff, my views
appear also not to be UNDERSTANDABLE
the close of the last war, the general
sentiment seemed to prevail among
our eminent statesmen, especially those
who had supported the Government in
that conflict, that it was the true policy
of the Government so to regulate the
Tariff, as to promote the establish msnt
of manufactures within our borders.
In this opinion, many ofthe Statesmen
from the South united with those of the
Middle and Western States. With.
out being distinguished as peculiar
advocate of the course of Legislation
which grew up under these circumstan.
ces, gave it my support ia pursuance
of public opinion. AS soon, however,
as l perceived the dangers which were
likely to grow GU, of this species OF
legislation pushed to excess, l became
an advocate for the reduction Of the
Tariff, and voted for every proposition
having that. end in view, down to and
including the compromise, which was
made at the session Of 1898. That
compromise ought to be considered by
all good citizens as putting an end to
the question. No prudent and patsi-
osic nan viii, l am sure, ever attempt
renewal of that species of legislation.
For myself, can sincerely say, that !
should consider any attempt OF that
sort as savouring of enmity to the
goysrnment, inasmuch as it is unne.
cessary as a measure Of policy, and
would certainly revive a controversy
more dangerous to our Union than any
other which has arisen since the adop-
ton ofthe Federal Constitution. The
preservation of the Union, and the
harmony of its members, are incompa-
rably more important than any system
OF legislation which regards only the
pecuniary interests of a portion of the
people.
The same remarks are applicable, in a
great degree, to the subject of internal
improvements In relation to them, it
may also be observed, that the success
ofthe several States, in their prosecution,
and the great local interests vested in
them, together with the consideration
that the States manage their concerns
with more care and economy than the
General Government, are persuasive ar
gumcnts against Federal interference in
them hereafter, beyond such works as are
universally conceded to be Of National
character.
In fine, consider the views Of Presi-
dent Jackson, on the Tariff and Internal
improvements, as founded in true wis
dom; and, as far as may herafter be
enabled, it will be my earnest endeavour
to give them efficacy in the administra-
ton of the Government.
On these leading subjects, l felt it my
duty to touch, because it seems to have
been erroneously apprehended by some,
that would be disposed to use the in
fuence of high official station, to restore
an expiring Monopoly. and certain mis-
chievous systems of policy which expert
ence has exploded. 1t is notifying to
me, that such an impression should have
obtained any credence whatever, since
the steady, though not boisterous sup-
port, which l have given to the Presi-
dent in his persevering and successful
warfare on those systems. So far from
entertaining any such design or desire.
| look upon myself as selected by the
Convention. for the purpose of aiding to
make permanent the principles and poll
cy in the administration of our Govern
ment, which have recently been sane
toned by such decided marks of public
appreciation, and to which am pledged
alike by inclination and duty.
On other subjects, public life Of thir-
ty years uninterrupted activity. has. l
trust, been sufficient to enable my coun-
trymen 70 understand my principles end
my motives of action. believe no man