The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1841-06-08

then, who have come more directly from the
body Of our common constituents, | submit the
entire question, as best qualified to fall cxpo.
sition of their wishes and opinions.
shall be ready 10 concur with you in the a
doption OF such system as you may propose, re-
serving 10 myself the ultimate power of rejecting
any measure which may, In my view of il, con-
hict with the Constitution, or otherwise jeopard-
ize the power OF the country-a power which L
could not part with ever if would, but which |
will not believe any act Of yours will call into
requisition.
beg leave particularly to call your attention
To the accompanying report Of the Secretary of
War. Besides the present state of the war that
has SO long afflicted the Territory of Florida, and
the various other matters of interest therein re
terred TO, you will learn from it that the Secreta-
ry has Instituted an inquiry into abuses, which
promises to develope gross enormities in connec-
ton with Indian treaties which have been negl-
tiated, as well in the expenditures foi The re-
moval and subsistence OF the Indians. He rep
re,ents also other irregularities of sernus ma
lure thar have grown up in the practice of the
Indian Department, which will require the ap-
preparation of upwards of 100000 10 correct,
and which clam the immediate attention OF
Congress.
In rejecting on the proper means of defending
the country, we cannot shut cur eye. 10 the con-
sequences which the introduction and use OF the
duce waTs between maraime states. We
cannot vet see the extent 10 which this power
may be applied in beligerent operations, con-
Meeting itself as it does with recent mprive-
ments in the science OF gunnery and prnjectiles
but we need have no fear of being left, in regard
10 these things, behind tie most active and skill
ful Of other nations, if the genius and enterprise
of our fellow ctz receive proper encourage
ment and direction from government.
True wisdom would, nevertheless seem TO !
dictate the necessitv ofp'acing in perfect condi
lion those Notifications which are designed for !
the protection of our principal cities and road |
steads. For the defence of our extensive mari |
time coast, our chief reliance should be placed !
on navy, aided by those invent ms WHEN are |
destined to recommend themselves to public !
adoption but no time should be lost in placing /
principal cities the seaboard aud the lakes,
in safe OF entire security from foreign assault. |
Separated as we are from the countries of the !
Old World, and in much unaffected by their pol !
icy, we happily relieved from the necessity Of
maintaining large standing armies in me Of
peace. The policy which was adopted by Mr. |
Monroe shortly after the CONCLUSION of the la'e
with Great Britain of preserving regularly
organized staff, sufficient fol- The command of
large military force, should the necessity Of one
arise, is founded as well in economy as in true
wisdom.
Provision is thus made ION & ling up the rank
gency, for the Introduction of a system of disci-
pine, no h promptly and efficiently. All thai is
required in time o. peace is 10 main ain sufficient
number nfmen 10 guard our fortified lions 10 meet
any sudden contingency, and TO encounter the
first shock of war. Our chief reliance must be
placed on the militia; they constitute the great
body of national guards and Inspmed by an ardent
love of country viii be ready at all times and al
all sea sons 10 repair with aiacrty 10 lis |
defence. 1t will be regarded by Congress | |
doubt not at suitable time as one of its highest
duties 10 attend to their complete organization |
and discipline.
cannot avoid recurring in connection with
this subject, 10 the necessity which exists for "a
DOPING some suitable measure. whereby the I'M |
limited creation of Banks by the States may be !
expressed IC the form of a compact among them
selves, which they only enter into with the !
consent and appreciation of this Government. A
consent which mi ght in the present emergency
of the public dema ads. Jusifably he given by
Congress in advance OF any action by The states
rs an inducement TO such action up " terms well
defined by the act Of tender. Such a measure
addressing itself 10 the calm reflection of the
states would find in the experience of the past
and the condition of the present, much TO sustain
It-and it is greatly 10 be doubted whether any
scheme of finance can prove for any length of
lime successful. while the Safe shall continue
IN the unrestr1lned power Of creating banking
corporations. This power cln only be limited BY
their consent.
With the adoption of financial agency of a
satisfactory character, the hope may be INDUCED
that the country may once more return 10 a state |
of prosperIty-measures aux lary thereto and in :
some measure inseparaby connected with its |
success, will doubtless claim the attention of
Congress. Among such a distribution of the !
proceeds Of the sales of the public lands, provi- |
ded such DISTRIBUTE n does not force upon Con- |
GreSs the neccss ~ Of imposing upon commerce |
heavier burthens than those contemplated by the |
act Of 1898, would act as efficient remedial
measure by being brought directly 10 aid cf the |
states. As one sincerely devoted TO the task Of |
preserving Just balance in our system of gov
eminent by the maintenance Of the states in a |
condition the most free and respectable, and in |
full possession OF all their power, can not other
wise than feel DESTROYS for their emancipation !
from the situation To which the pressure on their
finances now subjects THIN. And while must
repudiate. as measure founded in error and |
wanting constitutional sanction, he slightest ap-
proach 10 an assumption by this Government of
the debts of the states. YET can see 10 the dis
tribution adverted TO. much to recommend il.
The compacts between the 1ropretor-siates
and this Government expressly guarantee to the
states all the benefits which may arise from the
sales. The mode by which this is TO be effected
addresses itself TO the discretion of Congress as
The trustee for the states. and its exercise after
the most beneficial manner, is restrained by
nothing IN the grants or in the Constitution SD
long as Congress shall consult that equality in
the distribution which compacts require. In the
present condition of some of the states the oues |
tion of distribution may be regarded as subltan
TALLY question between direct and indirect lay
alton. If the distribution be not made in some
form or other, the necessity will daily becone
more urgent with the debtor-states for a resort
10 IF lIrac |