Lexington union. (Lexington, Miss.) 1838-18??, 1838-12-15

OF inc constitution WHen tney hau com
pcted if. II, again, we are TO understand
them as deducing the power from all the
proyisicns mentioned. taken collectively,
then is the construction a,riddle and its
meaning inscrutable, except to those per-
haps who have evinced, by their opinions
and actions, a desire TO enlarge the sphere
of the powers.of the government. Thus
it appears taking the advocates Of bank
on their own ground of broad and latitu-
dirous construction OF the constitution,
that the power Of congress TO incorporate
bank, is extremely doubtful. But utterly
deny the right Of congress to claim by I'm.
plcaton or construction, the exercise of
aBy power. The government Of the Uni
ted States, is one of limited. and cautiously
defaed power. To adopt the language Of
President Madison, Z" it is not general
grant, out Of which particular powers are
excepted. 1t is grant Of particular
powers only, leaving the mass in other
hands, Hence, it is obvious, TINT con-
gress can rishtfally exercise such powers
only as are specified in the constitution.
Indeed he constitution contains an evil
dent introduction against the exercise by
congress- of implied, or constructive power.
Article enth of The amendments, provides
that, "The powers not delegated to the
United States, by the constitution, nor
prohibited by it TO the states are re-
served o the states respectively or to
tile pepple.' So numerous and in
deGniteare the powers which. by implica-
ton; congress might claim the right TO
exercise, YOU cannot doubt that the article
of the constitution have cited was intend
ed as guard against that accumulation
of power in the Federal Government to
which implication, if persisted in must
inevitably lead. II, by implication, Con-
gress has the right TO incorporate bank,
BY the same rule, it has also the right to
incorporate trading companies, manuiac-
turing companies, companies for carrying
on q system of internal improvement, reli-
gous societies, and school teachers; and
may, further, emancipate every slave in
The United States, and then incorporate
companies, with banking privileges for
exporting them to Liberia This rule Of
inferring power in congress by construc-
ton originated with the old Federal party,
who, in the convention that framed the
constitution exerted their utmost powers
in an attempt TO establish monarchial
system of government; and who, and their
followers, ever since lis institution, have
endeayored. by claiming for it general
powers, 10 bring il by approximation as
near as possible TO that system they origI-
naIly desired to establish. think this
question his been long since settled 10
The MIGHT'VE. if historical truth could be
regarded. For Mr. Madison, (who was a
member of the convention that framed The
constitution informs us "'liat power 10
grant charters of incorporation had been
proposed il general convention and re-
iecled." Il, then, congress has not the
RIGHT to Incorporate bank, could amy
views of itsexpediency, or Of lis necessiiy,
induce yot TO violate the constitution or
10 authorize your representatives. to do so,
by voting directly or indirectly for the TO-
corporation of one? Surely not. And
trust that the people of Yazoo county
cherish Jealous love of liberty that will
restrain them from even the most remote
participation in violating the great char
ter of our liberties.
have said that United States Bank
| is inexpcdient as fiscal agent OF the
I Government, and that il would in lis ope.
raiions, eudaneer the liberties Of the peo-
lple. But as an investigation Of this posi-.
lion, would extend to a great length, this
hasty address, in which nv object has
been merely to sketch my views, | will
submit few remarks only, in its support
admit that il is the duty Of the Govern
ment to provide a uniform currency il
\ practicable. How this is to be done is
pointed out under section the eighth OF the
Constitution. Congress shall have power
sto coin money, regulate The value thereof
and of ioreign coin." Gold or Silver is
the constitutional currency, and think
you would hardly require at my hands q
labored argument 10 convince you thai
gold and silver are better, sounder, more
uniform currency, and infinitely less liable
10 fluctuation in their value than bank
notes, which theoretically, are the repre-
seniatives Of specie, but IN reality are not
Moreover, treasury notes issued to ar
amount, not exceeding the amount Of .spe
sounder, and more uniform currency thar
could the notes of bank Of discount-fo
the simple reason that the treasury note
would be In reality The representatives,
the number Of dollars expressed on its face
! and would therefore be convertible at an,
'time. 1t is clear then that a bank is no
required TO enable the governmental pro
vide uniform currency. The nextque
! ton is,-wilI not the public treasure be a