Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-03-25
From the Buchanan Com. Journal.
LETTER FROM MIR. STUART.

Coi. Shanks, explains the cause Of his not |
meeting his fellow-citizens at the courthouse
in this county, ON Monday last. 1t also in
dicates his views upon the leading questions
which are likely to be involved in the APP
proaching Congressional election. We ask
for this letter the attention and impartial con-
sideration of every voter in the district; and
we would most especially recommend it to !
those who have busted themselves in circu-
lating the charge against MIR. Stuart that he |
is Federalist--a charge which, as may be
seen from his letter, is utterly without foun-
dation.
LEXINGTON, MARCH 9th 1871.
DEAR Sir: Having been suddenly attack
cd with bilious disease which confined me
to my bed, shall DO unable to meet the peo-
pie of Botetourt on Monday to give an expo
sition of my political sentiments on the lead
ing political topics Of the day. shall, how
ever, hope be well enough to be in Fincas-
tic on Wednesday, where shall be happy to
extend my personal acquaintance with the ci-
tiLens. In the mean time, as understand
that my sentiments have been much misrep-
resented, will state succincty some general
views which may serve as key to them
my explanation will necessarily be very brief
and imperfect as | write, lying in bed.
In the first place hear that it is stated that
am Foderalist. This charge is untrue ir
all its aspects-I am not and never was a
Fcderalist. imbibed my political creed
from my father, who was the Jeffersonian f.
lector, and an old fashioned Republican. To
sum up my creed in the fewest words,
will state that am a Madisonln Republi-
can. If were to select any man as the ex-
position of my views of tho Constitution it
would be James Madison-not as the Multi |
fierS understand him, but as he understood
himself, and as his official conduct and let
tsrs to tho North American review will ex-
plain.
agree with him that our Constitution is
compact between sovereign states who have
delegated specific powers to tho Federal
Government ; and that the U. s. Government
possesses no powers but such as are express
ly enumerated, or such as are necessary and
proper to carry the enumerated powers
into effect.
1. In regard to u. s. Bank, have no
doubt that it is within the Constitutional au-
tbority of the u. S. Government to charter
IN U. s. Bank as Unnecessary and proper"
means of carrying into effect the enumerated
powers in regard to the raising and collect
ing and discussing the public revenue-the
uniformity of imposts, &c.--the payment of
the public creditors, &c.-Even if the ques-
ton were doubtful upon constitutional
grounds, after the recognition of the Consti-
tutionality of such an institution by both the
political parties with George Washington at
the head of ORG and James Madison at the |
head Of the other, should ponder long before
l would set up my Judgment as wiser than |
theirs.
But regard Bank as merely MEANS of
exercising unquestionable powers, and if any
other MEANS equally effcacious could be de-
vised to enablethe U. S.Governmcnt TO fulfill
the duties enjoiRed upon it by the Consttu-
tion would be very happy in Difference to
the opinions Of the very large and patriotic
portion Of the community who differ from mo
on this point. to adopt it as substitute for
an U. S. Bank.-The Sub-Treasury repudi-
ate utterly, as entirely inefficient and as ruin
Gus to the best interests Of the country, and
should therefore be unwilling to adopt it un-
der any circumstances. 1t is due to candor |
TO state moreover that have not yet been |
able to satisfy myself that an efficient substi |
tuts for an United States Bank can be |
found.
.. In regard to the Tariff, all have to say
is to reiterate the sentiment contained in a
resolution which submitted as member Of
the House of Delegates ls36-7-you will see
il in the Journal Of that Session page 81. 1t
affrns that the public faith is pledged to
maintain the Compromise act sacred and in
violate. entertain the same opinion still. If
the present duties are insufficient for the pur-
poses of the Government economically adj
ninistered would raise the amount of the
deficiency from articles of luxury, leaving
the duty Of 20 per cent on the protected arti-
Giles untouched, and tho principle Of the CON-
promise inviolate. {
3. In regard to internal improvements by
the General Government, ! believe in the
first place that no such power exists sub
stantive and independent power, and be-
lisvs further that if it did clearly exist it
would be dangerous power and should be
exercised with great caution. Internal I'M
proyements can be constructed more safely
and on better terms by the State Govern
ments. There are certain Internal Improve
ments, however, which the Federal Govern
ment may make, and ought TO make as Incl
dental powers. BY way of illustration, |
will state a few examples AS incident to
the duty to regulate commerce the U. States
Government ought to construct light houses,
clearing distractions from our hsrbours, &c.
AS incident as we'll to the regulation of com
nerce, as to the power TO dispose Of the pub
lie lands, the u. s. Government ought TO
clear away such distinctions as the Red Riv-
er raft, &c.
q. In regard to the proceeds OF the public
lands, regard them as constituting com
sion fund for the benefit of all the States, and
have no doubt as to the constitutionality of
carrying ont General Jackson's recommen-
dation to distribute the proceeds among the
States--Upon this subject few years ago
there was but little diversity Of sentiment in
Congress, in the Legislature, or in the coun-
try. IF you will recur to the distribution or
deposite act Of 1886 you will find that but 81