The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1837-04-28

these measures had either been rejected or lost IN
the other House for want of time, and that there
would be a large Surplus Revenue on the Isl day
Of January, 1855. That revenue they have eho-
sen to dispose Of for the benefit of the Banks and
the Party, rather than that of the States and tho
people.
have detained you very long on this subject.
but not longer than its importance demands. In
nv opinion, it is more essential 10 the purity and
safety of our free institutions than any proposition
which has been before Congress for many years
past The patronage of the Federal Government
is already alarmlng,-m0fe than hundred thou
sand officers and contractors are dependant upon
the will and pleasure of the President alone. To
this patrona &c addth control OF this Immense sur
plus Revenue, and his power Will De irresistible.
This measure was important IN another point OF
view. We all know the tendency Of the Federal
Government 10 extravaganza Congress DAILY
votes away millions OF the peoples money Without
feeling under any real responsibility TO them
But once give 10 the people reyeTsonary interest
in the Surplus Revenue and depend upon u, ibeir
Representatives here will be as watchful and care
full of the public money, as they are IN the Stale
Legislatures You would soon see, what for ma
ny years past has not been seen at Washington
economy in the public expenditures. Then, and
not until then, may we expect retrenchment and
reform ia the Federal Government. | would not
raise money for the purpose OF distribution. am
entirely opposed TO any such policy; aud believe
no one thinks seriously that such system could
ever be adopted. | wish to reduce The revenue 10
the wants Of The Government; and then Wish 10
reduce the wants Of the Government. by tins
means any thing can be saved IN our cxpendi-
lures. or ii from any unexpected cause, the reye-
nue. ior year or Two should be larger than was
anticipated wish to return il 10 the people, rath
or than iuust il to the banks and politicians, 10 Do
used by them for party purposes. This Is the
question nov before the country. Its not whether
you will raise money for distribution. The feye-
nue. is already raised, The money is here; and no
only question is what Will YOU do with il The
President and his friends have decided what shall
be done with il while the opposition have declared
what ought to be done with it. 1t will be for the
people 10 decide this grea. contest at The ballot
box and with them must rest The consequences,
whatever they be.
EXECUTIVE ABUSE.
There has been apld increase in the sales ct
the Public Lands for a few years past, and tho
revenue from that quarter has been Unexpectedly
large For the purpose of arresting, partially at
least the sales Of the Public Lands, Gen. Jackson
thought proper 10 issue, during The last summer,
what was termed Treasury Circular, requiring
payment 10 be made 10 gold and silver. This or
der operated very oppresslyey IN many parts OF
the United States, but especially So ~ those States
containing public lands. Congress, Therefore, pas
sed bill BY majority Of more than two-thlrds.
resembling this Treasury Circular, and directing
payment 10 be made ia the common currency, as
heretofore. Il was sent TO the President Tor his
appreciation, but he neither approved it, nor did he
- 4 ~ cd hv stI
tuition, bot sent ii to the Stale Department with
objections, which be had published in the Globs
newspaper, regardless both Of the Constitution,
and Of that respect which has always been obseFy-
ed bv the President Of the United States towards
the Representatives Of the people. But II Is among
The most Objectionable parts IN the public life OF
General Jackson, that he has too often Hamped
on the forms of the Constitution when they came
into Conflict with his own will. During the last
session, two committees of investigation were
raised BIZ the House Of Representatives 10 inquire
into the abuses, ii any, practsed IT the various
Executive Departments Of the Government Gen.
jackson openly denounced these committees az
nquisitofal, ard permitted his subordinate officers
to refuse peremptorliy TO answer questions pro-
pounded BY them, Even Reuben NJ Whitney,
who, during the last war, fled his country and
sworc allegiance to the British Hing, but who ia
now made secret, irresponsible, bunk agent in
the Treasury DepaFtment--he too followed the
example,-pranouuoed the proceedings inquisito-
rial. and refused TO answer their Undergraduates.
He was arraigned before the House for contempt.
but discharged without punishment in accordance
with the known and expressed will of General
jackson. If such things are aoquleseed in, where,
let me ask, is the responsibility Of the President
of the United States II the Senate pass resolu-
ton condemhag any act Of the President, that re-
solution is pronounced by him unconstitutional
and subsequent Senate, more subservlent to Ex-
ecu,iye will is made to EXPUNGE that Journal which
the Constitution says, shall be KEPT" Ii the
House OF Representatives destitute an enquiry m
10 Executive abuses, Immediately the door IS
closed against investigation and the committee ID
denounced as inquisltorlal!
If these assumptions Of power be submitted 10.
The President will he without control Whatever
he NAV do, the Senate will have no right to speak.
and the House no power to investigate the truth.
To INV mind. such a doctrine is alarming. The
President, by his patronage and power, bestrides
every other department OF the Government
like colossus, and we pretty men
Walk under his huge legs, and peep about
To find ourselves dishonorablc graves"
| do not speak these things as applicable TO our
late President alone They may be equally appli-
cable to the present Chief Magistrate tie has
been brought into power BY the influence and upon
The populartv OF General Jackson, and has pledged
himself To the country to follow IN has footsteps
lie all imtators, he will be most likely 10 sue
coed in his bad examples. | hope it may be other
wise. No one viii rejoice more than shall, to
sind his administration an auspeiouS one but the
course OF his friends in both Houses of Congress,
upon the great questions to which | have adverted.
leaves US much To fear from his administration.
Nv opposition to Mr.. Van Buren's election is well
known. Ny objections TO his public character and