The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-04-24

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sound, without licence from these grhhiees' u"uo
penalty of confiscation. -, =,
To counteract this law, the legislature OF IN. ger
sew enacted that if any cluzen OF hers shou'd o'
restrained or injured, In person or propery,oy III"
marty actinp under the law of New YORK, such CIT
,zen should have remedy in her courts II the ofien
der could be caught within her territory and shoui
be entitled TO treble damages and costs. New Jer
sey called this act aao qf reto'honj ana Jnsuhe'
il on the general ground OF rePrsSafs'
mn steam boat could come down the Sound from IN
York to Connecticut, or pass up from Conneoucu
10 New York aoithout u Neao York license, she 9
nacted law, by which heavy penalties were i'm
posed upon all who should presume TO como ih''
her ports and harbor, ha0ing any such license
Here, sir, was very harmonious state OF com
mercia intercourse very promising condition o
things, indeed You could not get from New YoIi
TO New Haven by steam; nor could you go IRON
New York 10 New Jersey, without transhipment II
the bay And now, sir, let me remind the country
that this belligerent legislation of the states con
cerned was justified and defended, by exactly ih'
same arguments those which we have hearu II
this debate. Every thing which has been SAID mere
to prove that the authority to regulate com"erc'
does not include power to regulate currency, wa
said in that cnse, Prove that the same authority
did not include exclusive power over steahpoa''
or other means Of navigation. l do not know req
SON. a suggestion, an idea, which has been nsed IL
this debate or which used IN tho debate II
control tho currency of the country ana make u
uniform, which not used IN this steamboat con
troversy TO prove that the authority of ms NoV
eminent did not reach the matter then IN dispute
Look TO the forensic discussions in New YORK =
Look to the argument in the Court here You VIII
find it every where urged that navigation does not
come within the general idea OF regulating com
mcrce; thar steamboats, but vehicles md instru
ments; that the power of Congress Is genera; ana
general only; and that II does not eAehu " "ses
and instruments. .
And what, sir, put an end to this state of things:
What stopped these seizures and conhscaiiohs! -
Nothing in the world, sir, but the exercise OF the
constt utioual power of Ibis Government. Nnthihe
IN the world but the decision of the Supreme Cour'
hat the power of Congress 10 regulate commerce
was paramount; that 1t overru'ed any interfering
State laws and that these acts OF the States dld moi
interfere with of Congress, enacted under lis
clear constitutional authority.
As to the extent of the power OF regulating COM
merce allow me TO quote sing lie sentence from the
opinion of one of the learned judges OF The Supreme
Court, delivered on that OCCASION; Judge always
distinguished for the great care win whlch he
guarded Stale rights: | mean Nj Justice johnson
And when have rend il, sir, then say, II II does
not confirm every word and syllable which have
uttered on this subject, either now, or at tho Sep
TENDER session. sin the advancement Of soCi
ety. snid the Judge, "abor, transportation, inteII
gence care, and various means OF exchange, Deco'e
commodities, and enter into commerce; and ne sub
ject, the DehicIe, the agent. and these oaIt0uS opera
tons, become the objects Of commercial regu'at,on
These Just sentiments prevailed. The decision
ofihe Court quoted the dangerous controversy; and
satisfied, and will add grathed, most highly grail
fed the whole country.
Sir, smay we not perceive at the present moment
without being suspected oilookIng with eyes whose
sight is sharpened by too much aPprehenson-may
we not perceive, sir in what is now passing around
u.s. the possible beginnings of another controversy
between States, which may be Of still greater mo-
ment, and followed, if not arrested, by still more
depiorable consequences? DO we see n" danger
no disturbance, no contests ahead! SIR, do we moi
behold excited commercial rivalship, evidently ex
listing between great States and great cies' Do we
not sec emuous competition for trade, external and
internal? Do we not see the parties concerned en-
Iarging, and proposing to enlarge, to vast extent
their plans of currency, evidently in connection
with these objects of trade and commerce? Do we
not see States themselves becoming deeply inter.
ested in great banking institutions! DO we not
know that, already, the notes and bills OF some
States are prohibited by law from circulating in
others?
Sir, | will push these questions no farther, but
tell you that it was for exactly such crisis as this
for this very crisis-for this incidental exigency
now upon that this constitution was framed
and this Government established. And, sir, lei
those who expect to get over this crisis without
effort and without action lot those whose hope u
is that they may be borne along on the tide of cir
cnmstances aud favorable occurrences, and who re-
pose in the denial of their own powers and 'be
own responsibilities let all such look well to the end
For one, intend TO clear myself of all blame.
intend, this day. TO free myself sthe responsibility
of consequences, by warning you of the danger int
which you conducting our public affairs, by urg
ing and entreatiug you, as do now urge and entrea
you, by invoking you, as do invoke you, by you
love of country, and your fidelity to the constu
ton, to abandon all unried expedienls, to put M
trust in ingenuity aud contrvance; to have done
with projecis which alarm and agitae the people
to seek no shelter from obligation and duty; bu
with manlness, directness, and true wisdom
apply TO the evils of the times their proper
remedy. That Providence may guide the counse
Of the Country to this end, before greater dis
asters and caamities overtake US, is my most fer
vent prayer
Mr. President on the subject the power of Con
gress, as we'll as other mportanttopics connect
ed with the bill, the honorable gentleman (Mr Cal
houn) from South Carolina has advanced opinions
of which feel bound to take some notice.
That honorable gentleman, in his recent speech
| attempted to exhibit contrast between the cours,
Of conduct which l, and other gentlemen who &C
with me, at present pursue, and that which we hav,
heretofore followed. In presenting this contrast
he said, he intended nothing personal; his only ob
ject was truth. To this could not object. :, Tn,
occasion requires, sir, that should now examine
his opinions; and can truly say with him, tina,
mean nothny nersonullv ininrnus th,t 49,, ,I,