The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1842-08-17

passed bill virtually for time repeating the
proviso of the act of the 4th September, lS4l.
The bill was returnedto the House in which II
originated, with my objections to its becoming
law With view to prevent, II posslole' an
open disagreement of opinion on polnt SO
important, | took occasion to declare that re-
gardcd it as an indispensable prerequisite TO an
increase of duties above 20 per cent, that the act
of the dth5 September should remain unrePeaied
in its provisions. My reasons for that oPlnion
were elaborately set forth in the message when
accompanied the return If the bill-whlch no
constitutional majority appears to have Deen
found for passing into law.
Tie bill which is now before me proposes,
in its 9th section, the total repeal of one OF
the provisoes in the act of September; ana,
while it increases the duties above ~ per cent,
directs an unconditional distribution OF the land
proceeds. l am therefore, subjected second
time, in the period of a few days, to the ne
cessty OF either giving my approval to mca-
sure which, in my deliberate judgment, is in
conflict with great public interests, or OF re-
turning it to the House in which it originated,
with my objections. With all my anxiety lor
the passare of law which would replenlsh an
exhausted treasury, ard furnish sound and
healthy encouragement to mechanical industry,
i
peace ard harmony of the country, and the
clcarest convictions "f public duty.
For some of the reasons which have brought
me 10 this conclusion, | refer to my previous
messages to Congress, and briefly subjo!n the
following
l. The bill unites two subjects, which, so lar
from having any affinity 10 one another, are
wholly incongrutus their chara' t:r.i It's Dot l
a revenue and an appropriation bill. 1t thus
imposes on the Executive, in the trst place.
the necessity Of either approving that when ne
would reject, or rejecting that which ne might
otherwise approve. This is a specie OF con-
straiat to which the judgment of the Executive
ought not, in my opinion, be subjected. But
that is not my only objection to the ac; IN lts
present form. The union of subjects wholly
dissimilar in their character in the small bill, IT
it grew into practice, would not fail to lead to
consequences destructive of all wise and coll
scientious Legislation. Various measures, each
agreeable only to small minority, might by be-
ing thus united, (and the more, the greater
chance of success,) lead to the passing OF laws,
which no single provision could, II standing alone'
command majority IN It's laVor.
3. While the treasury is III state OF extreme
embarrassment, requiring every dollar which II
can make available; and when the Government
has not only to lay additional taxes, but to Dor,
row money to meet pressing demands, the bill
prososes TO give away fruitful source ol revenue
which is the same thing asraslng money by
loan and taxation-not to meet the wants OF the
Government, but for distribution: proceeding
which must regard as highly impolItc, If no:
unconstitutional.
A brief review of the present condition OF the
public finance will serve to illustrate the true
condition of the treasury, andexhbit lis actual
necessities. On the 5th of August, Frlday last,)
there was in the treasury, i'll round nnmhoTS6; n cG6