The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1842-08-31


diiirencc in language and leeIng towards the
President ard those which we use towards each
ether ii Congress. His not being personally
present is, in our opinion, no reason Tor mallg-
ming his motives, traducing his character or
vilifying his administration. The most strenu-
ous, ntlexbe, and successful opposition con-
sis,s with the language and spirit oil moderation;
and if the people are the Intelligent sovereignty
slIDDosed by our institutions, would be more
popular than indignation, violence, and obloquy.
The President has communicated his objections
to an act OF Congress, against which numbers
so LARGE in both Houses voted, as to prove, be-
yond doubt, that it is extremely Objectionable,
and which we, in common with every one OF
those large numbers, representing, as we have
cycry reason to believe, the wishes of a large
majority of the American people, conscientious
ly deem unwisc, unjust, and as many think, un-
constitutional. The Presidents objections arc
contained in a respectful message, temperate
in tone, persuasive in argument, and develop
Ing topics which VIC believe will meet with popu-
lar accordance. On the several messages Of
the same kind, drawn from Mr.. Tyler by this
Congress, candor and history will acknowledge,
we think that tie last is the best, in all the
merits OF reason, dction and temper. The
Constitution gives him the right which his con-
science enioins him to exercise. Allowing the
Chief Magistrate, therefore, what every Presi-
dent is entitled to- and has enjoyed on such oc-
-casions-simply to speak and act for himself
the next step, according 10 the Constitution and
uniform practice, should have been forthwith to
take the votes of the House of Representatives,
which would undoubtedly have shown that the
President is sustained by very nearly, If not
quite q ma Ority.
The undersigned regret the novel and Gas
many conccvc) unconstitutional innovation to
which the Presidents objections are subjected
not for his account, but that of constitutional lib
erty and congressional propriety. We believe
that he is perfectly right in insisting that the
public lands shall not be withdrawn from the as
sets of the Federal Government, when, with all
tie clements of resource and abundance protfer-
ing their relief to Congress, it persists IN redu-
cling and degrading the country, for the first time,
to the eytremites offinancal want and pecunary
distress. We think that under such clrcum-
stances, to withhold the magnificent real estate
Of this Union from public mortgage, is an act OF
madness and suicide difficult to conceive OF hu-
man passions. We have not doubt that nine
tenths of the people ofthe United States strongly
dlsapprovc OF it, and that majority OF those mis-
represented by majorities in Congress, whatever
their impression might be as 10 the proper dispo-
sition Of the public lands under ordinary circum-
stances, are anxious that, in the present emer-
Ccncy, they should be applie!. ~ rcstorc the
credit and relieve the crying wants of the Gov
crnncnt. The objectiuH Is equally we'll taken
to the monstrous misalliance OF the lands and
the inHost in tie same bill-perncious to fair
lcrislat:on and orderly Government. Armies
and navics unpaid for months; dsmanted, not
for want of revenue, bat through party passon;
Congress without their own favorlte compensa-
ton, putting letters and vetoes on all the opera
tions of Government, betray spirit of pctulent
self-denia the counterfeit of self-government.
A member of this committee imprecates cxccu-
tive coun;craction, by putting the whole country,
stripped and scourged to the torture of trial,
who can longest bear the asonies OF destltutlon
thus poisoning the very wells OF public scntl-
ment; arousing ruthless, revolutionary counter
action, if the people are not wiser than some OF
their Representatives. Party, an element and
help of patriotism, may be prostltuted to anarchl-
cal dissension. The undersigned trust that re-
voutionary views are not common in Congress,
as we feel sure that they are not acceptable to
the people.
1t is not for this protest to explain or enforce
the Executive objections Letting them speak
lOf themselves, we FlulCaLc hIS,
and deprecate wrongs by Congress. Without
obiccting to any censure or measures deemed
proper by the frustrated majorty-and appeal to
the people-we should spare them this protest,
but for the character, temper and tendency of the
councraction nhictcd-not SD hurtfully on the
Chief Magistrate, as on republican institutions.
The present proceedings, with all its angry ante
ccdcnts and violent results, is without example,
without warrant, and of evil tendency.
The deplorable condition Of the treasury OF the
United States is notorious; not only without mon-
ey but, as has been said, without law for raising
it. The Presidents exposure of this pcnury is
humiliating truth, which unrelenting opposition
wrings from him, to Justify the repeated mis-
called ve;oes, also Hrung from him by the same
pertnacious opposition. A complicated scheme
of Gin many particularly high-pressure impost,
calculated 10 revive appeascd dissention, and
perpctuatc unpleasant discomfort, forced through
Congress by memorable legislation, carried by a
majority of one vote if all had been present-of
!! but four as it was-is returned by the President
: with objections, for reconsideration. The House
of Representatives, which ought to be thankful
for the opportunity of it, turns upon him with in
dignant denunciation; he is threatened, and only
threatened, with impeachment; and by false an
alory to the memorable affair of English ship
money, is told, contrary to the genius and the
letter of our mild laws that his head ought to be
brought to the block Discord is proclaimed as
ronri1iotn, .,;J 90 bo