Liberty advocate. [volume] (Liberty, Miss.) 1835-1866, 1838-07-14

triumphant refutation Of the base slam
der, propagated by the cynic philosophers
of the old world, that the race of man de-
generates, under the influence OF an Amer
lean sun. Into what extreme inslgniti-
canoe, does the boasted monarchies OF an
tiquity dwindle, when compared TO this
mighty Republic; borne on the shoulders
Of millions of Freemen, and carrying en-
bosomed in her free nstitutR ns, the happy
fate ofmlIlions yet unborn Onward, on
ward still be her progress, through the bril-
liant path of glory, and prosperity, I'M
til she arrives to the high Summit of her
destiny Looking forward still, with joy
full hope, to
"The years, that DER each sister land,
Shall lift the country ofbur birth,
And run her strength till she shall stand,
The pride and pattern Of the earth,
Till younger commonwealth for aid,
Shall cling about her ample robe,
And from her frown shall shrink afraid
The crown'd oppressors of the globe."
At the close octhe triumphant struggle
for independence, these States, were still
pressed with difficulties but little less in
magnitude, to the enemies they had con-
quered. Their armies were to be dlsband-
ed without the means to lpay them; and
it was necessary to organize system of
Government, calculated to secure the bles-
sings of freedom, to themselves, and their
posterity. The patriotic soldiers quietly
submitted to their country's necessity will
lingly yielding, to the fatherly advice of
their beloved commander-in-chief, retired
pennyless to their homes; and the people,
in their councils, manifested degree of
wisdom, concession, and mutual forbear-
ance never before equalled, and which
seemed to be ruled by the hand of heaven.
The confederation, had brought them safe
ly through the revolutionary struggle; but
the union had been kept together, and the
war supported, more by the force of cir
cumstances, than from efficiency in their
existing government. TWAS readily fore
seen that to secure permancy to the union,
prevent internal dissensions, and provide
sufficient security against foreign invasion,
more efficient general government, would
be necessary. Under the conlederacy,
congress did not possess the power to Gre
ate revenue, build navy, or raise an ar
my for common defence, except by requis-
itions upon the States; and each State had
the privilege to refuse compliance, through
her legislature.
Asin communities, each individual gains
more than he looses, by surrendcring q
portion Of his private rights to the govern
ment, in consequence Of having those he
retains better secured; SO the States, by
delegating to general government, a par
of their political powers, would gain equa
advantage in the additional security o.
those reserved. Thus the same reasoning
that proves the necessity, for the people tc
form simple, or State governments, shows
the propriety fthe States, forming a Fed.
eral Government The people, though
sufficiently convinced of the necessity, oil
forming the federal compact, as TO call a
convention, of delegates from the States,
for that purpose; yet they were very eau
tious in the transfer Of powers; and the
convention was only authorised, to recon-
mend constitution, to be submitted for a.
doption to each State separately, in the con-
vention. The Federal Constitution when
thus adopted, did not form government
of the whole people, of the United States,
as one mass; but compact bet'cesn So0-
ereign States; the consent 10 be bound, be-
ing given by each State separately, for it.
self. Thus the Federal Government is
possessed of delegated, and limited powers,
only; wholly derived from the States; and
all the powers, not delegated, are Of course,
reserved to the States. Perfection is a
point seldom attained, by human effort,
and with all the care Of the convention,
to guard against the abuse Of power, the
Federal Government is liableto transcend
its limits, and encroach upon the reserved
rights of the States "a danger, which per-
haps, more to be dreaded, than any other,
in the operation Of our government.
In a country SO extensive, SO varied IN
climate, and productions, and so different
in State institutions, as we'll as in the pur-
suits and habits Of the people; it is pre-
sumed, that no Legislation can be soper-
feet, as to prevent, entirely, the occur
renee Of grievances. But from such par
tial evils, the people will generally find a
full redress, in the exercise Of the rights OF
suffrage, instruction, petition, and remon-
STRANGE; and above all, in that spirit Of con-
cession, forbearance, and love OF justice 50
characteristic Of the American people. II
however the Congress ofthe United States,
should assume powers clearlynot delegated,
such usurpation Of power, being VIOLA
ton Of the compact between the States,
could not be binding as law: and any
State thus aggrioved, has right, as SOW
ereign party to the compact, TO Judge Tor
itself, "not only Of the extent OF the usur
y \ xreT