Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1841-07-24
From the ConnersviIIe Telegraph
OUR REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS.

! The Hon. Andrew Kennedy, who now assumes
to represent this District in the Congress of the
United States, has recently made a speech on the
Bill 10 divide among the States the proceeds of
the sales of the public lands. Mr.. Kennedy pro-
fesses TO be Democrat, and those who sustain
him, and by whose aid he placed in the po-
siion he now occupies, have ever upon their lips
the waTmest professions Of Democracy while they
constantly brand their opponents with the charge
of federalism. When any set of men profess any
particular principles, it is well enough compare
their acts with their professions, in order 10 de-
termine whether they are sincere in their profess
l louder tx aa II; i,rro,rds.'
In order TO ascertain how far Mr.. Kennedy
and his friends entitled to the credit OF slncerl
ty in their professions of Democracy, let
anime briefly their course IN regard to the ques-
ton of the public lands. Democracy is form OF
government, in which the sovereign power is
lodged in the body of the people, and Democrat
is one who advocates this form of government
and who strives to uphold and sustain the wishes
and views of the people. Our government is
founded upon the principles that The sovereign pow
err rests exclusively with the people and that their
wishes shall be carried out in its administration.
1t is impossible however for the people to meet
together and enact laws and therefore they
lect fl persons TO represent them, TO whom they
delegate their powers and who are authorized TO
express and carry their views of public policy.
The opinions expressed by the Represen tative
are regarded not his individual views but a
those of the people whom he represents, and any
Representative who would attempt TO carry out
principles opposed by the people whom he repre-
sents would Justly be regarded as recreant to his
duty, and deserving universal exc Grafton.
Let Us test the correctness OF Mr.. kennedy's
course by these principles, the correctness OF
which think cannot be called IN question. IL is
a fac, we'll known to every man IN the Distrtct
that ma orty OF over tour thousand OF me Vo-
tiers of this District in favor of The distribution
of The proceeds of the public lands, upon the
principles of Mr.. Clay's distribution bill. On all
occasions this has been admitted whenever a
question has been raised. AT the time that
Gen. MCarty, represented the District, although
he then warm supporter OF Oen jackson
Administration, which had taken ground against
the distribution he gave his support to the meas
ure well knowing that majority oil his const'u-
ents was in favour of it. Ever since the cues
ton first agitated, the voice OF TINS District
in the Congress of the United States, has been
heard in its favour until 1t became lis iot 10 De
represe ed bv Andrew Kennedy.
Mr. Kennedy In his recent Speech took vIo-
len, stand against the Distribution. He says: ~
do not ask the other states do not ask the Amer
can people to pay the debts of indiana or TO dtd
us in pa wing them. His not right. 1t is not far
If 1t iros iniudicious in to contract the debt, let
the burden fall on us.''-'I do not ask fdrours,
IRE are about to pay our orn debts
These sentiments in accordance with the
pure Locofocosm of Isaac Hill, Bancroft and 9TH
er supporters of Mr.. Van Bnrens administration
who openly oppose every effort 10 relieve the peo-
/ pie and advocate the doctrine OF supporting the
/ Government. by direct taxation. They accord well
! 10 with the remark of Mr. Van Buren, that 'the
people erpect too muck from the Government
The people of Indiana, burdened with taxes as
they are to meet the interest of their public
debt, and now actually under protest for failure
to pay the interest, will l imagine award 10 the
! Hon Mr.. Kennedy but little thanks for his id'e
boas,ing of their ability 10 meet their engagements
and pay their debts. Mr.. kennedy's assumption
however, that asking this fund OF me
General Government matter Of favour IS en-
,irely gra,uitous. We ask it not as boon OF
matter of favour But we demand it as matter
Of rioht TIM, the Governn,en, shall pay over to the
States that fund which belongs TO them, and which
Is held by her as a trustee for the State