Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1840-08-27

entrusted with the Administration Of the
Federal Government TO direct its opera
lions in the manner hest calculated to
distribute, as equally ss possible, its
burdens and blessings amongst the sever
al states and the people. My views up
on this subject were several years ago
spread before the people of the State.
and have since been widely difihsed thrO'
the medium of the public press. My OBJ
ject at that time was to invite the atten-
ton of my immediate constituents to a
dispassionaie consideration of the sub
lject in its various bearings, being well as
sured that such an investigation would
bring them TO standard, which, from its
moderation and justice, would furnish
the best guarantee for the true interests
of all. II, as has been supposed, those
views have contributed in any degree to
produce a state Of feeling so much 10 be
desired, | have reason TO be grati6ed
with the result.
The approaching, and, if the policy
of the present Executive is allowed 10
prevail, the certain and speedy extin-
guishment Of the national debt, has pie
sented an opportunity for more eqnita-
BILE adjustment of the tariff, which has
been already embraced BY the adoption
of concilatory measure, the spirit Of
which will, | doubt not, continue 10 be
cherished by all who are not desirous of
advancing their private interests at the
sacrifice Of those of the public, and who
place Just value upon the peace and
harmony Of the Union.
"The protective system and its pro-
per adjustment became subject of fire.
quent and necessary consideration, whilst
| formed part Of the Cabinet; and the
manner in wh;ch the President proposed
10 carry into effect the policy in-relation
TO imposts, recommended in his previous
messages, has since been avowed with
that frankness which belongs to his char
acler. To this end, he recommended 'a
modification of the tariff, which should
produce reduction of the revenue TO the
wants of the Government, and an adjust
ment Of the duty upon imports, with a
view to equal justice in relation 10 all
our national Interests, and to the counter
action Of foreIgu policy, so far as it may
be injurious to those INTERESTS
In these sentiments fully concur; and
| have been thus explicit in the statement
of them, that there may be no room for
msapprehension as to my own views up
on the subject. A sincere and faithful
application of these principles TO our leg
islation, unwarped by private interest or
political design-a restriction of the
wants of the Government to a simple
and economical administration Of its az
fars-the only administration which is
consistent with the purity and stability
of the Republican system-a preference
in encouragement given to such manu-.
factures as are essential TO the national
defence, aud its extension TO others in
proportion as they are adapted to our
country, and of which the raw material
is produced by ourselves, with proper
respect 70: the rule which demands that
all taxes should be imposed in proportion
TO the ability and condition Of the con
} tributors, would, am convinced, give
J Ultimate satisfaction TO vast majority
of the people of the United States, anc
, arrest that spirit of discomfort which i:
now unhappily SO prevalent, and which
| threatens such extensive injury 10 the in
stiiutiOns Of our country"
You next ask me, whether / would
sanction any bill granting appropriations
OF the public money, for the purposes o
J internal improvement, by means Of ca
, nails, railroads, sc.
} My views upon the subject Of interna
: improvement by the Federal Governmen
were given a! the same time and upol
) The same application. They are as fol
: lows:
= ''Internal Improvements are so diver
] SIZED in their nature, and the possibl
5 agency of the Federal Government i
: their construction sn variable in its chal
2 acter and degree, as TO render itnot Ii
r tie difficult 10 lay down any precise rul
Il that will embrace the whole subiect.--
o The broadcast and best defined division
! \ that which distinguishes between the d
l. rect construction of works of internal in
d provement by the General Govenmen
ID aud pecuniary assistance given by it
re such as are undertaken by others.
g the former are included the right TO mall
and establish roads and canals within Il
IN States, and the assumption Of as muC
,e jurisdiction over the territory they mi
e. occupy, as is necessary TO their preserV
to ton and use. The latter is restricted
of simple grants Of money, in aid of SUI
to works, vben made under State authorit
Is, "The Federal Government does nc
of in my opinion, possess the power tiT
n specified; nor eau it derive it from the
en- sent of the State in which such wor
on are 10 be constructed. The money po
ity er, as il is called, is not so free from .
for 6culty. Various rules have from time
in time been suggested by those who p
The perly appreciate the Importance of p