The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1836-01-01

of high responsibility, should feel in the free
dom which gives rise 10 such apprehenslons,
his highest security. When untounded, the
attention which they arouse, and the dis
cusslons they excite, deprive those who IN
dulge them, Of the power 10 do harm when
just, they but hasten the certainty with
which the great body Of our citizens never
fail TO rePel an attempt TO procure their
sanction TO any exercise OF power lhconsls-
tent with the jealous maintenance of their
rights. Under such convictions, and enter
tanning no doubt that my constitutional OBJ.
legations demanded the steps which were
taken IN reference 10 the removal of the de-
posites, 1t WAS impossible for Inc TO he de-
TERED from the path of duty, by fear that
my motives could be mi,judged, or that pc.
lltlcal preudlces could defeat the Just con-
sIderatlon Of the merits OF my conduct
The result has shown how safe is this relt.
ance upon the patriotic temper aud enlighs-
ened discernment of the People. That mea-
sure has now been before them, and has
stood the test of all the severe analS sig
hch It's general Importance, the interests
il affected, aud the approximations ii excited,
were calculated TO produce aud it now re.
mains for Congress 10 consider what legis.
IatIon has become necessary IN consequence.
| need only add to what have, on for
mer occasions, sad on this subject general.
Is, that in the regulations which Congress
may prescribe respecting the custody Of the
public moneys, Il is desirable that as little
discretion as may be deemed consistent
with their safe keeping should be given TO
the Executive agents. Nc one can be more
deeply impressed than | am with the sound
ness Of the doctrine which Restraints and
limits, BY specific provisions, Executive dis
crellon, as far as it can be done consistent
" with the preservation Of It's constitutional
character. In respect 10 the control over
the public money, tins doctrine is peculiarly
applicable, aud is IN harmony with the great
principle which felt was sustaining III
the controversy with the Bank of the United
States which has resulted in seyerlng, to
some extent, a dangerous connection between
a moneyed aud political power. The duty
OF the legislature to define, by clear aud
positive enactment, the nature aud extent Of
the action which II belongs 10 the Executive
to superntend, springs out Of a policy ana
ogous TO that which eujoins upon all the
branches of the Federal Government an alb.
stiueuce from the exercise Of powers not
clearly granted. In such a Government,
possessing only limited aud specific powers,
the spirlt of It's general administration can
not be wise OF Just, when II opposes the ref
erence of all doubtful points to the great
source Of authority, the States and the peo-
Pile whose number and diversified relations,
securing them against the influences and
eSctemeuts which may mlsIead their a.
gents, make the safest depository Of power.
In lis application TO the Executive, with
reference tn the Legislative branch of the
Government, the same rule of action should
make the President ever anxious TO avoid
the avo.clse Of any Discretionary authority,
which can be regulated by Congress. The
bases which may operate upon him will
not be so likely to extend to the representa-.
tlyes OF tbe People in that body.
In my former messages to Congress
have repeatedly urged the propriety Of les
sening the Discretionary authority lodged in
the various departments; but it has produced
no effect as Vet, except the dscontinuance
of extra allowances IN the Army and Navy,
and the substitution Of fixed salaries in the
latter. 1t is believed that the same princi-
pies could he advantageousy applied, in all
cases, and would promote the efficiency and
economy Of the public service, at the somo
time that greater satisfaction and more equal
justice would be secured to the public otli-
GERS generally.
The accompanying Report OF the Secre-
tary of War will put you in possession of
the operations of the department confded
to his care, in all It's diversified relations,
during the past year.
am gralfed IN being able TO inform YOU
that no occurrence has required any move
ment Of the military force, except such as
is common to a state of peace. The scrvi.
ces of the army have been limited to their
usual duties at the various garrlsons upon
the Atlantic and inland frontier, with the
exceptions stated by the Secretary of War.
Our small military establishment appears
to be adequate TO the purposes for which it
is maintained, and it forms nucleus around
which any additional force may be collected,
should the public ex'Gencies unfortunately
require any increase Of our military means.
The various acts of Congress which have
been recently passed in relation to the army,
have improved its condition and have rem.
lered its organization more useful and eff