The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-08-11

IN compliance win an express injunction Vi INC NoH
stitution-so that if collision, extremely to be de-
precated such collisions always are has seemingly
arisen between the Executive and Legislative branch
of the Government it has assuredly not been
owing to any caprcious interference, or to any want
of plain and frank declaration OF opinion on the
part of the former Congress differed IN Its views
with those of the Executive, as it had undoupl-
ediy right to do, and passed bill virtually Tor
time repeating the proviso of the act OF the
4th September, lS4l. The bill was returned
to the House in which it originated, with my OBJ
jections to its becoming law. With vie"
to prevent if possible, open disagreement OF opi-
ion on point so important, | took occasion to de-
clare that regarded it an indispensable pre-
requisite an increase of duties above % per cent?
that the act of the 4th September should remain UNI
repealed n1s provisions My reasons for that opin-
ion were deliberately set forth in the message which
accompanied the return of the bill-which no Con-
stitutona majority appears to have been found ior
passing into law.
The bill which is before me proposes in its 27th
section the total repeal of of the provsos in the
act of September, and while increases the duties
abnvs 20 per cent directs an unconditional dis
ected second time, in the period of few days, to
the necessity of either giving my approval to mea-
sure which, in my deliberate judgment, is In conflict
with great public interests of returning 1t to the
House in which it originated, with my objections.
With all my anxiety for the passage of law which
would replensh an exhausted Treasury, and furnish
sound and healthy encouragement to mechanical
industry, cannot consent to do so at the sacrifice oil
the peace and harmony of the country and the clear
est convictions of public duty.
For some of the reasons which have brought me
to this conclusion, refer to my previous Messages
to Congress, and briefly subjoin the following
L. The bill unites two subjects, which, far from
having any affinity to one another, wholly incon-
gruous in their character. 1t is both revenue and
an appropriation bill. 1t thus imposes the Exc
cutvs in the first place, the necessity of either ap-
proving that which he would reject, rejecting that
which he might otherwise approve This is a spe-
ces of constrant to which the judgment of the Exc
cutive ought not, in my opinion, to be subjected
But that is not my only objection to the act in its pre-
sent form. The union of subjects wholly dissimilar
in their character in the same BILL if it grew into
practice would not fail to lead to consequences des-
tructive of all wise and conscientious legislation
Various measures, each agreeable only to small NIL
nory, might by being thus united, and the more the
greater chance of success lead to the passing of laws
of which no single provision could if standing alone
command majority in its favor.
2. While the Treasury is in state OF extreme
embarrassment, requiring every dollar which it can
make available, and when the Government has not
only to lay additional taxes, but to borrow money to
meet pressing demands, the bill proposes to give away
fruitful source of revenue-whichis the same thing
as raising money by loan and taxation-not to meet
the wants Of the Government, but for distribution,
proceeding which must regard as highly impoitic,
if not unconstitutional
brief review Of the present condition of the pub
lie finances will serve to illustrate the true condition
of the Treasury, and exhibit its actual necessities
On the 5th Of August Friday last,) there in tho
Treasury, in round numbers, $2,150,000
Necessary to be retained to
meet trust funds, $360,000
Interest public debt due
in October, $4,000
To redeem Treasury notes
and pay the interest, 100000
Land distribution, under the