The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1841-03-17
THE INAUGURAL,

We feel no disposition to enter into laboFrd re-
view of this voluminous document. We lay 1t be-
fore our readers at length today, and we doubt not
but it will be read attentively by all For ourself
we .nay say, however, in the outset, that we have
scarcely ever read more unsatisfactory paper from
an individual placed in the high position which Gen.
HARRISON now occupies, and who reached that
height under the peculiar circumstances which he
did. =
We had expected to find in this address, not only
an avowal Of the general principles by which he
proposed to be controlled in his administration Of
the government, bit special application of these
principles to, at least, Of the great questions
which have ag:ateG the country ever since his nom
nation al Harrisburg But in this VIC have been dis.
appointed; indeed, own opinion is. that the paper
is moro Objectionable on account of the difficulty
which must be felt by all who read it, in pcrccivine
in what manner the writer would apply the general
principles laid down to particular questions, and
more particularly those in which the American peo.
pic have manifested the deepest interest, during the
Inst Presidential canvass We can imagine no good
reason why he should have adopted the plan Of deal
ing in this address almost exclusively in gencralties,
unless to use his own language, he "thought mo-
tive may exist to keep up the deluson under which
they the peop!el may be supposed TO have acted in
relation to my principles and opinions" We know
not ourself whether cny such motive existed; but
after giving the address mos, careful and attentive
perusal, cannot avoid the conclusion but that il
is, whether intended or not admirably calculated "to
keep up the dclusion."
There is ono point m this address, however, which
is explicit, clear, distinct, and easily understood lie
says, 81 consider it the right and privilege of the
people thc majority we spbose,) to decide disputed
points of the Constitution Arising from the general
grant Of power to Congress to carry into effoct the
powers expressly given" The whole argument from
which this extract is taken s without doubt intend
ed to prove that the question: relative to the const
tutionality of United States Bank is settled. But
procla;ms principle totally at war with our system
of government. makes the will of the majority.
instead of the Constitution, the supreme law of the
land. Let this principle once bc firmly fastened on
our institutions, and where may the minority look for
protection? The Constitution, once the bulwark Of
our liberties, may be construed by corrupt majority,
should such one get into power, 10 mean any thing
which may suit their purposes.
But we did not intend long commentary on this
singular document; our readers will draw their own
conclusions after having examined it for themselves,
and We feel we'll assured that these conclusions will
be US correct without our commentaries as with
them.
As an essay, discussing general principles without
making any particular application Of them, (oxcept
as to the settlement of constitutional qucstlons) we
see no reason TO complain Of its doctrines though
perhaps we may when they come to be applied to tho
particular measures which Che administration may
desire 10 carry out Until then we feel no disposi
ton to Condemn. The paper is ably drawn up, and
Is occasionally eloquent