Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1843-05-30

Nuye tarln, and Natlonai y convenient
/ ! will answer in the order in which you
present your inquiries. Etl
l. The charter Of a Bank Of the United
States, by Congress, have always cons
sidered unconstitutional and inexpedi'
ent. Having given my vote against il in
1871 and Ct each successive presentation
Of the subject since, up TO the period
Of the 4ih Of March lS4l, when L retir-
ed from the public service Of the United
States. in accordance with the will ofthe
people, II has been my constant prac-
tice, and disposition, to cODstTue with
sirictness the powers delegated 10 the
federal government, and 10 cou6ne my
action within the plain meaning of its
constitutional provisions: carefully avoid
ing any enlargement Of its authority
Not withsianding the plOtracled invesIi-
cations and elaborated discussions Of
this annoying question, | am confirmed
in my FIRST opinion that Congress has no
power, constitutional, 10 charter a
Bank Of the United States "Guthorized to
issue bills Of credit for banking purpos-
es, or TO regulate exchanges"
The federal Constitution contains no
specific grant Of power 10 raise money to
be distributed among the States. | look
upon the act OF Congress relative 10 this
subject asa dangerous precedent, and
injurious in IFS consequences. It's un-
questionably direct Interference with
the internalpolic and domestic concerns
Of The States. If the federal Govern.
ment has the rightto use fnancial pow,
er for muni6cence, Il surely possesses the
power TO exterminate evils, which inthe
Fopinion eff Congress may exist il the sew
eral States. This power would tend TO
consolidation, and degrade, and impair
The sovereignty Of the States, BY produc.
ing a dependence in them, upon the fed>
eral government, for the revenue neces"
sary for their exisiance. The power yes
ted in Congress 10 lay and collect taxes,
duties imposts, and excises, must be un.
derstood as limited by the objects which
are enumerated in the same sentence,
ITO pay the debts and provide for the
common defence and general welfare Of
the Siates." A revenue raised for any
other purpose than one which applies e.
qually to all the States, would transcend
the tue boundary of the Constitution.-
Tmposts which operate as burthens upon
one section of the nation, and as boun-
ties TO another, would violate the spirit
Of the Constitution. / am in favor of
raising by duties on impcrtations, as
much money as may be adequate, when
added TO the sales Of the public lands, TO.
pay the entire expenses Of The federal
Government economically administered,
and no more. In fixing such tariff. /
think il good policy and consistent with
an equitable consideration for every in-s
terest, that due regard should be had TO
such agricultural commodities and pro-
duciions, aRd manufactured articles as
can be fabricated in abundance and per
lection, and which are OF essential and
general use.
Taxes coleatsd indirectly by commerce
are least felt, and most cheerfully paid;
aud if they can be so regulated as TO g,
voIve great national resources; and rear
up skiIful artifcers and manufactures,
THE patriots hope would be consummated.
II is the true democratic docttine, as far
asl understand il. TO give this inciden-
ial protection 10 agriculture and manu-.
factnres, and thus give universal satisfac
lion to all liberal minded men, by exten-
ding a'geReral advantage, equally regar.
ding every interest and every section Of
this great extended confederacy. II !
know myself, | am equally the friend Of
all, and the enemy Of none: and as far as
II have capacity to Judge, have and ev.
Ter shall act upon this great principle Of
EequaI devotion to every section and eve
ry interest of our common country.
The Constitution Of the United States
was brought into being, alta time, and
under circumstances peculiarly adapted
to ensure the greatest wisdom in the en-
actment Of laws, and impartiality in the
administration ofthem. The Senate and
House Of Representatives, the one rep.
resenting the sovereignty, and the other
the people Of The several States, are
checks upon each other, and to make q
law both must concur. The President
has check upon both /, as the Eepresen'
tative Of the sovereignty Of the whole
people Of the seveESl States, uninAuene-
ed BY sectional feelings or local inter
ests. My opinion is, that the qualified
: veto which the President possesses il
legislation is beneficial and conservative
and | am opposed 10 en- ssamendmsnto 81
tho Constitution Of the United States
still further limiting the veto pow
b err"
IS | will abide by the decision Of atsNa
!. ,ional Convention Of the democratic par
Ii tv. in the selection offs candidate 70
!. the Presidency Of the United States, an'
. will give my support and influence to tn
!. election Of the NOMINEES Of said cOnVen