The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1842-08-18

aVallable 10 tho Treasury as the basis of pub
lie credit did not think that could stand
accused, much ess justified, before the peo-
pie of The United States, nor could reconcile
1t TO myself 10 recommend the imposition of
additional taxes upon them, without, at the
same time, urging the employment Of all the
legitimate means Of Government towards sat
isfying It's wants.
These opinions were communicated in ad-
vance orany definate action Of Congress on
The subject, either OF the tariff or land sales,
under high sense ofpubiic duty, and in com.
piance with on express Injunction OF The Con-
stIIulion-so that if collision extremely TO
be deprecated as such COLLISIONS always are,
has seemingly arisen between the Execu I'VE
and Legislative branches ofth Government,
it has assuredy not been owing to any capri>
cIous Interference, or 10 any want of a plain
and frank declaration of opinion on the part of
theiormer Congress differed in its views with
those OF The Executive, as II had undoubtedly
right 10 do, and passed bill virtually for a
time repeating The proviso ofthe act of the 4h
September, lS4l. The bill was returned 10 the
House in which 1t originated, with my obiec-
lions TO its becoming law. With view 10
prevent, if possible, an open disagreement Of
opinion on point SO important, | took occa-
sion to declare that regarded 1t as an nds-
pensIbIe prerequisite TO an increase Of duties
above ~ per cent. that the act of4th Septem-
Der should remain unrepealed in its provisions.
MY reasons for that opinion were elaborately
set forth in the message which accompanied
the return oflhe blli-whCh no Constitutional
majority appears 10 have been found for pas
sing into law.
The bill which is now before me proposes,
in Its 9th section, the total repeal Of one of
The provisions in the act Of September, and
while it increases the duties above 20 per cent.
directs an unconditional distribution of the
land proceeds. / am therefore subjected q,
third time, IN the period of a few days, 10 the
necessity Of either giving my approval 10 a
measure which. in my deliberate judgment, is
in conflict with great public interests, or ofre-
turning il 10 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 10 mechanical in
1ustry, cannot consent to do so at the sac
tice Of the peace and harmony of the coun-
ry, and the clearest convictions of public duty.
VI Sou'S VI NuO ICdoOuo Which udVo U1UuBUI |
ne TO this conclusion, refer 10 my previous
Message Of Congress, and briefly subjoin the
l. The bill unites two subjects, which so
ar from having any affinity 10 one another,
re wholly incongrous IN their character. 1t
both revenue and an appropriation bill. 1t
nus imposes Oh the Executive, in The first
lace, the Necessity Of either approving that
hIch he would reject. or rejecting that which
e might Otherwise approve. This lis a speOies-
constr amt 10 which the judgment Of the Elk
cutlve ought not, IN my opinion, 10 DO subjeC-
3D.. But that is not my only objection 10 the
ct in its present form. The union of subjects
molly dIssImIlar in theirlcharacter in The same
III, 1t 1t grew into practice, would not fail 10
lad 10 consequences destructive Of all wise
nd conscientious Legislation. Various mea-
res, each agreeable only 10 a small minority,
light, BY being thus united, and the more the
rea'er chance of success, lead 10 the passing
laws, Of which no single provision could, if
landing alone, command majority in lis fa-
or.
z. While the Treasury is in a state of ex-
eme embarrassment, requiring every dollar
hlch 1t can make available, and when the
overnmeDt has not only TO lay additional
xes, but to borrow money 10 meet pressing
'maadS, The bill proposes to give away a
lIlul source OF Revenue-which is The same
ing as raising money by loan and taxation
't 10 meet The wants Of the Government, but
+ distribution proce edng which ! must re-
ard as highly mpolic if not Unconstitutional.
A brlef review of the present condition of
q public finances will serve TO illustrate the
ue condition Of The Treasury, and exhibit lis
,tuai necessities. On the 9th of August,
Erlday last) there was in the. Treasury. in
und numbers,
$2,l5OOOO
ecessarv to be retain
ed 10 meet trust funds $3.50 600
lerest on public debt
due in October, $1,000
o redeem Treasury
notes and pay The
interest, 100000
and distribution un-
der the act e oh
September, 1S4l, 100000
81, 10000
,aving an available amount of 1870, 900.
The Navy department had drawn requisi-
ms on the Treasury at that time, to meet its
bts actually due, among which are bills uu-
protest for 81 ,4l4O thus leaving an ac.