The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1840-12-16

necessary exIge encles oi thes Gnpe eminent
and a more jus, and equal distribution
Of itsbenefits, are among the few, but i'm
portant objects, which remained 10 1t 10
achieve. in per(ecling the salulary work
OF reformation.
But if, in the results of the late Presl-
dental canvass, these great principles, SO
ardenllv cherished by the South; so faith
fully, and ably maintained by the present
administration, are destined to be over
thrown; if change of men, necessarily
implies change of measures; If the now
inevitable succession Of another political
dynasty, seemingly allied 10 the imPliaca-
bic enemies Of our domestic Institutions
combining every element Of opposition to
our principles; rising upon theil downfall,
and winning trophies and triumphs at the
expense" of Southern rights and interests:
if, in short, the political aspect of events
may be regarded as betokening the recur,
renee of all those disastrous evils and
abuses, which haveso long waged desc
lating warfare of oppression, exaction, and
injustice, upon the righths and interests
of the people of this State: then let us re-
member, that the great redecming and con-
servative principle of redress and defence,
remains and abidcs in ourselves; in the ex-
ercrse and inteposition Of all those means
and resources, so amply provided in the
Constitution, and So expressly reserved
to the States. Nor shall | be wanting in
my duty, on such an occasion, to invoke
the aid and counsel, of the Legislative De-
par,mcnt Of this Government. In such
an event, I cannot anticipate, that there
would be one citizen in our State, of what
ever shade or distinction of party, whose
heart would be unmoved, or whose arm
would be unneryed to defend her: and from
those, perhaps no1O most confident IN the
purity and professions of succeeding all
ministration, we may reasonably expect
the maireslation of zeal and ardour in
resisting the aggrcssions it may premedl-
tate, in proportion to the extent 10 which
their patriotic anticipations, are uisap-
pointed add deceived.
If, therefore, our rights should ever
again cease to be respected, we are,
trust, as willing, as we are competent, to
redress them; and while the experience Of
the past, inculcates lesson of warming,
and Of rebuke, 10 the ambitious encroach-
menis Of Federal power, it at the same
time exemplifes the dangerous tendency
which exists 10 penetrate, and illustrates
the readiness with which they may be re-
PEELED, by the evoked resources of the
Constitution, and the Sovereignty OF the
States.
So far as depends on me, fellow cili
zens, lei me assure you, that l trust to
enjoy the proud and happy consolation, Of
transmitting as much of the rights, hon
our, interests, or dignity of the State, as
NAV be committed to the care Of this de-
parlmen,, uncnmpromlled and unimpair-
ed, by the aggressions Of any power on
earth.
The opinions of hig!. public function
arv, entrusted with The confidence and au-
thority of the Stale, may not perhaps be
properly omitted, on all occasion like this,
on those great questions of finance, inVol.
wing as they TO, not only the welfare and
character Of the nation, but deeply aitcc-
ting the intel est, Of every class and men,
Der Of society.
Under the expressed povisions of the
Constitution, granting the power of "coin-
ing money" 10 Congress; prohibiting the
issuing "of bills Of credit" 10 the States;
and defining "egal tcnder' to consist in
ego :, and silver" only, cannot but con-
clude, that discretion over this subject
was not only intended 10 be vested 10 that
extent in the Federal Legislature, but al
the same time restricted 10 the power Of
regulating the value of that medium so
specifically designated in the Constitution
The unlimited use Of an unsound, fuc-
lua,ing, land sometimes depreciated) pa
per medium, in the receipts and disburse-
ments of the Government, is not only to
nv view, an obvious deviation from the
safe and salutary principles of the Consti'
tuition, but has to great extent contribu-
ted to produce those vicissitudes and dis.
orders in the currency, which have disas-
terously embarrassed the business and
prospects, Of every portion of the COM,
munity. A return 10 the safe. primitive
and constitutional practice Of the Govern
ment, contemplated in the late act OF
Congress, for receiving and disbursing the
public revenue by responsible dcposito-
RIGS, with gradual approximation to a
specie medium; it is confidently hoped will
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