Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1836-12-14

mented by widespread corruption, which
could only be eradicated by one of those
bloody revolutions which occasionally
overthrow the despotic systems of the old
world
In all the other aspects in which have
been able to look at the effect OF such
principle of distribution upon the best in
terests of the country, l can see nothing
to compensate for the Disadvantages TO
which | have adverted. If we consider
the protective duties, which are, in great
degree the source of the surplus revenue,
beneficial to one section of the Union and
prejudicial to another, there is no correc-
tive for the evil in such plan of distribu-
ton. On the contrary there is reason to
fear that all the complaints which have
sprung from this cause would be aggra-
waited. Every one must be sensible that
distribution of the surplus must beget a
disposition to cherish the means which
create it; and any system, therefore,
into which it enters, must have a.
powerful tendency to increase rather than
diminish the tariff. If it were even ad-
lnitted that the advantages of such sys-
TEN could be made equal to all the Sec
tons of the Union, the reasons already so
urgently calling for reduction of the
revenue, would nevertheless lose none of
their force; for it will always be improba-
bic that an intelligent and virtuous CON-
munity can consent to raise a surplus for
the mere purpose of dividing it, diminish
ed as it must inevitably be by the expenses
of the various machinery necessary for
the process.
The safest and simplest mode Of obvi-
ating all the difficulties which have been
mentioned, is to collect onlv revenue
enough to meet the wants of the govern
ment, and the people keep the balance Of
the property in their own hands, to be used
for their own profit Each state will then
support its own government, and contrib
ute its due share towards the support of
the general government. There would
be no surplus to cramp and lessen the re-
sources Of individual wealth and enter
prise, and the banks would be left to their
ordinary means. Whatever agitations
and fluctuations might arise from our W.
fortunate paper system, they could never
be attributed, justly or unjustly, to the &C.
ton of the federal govern ment. There
would be some guaranty that the spirit oil
wild spec ulation which seeks to convert
the surplus revenue into banking capital
would be efectually checked, and that the
scenes of decentralization, which are now
so prevalent through the land, would dis
, appear.
. Without desiring to conceal that the ex
perience and observation Of the last two
years have operated a partial change ir
my views upon this interesting subject, i
> is nevertheless regretted that the sugoes
tons made by me in my annual message.
Of 1929 and 1880 have been greatly mis-
! understood. At that time the great strug
gle was begun against that latitudinariar
] construction of the constitution which au
: thorizes the unlimited appropriation ofth
= revenues ofthe Union to internal improve
: ment within the states, tending to invest il
: the hands and place under the control G
! the general government, all the principa
: roads and canals ofthe country, in viola
= ton Of state rights and in derogation Q
s state authority. At the same time tn
: condition of the manufacturing interest
e was such as 10 create an impression tha
: the duties on imports could not, withou
l. extensive mischief be reduced in seaso
2, to prevent the accumulation of a consic
: cradle surplus after the payment of tn
7, national debt In view of the dangers
|, such a surplus, and 10 preference to its al
r plication to internal improvements, in de-
| nh Il
V states, the suggestion of an amendment {
l. the constitution to authorize it's distribu
= ton was made. 1t was an alternative fc
l. what were deemed greater evils-a ten
l. porary resort to relieve an overburdene
A. treasury until the government could, witt
out sudden and destructive revulsion
al the business Of the country, gradually r
W turn to the just principle Of raising r
ID more revenue from the people, in take
m than is necessary for its economical SUI
to port Even that alternative was not spo
en- ofbut in connection with an amen
I'd nent of the constitution. No temporal
n Inconvenience can justify the exercise OF
as prohibited power, or power not granite
ne by that instrument and twas from co
in viction hattie power to distribute even
re surplus of revenue is of that characte
IS, that 1t was suggested only in connectic
of with an appeal TO the source of all leg
n power in the general government, /
C. states which have established it. No su,
eir appeal has been taken, and in my opni,
n a distribution of the surplus revenue
tie Congress, either to thestates or to t
H. people, is to be considered as AMONG +
If prohibitions OF the constitution. As
en- ready intimated, my views have undt
rs, gone change, so far as to be convinc
ess that no alteration of the constitution in II
We resDect is wise or eynediep+ IT, =