Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-05-06
REPLY or MR.. JOHNSON.
Frankfort, Ky, Feb 9Th, I84a

Office oil the PfeSidento OF the United States.
The resolutions enclosed of the Democrat
&c S;ate Convention Of Indiana, embrace
the Bank of the United Suites, the dislribn-
ton Of the proceeds Of the public lands
among the States, protective tariff and a
National convention. | will answer in the
order in which you have presented your
enquiries.
The charter of a Bank of The United
States, by Congress, | haze always con-
silered unconstitutional and inexpedent.
Having given my vote against it in 1911,
aud at each successive presentation OF the
subject since, up 10 the period of the 4th OF
March, lS4l, when retired from the pub
lie service of the Unilel States. in acCor.
dance witk The wiN Of the people 1t has
been my constant practice, and my dispo-
stion, TO construe with sirlctnesS The pow
ers delegated to the federal Government,
and to cunfne my action within the plain
meaning of its constitutional provisions;
carefully avoiding any enlargement of its
authority. NJ twithstanding the protract.
ed investigations and elaborated discus.
sions OF this annoying question, am con-
firmed in my first opinion that Congress
has no power, constitaIianaIly, 10 cht rier
bank Of the United States authorized
TO issue bills of credit for banking purpo-
ses, or to regulate exchanges"
The federal cen Tuition contains no
specific grant o! power 10 raise money 10
be distributed among lie States. | l"k
upon the ACT Of Congress relative to this
subject, as dangerous precedent, and IN.
furious III lis consequences. 1t is TN ,ue5-
tionably u dnett interference with the in
terna policy and domosli; concerns OF the
states. II the Fedeial Government has
the right 10 use q f9ancia. pow fox ma.
aiti cnce, it suie'y possesses The power t.
e:terlninate evils, which in the opini 0!
Congress may exist in the several States.
This power would tend TO cons ,l.dAtion,
and degrade and impair the Sovereignty
ofthe States, by producing &c! cndance
in them, upon the federal government, for
the revenue necessary for their existence.
The power vested in Congress 10 lay and
collect taxes, duties, Imposts, and excuses,
must be understood as limited by the objects
which are enumerated iii the same SEN
tence, I" 10 pay the debts and provide for
the common defence and general welfare
of the States" A revenue raised for any
other purpose than ole VIII. oh app les
equally TO all the States, would transcend
the true boundary Of the constitution. I'M
posts which operate as burlhens upon one
section Of Tie nation, and as bounics to
another, would violate tho spirit of the
Constitution. lam in favor of raising ty
duties on imporlatioGs, as much m ,ney as
may be adequate, when added to tie sa'cs
o(thc pubic lands, TO pay the entire ex-
penscs of the fede al government, econom-
ically administered, and no more. In fix
ing such tariff, | think il good po'icy and
consistent with an equitable consideration
for every interest, that due regard should
be had TO such agricultural commodities
and productions, and manufactured tclcs
as can be fabricated in al undlnce and
perfection, and which are OF essential aid
general use.
Taxes collected Indirectly Ivy commerce
are least felt, and NEST cheerlully paid !;
and if .hcy can lie so reguat as TO e.
volve great national res lurces, aud rear up
skillul artficers and manufacturers, the
patriots hope wouldste ccnsummated. 1t
is the true democratic doctrine, as far as
understand it, TO give hi, incidental pro-
lection to agriculture and manufacturers,
and thus give universal satisfaction 10 ali
liberal minded men, by extending a gener-
al advantage, equally regarding every in
terest and every section Of this great
extended confeceracy. If | know
myself | am equally the friend of all,
and the enemy OF none; AID as far as |
have capacity to Judge, have, and ever
shall act, upon this great principle of equal
devotion TO every section and every inter
est OF our common country.
The Constitution Of the United States
was brought into being at time, and under
circumstances peculiarly adapted TO en-
sure the greatest wisdom in the enactment
Of laws, and impariiality in the administra
ton of them. The Senate and House OF
Representatives, the one representing the
Sovereignty, and the other the people OF the
several states, are checks upon each other
and to make law both must concur. The
President has a check upon both, as the
Representative of the sovereignty of the
whole people of the scve al States, unnnu-
enced by sectional feeling or local intcg-
ests. My opinion is, tia, Inc qial.iied We
10 which the President passes in legi,la-
iion, ia beneficial and con.ergatiyc, and /
am opposed . an" aa.endreal Of III Con