Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-05-05
REPLY OF MR.. JOHNSON.
[Copy.l
FRt>kroRr, Ky, Feb. g, 1913.

Gentlemen: You. letter Of the 10th January was du
iy received. 1t gives pleasure 10 make known my
views upon any political subject, connected with the
office OF the Pfesideni of the United States. The re-
solutions enclosed OF the Democratic State Convention
Of Indiana, embrace the Bank OF the United States
the distribution of the proceeds Of the public lands
among the States, protective Tariff, and National
Convention. | will answer IN the order IN which you
lave presented your enquiries.
The charte, OF Bank oi the United States. by Goa.
press have always cons dered unconstitutional and
pedent-hayiEg given ny vote against Il ~ III J.
and at each successive presentation OF the subject :nce
up the period Of the fourth of March, 1871, when
retired from the public service the United States
IN accordance ,cih Ne :sW IF the peeyie II has been
my constant practice" and my disposition, TO consrue
with srlcness the powers Delegated 10 the Federal
Government, and 10 conine M action within the PLAIN
meaning of ITS constitutional provisions, carefully
avoiding any enlargement Of rs authority Notwith-
standing the rro,racted and elaborated
Of THIS annoying question, am confirmed
in my first opinion, that Congress has power,
stitutionaiiy charter Bank % the S "author,zed
bills OF credit Tor banking purposes or 10 regu
late exchanges
The Federal Constitution contains specific grant
Of power raise money to be distributed among the
States look upon the act Of Congress relative 10 thus
subject dangerous precedent, and injurious IN IT'S
conse ouenccs Il unquesonably direct lnter!er
ence with the internal policy and domestic
of the States II the Federal Government has the
right TO a financial power for municcnce, it sure
Jy possesses the power to exerm,nate evils winch, IN
the opinion Of Congress- may exist in the several
States. This power would tend to consolidation, and
degrade and impair the sovereignty Of the States, by
producing dependence in theu, upon the Federal Co
yernment, for the necessary for their exist
ence The power vested IN Congress 10 lay and collect
taxes duties, mposts and excscs, must BE- understood
as limited by the objects which are enumerated III the
same sentence pay the debts and provide FIR the
common defence and general weiiure Of the States
A revenue raised fer any other purpose than one
which applies equally 10 all the States, would trans
cend the true boundary Of the Consultation. Impos!S
which operate as bur;hens upon one section ot the
nation and bounlies 20 uGocr, would violate the
spirit Of the Constitution. | am N favor OF raising
by duties importalons, "a much money rs may
be adequate, when added 10 tie sales Of the pubic
lands TO pay the entire expenses OF The Federal 20
vernment, economicallY administered and more
In fixing such tariff think i. good policy md
consistent with equitable consideration for every
interest, tina; due regard should be had 10 such az
rcultural commodities and productions, and manntac
tured articles as can be fabricated abundance aud
Perfection and whic are &c essential and general
Taxes collected indirectly hy commerce, least
felt, and most chccrfully paiduud If they can lac 81
regulated 10 evolve great national resources, aud
rear up sku artiicsfs aud manufacturers, the pat
riot d hope Wculd be contaminated. II IS the true Dc
mocratic doctrine, lar as ] understand il, TO gave
this incidental protection to agriculture and m1uu.ac
lures and thus give unvefSa! satisfaction to all liberal
minded men, By extending general advantage, equally
regarding interest ad every section ot tins great
extended Coniederacy. /: know myself, I'm equally
the friend of all, and the enemy OF none and far
have capacity to Judge, have, and ever shall acl
upon this great principle, Of cqaa! devotion TO every
section and every interest OF our country. The
Constitution q. The u. States was brought into being
nj time, and unde circumstances peculiarly adapted
TO ensure the greatest Wisdom in the enactment oi
laws, and imPGttiaiiiy ~ the administration Of them
The Senate and House @! Representatives, tie
presenting the sovereignty, and the other the people oil
the several States checks upon each other ard 10
make law, both must coacur The President has a
check upon both, rs the representative Of the sove.
reigny of the whole people OF the several States un-
influenced by sectional feelings local interests NV
opinion is, that The qualified which the President
possesses in legislation, is beneficial aud conservatives
and am opposed TO amendment of the Cons,itu
ton of the United States, still further tir. The veto
power"
will abide BY the decision of so National Conven.
ton of the Democratic party, in the selection of
candidate for the Presidency Of the United States and
will give my support and influence TO the election Of
the nominee OF said Convention, if not myself nomi
mated by said Convention
The Democratic Convention Of The State Of Ken.
lucky, on the oh ultimo, nominated and recommended
me as the candidate for the Presidency in 1874; and,
among other things put forth my Political principles,