The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1840-01-04

stitutons and policy fthO Genersl Government SC
as to prom oe, far as it can with its limited pow
ers, these important ends, you may rely on my mos
cordial cooperation.
That there should have been, in the pro
gress Of recent events, doubts in many quar-.
lers, aud in some heated opposition in eve.
ry change, cannot surprise us. Doubts arc
properly attendant on all reform; and it il
peculiarly in the nature oil such abuses as
we are now encounleIing, 10 seek to perpet
uate their power by means Of the influence
they have been permitted to acquire. 1t i:
their result if not their object, to gain fol
the few an ascendency over the many, by
securing 10 them monopoly of the curren
cy, the medium through which most of the
wants of mankind are suppied-to pro
duce throughout society a chain of depend
ance which leads all classes to look TO priv.
legged associations for the means OF specu-
laton and eXravagance-to noursh, in
preference TO the manly virtues that give
dignity TO human nature, craving desire
for luxurious enjoyment and sudden wealth,
which renders those who seek them depend
ant on those who supply them-to substi-
iute for republican simplicity and economi-
cal habits a sickly appetite for efleminate
indulgence, aud an imitation of that reck
less extravagance which impoverished and
enslaved the industrious people of foreign
lands; and at last, TO fix upon us, instead of
those equal political rights, the acquisition
of which was alike the object and suppos-
cd reward Of our Revolutionary struggle, a
system Of exclusive privileges conferred by
partial legislation. 10 remove the inluen-
ces which had thus gradually grown up a.
mong us-to deprive them of their decep-
tive advantages-lo test them by the light
of wisdom and truth-tO oppose the force
which they concentrate in their support
all this was necessarily the work of time,
even among a people so enlightened and
pure as that of the United States. In most
other counties perhaps, it could only be ac-
through that series of reyoiu-
tlonary movements, which are too often
found necessary to effect any great and rad
lcal reform; but it is the crowning merit of
our institutions, that they create and nour-
sh in the vast majority Of our people, a
disposition and power peacably TO reme-
iy !abuses which have elsewhere caused
he elluson Of rivers of blood, and the sac
'iiice of thousands of the human race.
The result thus far is most honorable to
he self denial, the intelligence, and the pat
iotIsm of our citizens; it justifes the con-
idenl hope that they will carry through the
elorm which has been so well begun. and
hey will go sill farther than they have yet
,one in illustrating the important truth, that
people as free and enlightened as ours,
viii, whenever it becomes necessary, show
to be indeed capacle of sel-gov-
rnment by voluntarily adopting appropri.
lie remedies, for every abuse, and submit
ing to temporary sacrifices, however great,
D ensure their permanent welfare.
My own eXertions for the furtherance Of |
hese desirable objects have been bestowed |
my Official career with a zeal
hat is nourished by ardent wishes for the
Welfare OF my country, and by an unlimited |
Glance on the wisdom that marks its ulti- !
nate decision on all great and conroverted
uesllOns. Impressed with the solemn OBJ |
gations imposed upon me by the Consltu-
ion, desirous also of las ing before my feI-
Ow-cllZCns, with whose confidence and |
upport | have been so highly honored such
Measures as appear TO me conductive to their
rosperiiy-and anxious 10 submit to then
lllestconslderatIon the grounds upon which
~ opinions are formed, |, have on this, as
n preceding occasions freely offered my
Jews on those points Of domestic policy
nat seem. at the present time, most proml-
emily to require the action of the Govern
lent. | know that they will receive from
)ongres that fulI and able consideration
'hch the importance of the subjects met-
B, and | can repeat the assurance hereto
IRE made, thai shall ch eerlully and read
y cooperate with you in every measure
rat will tend to promote the welfare of the
'nion.
M. VAN BUREN,.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 1899.