Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1837-09-21

must, in justice, be extended 10 the rest; and
the attempt to bestow such favors with an
equal hand, or even 10 select those who
should most deserve them, would never be
successful. All communities are apt To look
to Government for too much. Even in our
own country, where its powers and duties
are so strictly limited, we are prone to 10 50,
especially at periods Of sudden embarrass-
mnnt and distress. But this ought not to be. !
The trainers of our excellent Constitution,
and the people who approved it with calm
and sagacious deliberation. acted at the time
on a sounder principle. They wisely Judged
that the less Government interferes with pri-
vate pursuits, the better for the general pros
perty. /. is not its legitimate object to make
men rich, or TO repair, by direct grants OF
money or legislation in favor OF particular
pursuits, losses not incurred in the public
service. This would be substantially to use
the property of some Cor the benefit of others.
But its real duty-that duty, the performance
Of which makes good government the most
precious of human blessings-is to enact and
enforce system of general laws commen-
surate with. but not exceeding, the objects Of
its establishment, and to leave every citizen
and every interest to reap, under its benign
protection, the rewards ofviItue, industry and
prudence.
| cannot doubt that on this, as on all sini-
lar occasions, the Federal Government will
find its agency most conducive 10 the secu-
rty and happiness Of the people, when lmi-
ted 20 the exercise of its conceded powers.
In never assuming, even for a well meant OBJ
ject, such powers as were not designed to be
conferred upon il, VIC shall IN reality do most
for the general welfare. To avoid every un-
necessary interference with the pursuits Of
the citizen, will result in more benefit than To
adopt measures which could only assist limi-
ted interests, and are eagerly, but perhaps
naturally, sought for, under the pressure of
temporary circumstances If, therefore, re-
frain from suggesting to Congress any spc-
clfc plan for regulating the exchanges OF the
country, relieving mercantile embarassments,
or interfering with the ordinary operations of
foreign or domestic commerce, it is from q
conviction that such measures are not within
the constitutional province Of the General
Government, and that their adoption would
not promote the real and permanent welfare
Of those they might be designed to aid.
The difficulties and dstresses of the times,
though unquestionably great, are limited in
their extent, aud cannot be regarded as af-
fectng the permanent prosperity OF the ma
ton. Arising, in a great degree, from the
me:ce, it is upon them that they have chiefly
fallen The great agricultural interest has,
in many parts of the country, suffered com
paratively little; and, as if Providence intend
ed to display the munifceDce of its goodness
at the moment of greatest need, and in direct
cont.Lst to the evils occasioned by the way
wardness of man, we have been blessed
throughout our extended territory with sea-
son of general health, and of uncommon
frnitfulIess. The proceeds of our great
staples will soon furnish the means of liqui
dating debts at home and abroad, and con-
tribute equally TO the revival OF commercial
activity, and the restoration of commercial
credit. The banks established avowcd,y for
its support, deriving their profits from it, and
resting under obligations to it which canno,
be overlooked, will feel at once the necessity
and justice Of uniting their energies will
those of the mercantile interest. The sus
pension OF specie payment, at such time
and under such circumstances as we have
lately witnessed, could not be other than O
temporary measure; and we can scarcely erl
in believing that the period must soon arrive
when all that are solvent will redeem thei
issues in gold and silver. Dealings abroat
naturally depend on resources and prosperity
at home. If the debt of our merchants ha,
are fluctuations always incident to extensive
or extravagant mercantile transactions. Blu
the ultimate security of such obligations doe.
not admit of question. They are guaranteed
by the resources of a country, the fruits o
whose industry afford abundant means 0
ample liquidation, and by the evident interes
of every merchant to sustain q credit, hitherto
high, by promptly applying these means 10
its preservation.
deeply regret that events have occurre
which require me to ask your considcratio
of such serious topics. | could have wishe
that, in making my first communication to tn
assembled represo natives Of my country,
had nothing to dwell upon but the history G
her unaloyed prosperity. Since it is other
wise, we can only feel more deeply the re
sponsibility of the respective trusts that hav
been contided to us, and, under the pressur
Of difficulties, unite in invoking the guidarc
and aid of the Supreme Ruler of nations, an
in laboring with jealous resolution to over
come the difficulties by which we are envi
roncd.
1t is under such circumstances, a hig
qualification to know by long experience, thu
we act for people to whom the truth, how
safety; for the trial Of whose patriotism n
emergency is too severe, and who are SUI
never to desert public functionary honest
laboring for the public good. 1t seems ju
that they should receive, without delay, az
aid in their embarrassments which your d.
liberations can afford. Coming directly fro
the midst Of them, and knowing the cour
Of events in every section Of our countr
from you may best be learned, as well Il
extent and nature Of these embarrassment
as the most desirable measures ofreief