The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-02-08

sentiments of the " American system" men
on this subJectl They believe that the
Federal Government not only has the au-
thority TO pass such laws, but that il is
solemn duty we owe our country To afford
them this protection. These are the gen.
tlemen who are so erievously offended at
the want OF consistency among the friends
of the administration
How is II IN respect 10 internal improve
ments under the authority of the General
Government Here there is like incon-
sis,ency amongst our political opponents.
In the South and Southwest, the power to
construct roads aud canals is most streu-
uously denied but in the North and West
it is almost universally claimed and conce
ded. Ii is with one portion of the country
most radical error TO attempt the exercise
of this authority whilst in another region
it is part of the constitutional duty of the
func,ionaries here to make large appropria-
iious for this purpose. What a delightful
harmony there would be among such gen
tlemen, if they were in power, aud had con-
troll of the finances of the country! What
DISCUSSIONS we should hear among them
selves upon the constitutionality and wisdom
of such appropriations 1t would be the
music of the spheres concord of sweet
sounds. Their President would have no
difficulty whatever in adopting a line of
policy which would receive the unanimous
support of all his party.
Another very important subject involved
in the political contests of the last three or
four years, is the Bank of the U. States.
What are the sentiments of the oppostition
with regard to this institution As variant
as the colors of the rainbow. The strict
cons,rncionists in the South deny the pow
er of Congress to create such n corporation.
Some hold that, if they had the power, 1t
would be inexpedicnt to exercise it; and
others that it would be excellent policy to
create bank with proper limitations. An
other class believe the power exists, but
that its exertion would be dangerous to
public liberty whilst the real "Simoa
Pure" thorough-going Bankites, no, only
claim the authority, but insist that such n
bank is indispensibly necessary, as n great
balance wheel to regulate the currency, and
control the fiscal operations of the country.
These are the men who are never weary III
the discharge of their duty. Thoy go a.
bout day and night, crying" distress
bankruptcy and retchcdncss"- alarm
and terrify the people with supposed dan
gers, Just before them, which are, in fact,
never to bc realized. No man can receive
their Uofes for President, unless they believe
he will lend bis influence TO the establish
mcnt of grea, National Bank. This is,
with them, 4" the very bottom aud the soul
of hope" Which side would prevail in the
new Administration Would the EIccu-
tive be for Bank, or against il? No NOR
tai man can solve this problem. Not a
man in the opposition will attempt to an
swer the question.
Again, sir, we are told that the present
Executive came into power under pledges
to produce important reforms. That " re-
ircncbment and reform" were the motto of
the party which elected him; and that the
reforms" have not been made. Pray,
what are the reforms which deserve our at
tention Are there any useless offices that
ought to be abollshedl If so, name them
Docs any officer receive too large com
pensation Let us know it. Are there
any changes necessary in the organization
of the Departments, or in the laws regula'
ting the action of particular bureaus Point
them out will 20 heart and hand with
any gentleman, for whatever is proper to
be done in regard to these matters, and i
dare say there will be general co-opera-
ton on the part Of my political friends in
so laudable an undertaking. Let gentle
men either propose something as proper to
be done, let them at least point out the eyil'
or cease their everlasting clamor about the
violation of pledges on our part. How can
reform be made where every thing is al
ready perfect What surgeon amputates
q sound limb? Who administers medicine
to person in the vigor of manhood, and
perfectly free from disease IL there he ci-
ther wound or blemisli in the system lei II
be made known; and we who possess the
law making power, should forthwith pro-
vide remedy.
Prescription is one Of the topics upon
which the opposition delight to expatlatc
Il is Of two kinds, according to their nc
count Of il: first Of public officers, and sec
, ondy Of the minority rs mass. AS TO TN
9 first, il is said that all are removed who arr
: not Of the dominant party; that none cal
: be appointed who are not of the same fath
G and that the road to honor and emolunen
5 is thus closed up TO the minority entirely
!. A more unfounded charge than TIN
G was never made since the world begar
v WHY, sir, majority Of the Offices 10 thl
city. held under the Executive Of the Uni
a ted States are now, and, have been 10
: eight years, in the hands ef opposition met