The New York herald., 1844-09-05

great principles Of distinction between right and
wrong-between morality and immorality-have
be-n entirely placed out of sight II would seem
that the great conservative principles which keep
society together state OF order and civilization,
and without which no government can exist, are
in fair way of being altogether obliterated.
The melancholy riots in Philadelphia, by which
the laws were put completely al defiance, and a
ruifianmob triumphed over the constituted authori-
ties-the barbarous atrocities committed in ILL
nois-aRd most recent o all, the dlsgracetul occur
rences in RENSSELAER, county. in this very State,
which has hitherto prided itself on its peace and
ords are certainly calculated to inspire with
ala, IN every man who desires the permanence OF
the republic. Twice within one week has the law,
IN person of its officers, been subjected TO the
grossest possible ipdignfy, in the centre Of this
great State Bands of lawless rutians, disguised
as Indians have seized the officers Of the law, and
tarred and feahered them with perfect impuniiy
Not the slightest attempt has been made by the
Governor or any of the authorities, to avenge this
deliberate insult to the law of the land, or protect
the public peace from further violation by this
ganized mob. The man who is not alarmed at
all this could remain unmoved even If the fabric OF
the Constitution was tumbling into fragments
around his head.
This is not all. Another remarkable exemplifi-
cation of the alarming progress of the spirit of
mobocracy, is manifested in the establishment of
private mails And so far from this practical de-
tance of the prohibitions Of the constitution calling
forth universal rebuke we find some Of the leading
papers of the city OF New York-the E1press-ac-
tually coming out and recommending the State TO
nulhy the Constitution of the United States far
rJa tLa N
mends private individuals TO take the management
of toe Post Office at once into their own hands.
This is precisely the same spirit which has dictated
the threat to nullify the tariff in South Carolina,
and is equally reprehensible. Just let us see with
what lmpudent boldness this proposition of nullifi-
cation is made;-
The Postmaster General ust6es his claim power over
the mails, under the clause of the Constitution which
gives Congress certain other exclusive powers This
grant" he says found in the same clause and is
pressed the words and language with the grants
power to coin money 10 regulate commerce. declare
war; Sc But he forgot 10 state while in this section
Congress have thee granted to them the states
lin sec iO) are prohibited from exercising them, and If
j, for this prohibition they would exerc them
just they do other powers granted in the same section
as follows -
Congress shall have power "to lay and collect taxes
The power lay and collect taxes not being prohibited
the States practice them after prohibition is intro
duced
Congress shall have power to borrow money" This
not being afterwards prohibited to the Staes they
continued to exercise il.
Congress shall have power lay and collect imposts
were afterwards in sec Io) prohibited as coming money
was also. and are not used by the States
Congress shall have power to establish post offices
and post roads" No prohibition is introduced II follows
therefore that the States have power as IN the prece
ding cases.
The state OF New York is therefore bound TO this
power into her hands. that her citizens
deprived Of it, legislature ought at the coming
session tina, railroads not prosecuted by the
"A
TO prohibit them from contracting with the General Go.
vernment at all. They now prohibit the CARRYING Of
freight, aud they have the power to prohibit the
trans poration Of Federal Mas The charters may be al
tered repea ed at pleasure
The OF New York has the right and it will be for
her interest take the mails under her own charge.
protect the mail carriers in doing it. for on at
twe ty.five thousand hundred and eighty dol
The cost OF the mails in New York ia s5a,slo 90
Leaving a clear profit to the government OF
three hundred and seveny.two thousand
eight hunired and ffy-eght dollars. s..... 1912 S5s 90
This surplus squandered in carrying passengers and
mails in other states, in manner which we shall here
If the safe of New York had the management of her
post Offices let them by contract the expenses
wonli not be half what they and the low rates
Of pos would diminish the receipts to greater
extent than the d,minution of EXPENSE II is OF
true that considerable part Of these receipts are from
other States but other States would also continue to
contribute literally from necessity If not from choice
The ralrosds would lose nothing the Express mail
carriers willing 10 pay for the privilege as much
az the Post Once Department pays becomes therefore
OF The greatest importance TO the Empire State TO take
lead in this matter We do moi doubt that she might not
only alleviate the hurthen Of her citizens imposed
upon them by the General Government but that she
make ii a source Of income to herself
Here we see the notification of the Constitution
openly recommended. This is precisely the same
principle that operated in Philadelphia and Illinois,
and that is now disgracing own State in the in
famous.rots and dmob'violence in Rensselaer, coun-
ty And all this winked at by the public press. The
rufianism ofthe Rensselaer, tenants is indeed, VIM
dicated and symOathized with, instead of meeting
universal and indignant rebuke from the leaders OF
public opinion.
What is the meaning of all this Is there to be
no end to this? Is this spirit OF mobocracy to go
on unchecked till the last bulwark Of national re-
spectablity and the laws be overturned? How has
all this been produced? The answer to the last in
quiry is easily given The demorazing influences
Of party politics on the popular mind has done
this. The conduct OF the small politicians OF
both parties-their lies--scurrllty- -libels-reck-
lessness.- .-violence-and mmoralify-have produced
this terrible state of things Integrity and honesty
and patriotism, il would appear, have vanished.
The popular heart has become diseased The foul
leprosy of partizanship infecs the whole body of
society. That accursed spirit which laid the bank
ing institutions of the country in runs, and destroy
ed the credit Of the States, is still at work and with
immeasurably increased power Of mischief, dis
grace, and Reorganization. Both parties are equally
oulpable In both we observe that the most violent
parllzans are also the most active disorganizers
Look at the extreme party journals of the ocofoco
cast-see in what reasonable terms they talk OF
recent affairs in Rhode Island Look again at the
extreme party Journals of the whigs-the Tribune
and Express for insance-and observe the manner
in which they talk of the riots in Rensselaer, coun
ty, and about the Post Office laws.
All these indications of downward progress TO
disorganization, dishonor, and ruin, are seen and
deplored by many. And we hear of various RENE
dies which are proposed. A great fuss is made
about Sabbath Conventions, and great deal OF