The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-07-07
FEATURES OF FEDERAL Loco.FocoIsM.

FEATURES OF FEDERAL LOCo-FOCOIsM.
"Thc people expect too much Of the Government"
The Federal Loco-Focos declare that it is
constitutional to take power from the States, but
II is unconstitutional to allow them to exercise
acknowledged powers unmolested
II is right TO assert falsehoods and DESTROY the
credit and resources Of the States, but il is not
right TO distribute among them the surplus reve-
nue. or the proceeds Of the public lands.
Il is constitutional to destroy State currency,
but it is unconstitutional TO furnish national
currency.
Federal Loco Focoism is a passion to conce,a-
trate power in the hands of federal officers to be
used for the destruction of the character Of the
Government, the independence Of the States,
and the integrity, happiness, and prosperity of
the people.
To build up credit and sustain and cherish
State institutions, is called an alarming en-
croachment upon the Constitution; while to
overthrow and destroy all the great commercial,
az, icutural, and manufacturing interests in the
country, is constitutional.
For proof Of the correctness of this definition
VI FSu1idi ISotO-T OtOlSlli, we ItItI W uHft-
enting and savage war waged against indvidu-
ais, bank and State credit
To the destruction Of all confidence and the
reduction of the value Of labor and property.
To the attempt TO Cypress the debtor for the
benefit Of the creditor
To the effort 10 compel the debtor TO pay all
his debts in coin, after reducing the value Of his
personal and real property four-ffths, and rem
dering it unsaleable at any price.
To the universal bankruptcy that prevails
throughout the country, and which has resulted
from the forced contraction to specie currency
To the refusal 10 enact bankrupt law for the
relief Of honest unfortunate men, who have been
ruined by the measures of the Federal Admins
tration.
TO the increase of the salaries Of the Presi-
dent and all other public officers, by increasing
the value of gold, in which they are paid and
reducing the price Of labor and property.
To the establishment Of g Presidents Bank
Of Issues" under the entire control Of the Fede-
raj Executive, and placing in his hands the en-
tire treasure Of the peoIe.
TO the subserviency of party, and the reckless
disregard Of public interest when federal power
is TO be acquired for party purposes.
To the attempt TO place at the disposal OF the
President, in time of profound peace, the entire
control and command Of an army of one hundred
thousand men.
Not one act of this administration can be
shown that was intended to increase the hap
piness and prosperity of the people. On every
occasion when the wailing cry of an afflicted
people has reached the palace, they have been
abruptly told, 'The people expect too much Of
the government"
| All these characteristic measures and efforts
Of the Federal administration, prove its title to
the name we have given it, Federalism is a
grasping desire 10 concentrate power in the Ge-
neral Government, and heretofore that power
was sought for the purpose of comforting greater
and more comprehensive benefits, on the people
as a great Nation. While this desire was to
benefit and sustain the character and credit of
the country and people, and was benign in its ef-
fects ii was well calculated to challenge the ad
miraton and pride of an intelligent community.
And while National instead Of party pride and
SOuSHt power III vi VIZ pSO-
pie, free discussion produced such results as were
most likely to promote the welfare and liberty of
our common country.
But alas in an evil hour party discipline has
taken the place of public virtue and patriotism.
The character of the government is rapidly un-
dergoing a change, and now under its bighting
influence the fell demon of destruction, under
the name of Loco Focosm, has seized upon our
once happy land. The train bands are at work
in the Mansion of the President and in the Capt.
tol of the Nation, concentrating power in the .fe-
dera department of the government, to be used
under the name of democracy, to destroy the
character OF the people, and the prosperity of the
nation Thus we have shown that Federal Lo-
co Focoism is the desire to concentrate all power
in federal hands, to be used to destroy the vr
tue and integrity of the country