The Arkansas banner., 1845-03-19

authority not clearly delegated 10 II, the otaleE
 should be equally careful that ill the maintc
 nance Of their rights, they do not over step the limits of powers reserved to them.- i One of the most distinguished ol my Prede- i cessors attached deserved importance to '!tht support of the Stale governments, ia all theil rights, as the most competent administration for our domestic concerns, and the surest bull
 wark against anti-republlcan tendencies; anG to tie .IpeeseEpatioa of taa general g0Ter hmeni in its whole constitutional yigor. as the sheet anchor of our peace at home, and safety alssad.n
 'fo the government of the United States las been entrusted the exclusive manage meHt of our foreign affairs Beyond that, il yields few general enumerated powers IL does not force reform on iheStates ltleaHes individuals, over whom t casts it's protecting influence. entirely free to improve taelr own condition by the legitimate exercise of all their mental and physical powers. l. Is d common protector of each and all the States; of eyery man who lives upon our soil, Wheth- CT of native or loregin birth; oi every rellgl- GUS sect, in inc worship of the Almighty ac- cordiDa to the dictates of their own con- science: of every shade of opinion, and the most free inquiry; of every art, trade, and loccupation. consistent with the laws of the States And we rejoice in the general hap pincss. prosperity, and advancement of our country, which have been the offspring oI freedom, and Hot ef. power.
 THis most admirable and Hisest system oi wel-regalated sell-goHernme9t among men, ever devised by human minds, has been test- ed by it's saccessIul operation for more than half a century; and, if preserved from the usurpations of the federal government OH the one hand. and tlIe exercise by the States ol powers not reserved to them on the other, will, leryentlY believe and hope, endure tor ages 10 come. and dispense the blessing oi civil and religious liberty to distant genera tions To effect objects so dear to every Pa- triot, shall devote myself with anxious so- lieiude. lt will be ny desire 10 guard against that most fruitful source Gt danger 10 the har- monious action ot ouF system; which coh- slss in substituting the mere discretion and caprice of the Executive, or oi majoHtles III the legislative department ol the government. for powers which have been withheld rom the federal government by the constitution. By the theory oli our government, maJorlties rule; b0t this right is not an arbitrary or unlimited oae ltis right to be exercised IR sub5rdnation to the constiution4 and in eoa- formity to 1t. One great object Of the eon- stltution was to restrain majorltes from op- pressing minoritea. or eaereaehiag upon ther just rights Mnofities have a right 10 ap- peal to the constitution, as shield against such oppression.
 That the blessings of Iibefy which our constitution secures may be enjoyed alike by miHorities and maiofiiies, the executive has been wisely invested with qualified veto upon the acts of the legislature. lis nega- tive power and IS conservative Ill it's character l. afresls for the the time hasty, aco4sideGaie. or unconstitutional legislation; invites recon siaefaton, and tfaHsIefs the questions atissae between the legislative and executive depart- ments 10 the tribunal of the people. Like all other powers, ii is subject to be abused.- When ladiciously and properly exercised, the constitution itself may be saved from infraction, and the rights of all preserved and protected.
 The incstimable value of our federal Union Is felt and acknowledged by all By this system of united and eoniedefated States, our people are permitted collectively and indiyid- ually, to seek their own happiness in their own way; and the consequences have been most suspicious. Since the Union was form ed, the number of the States has increased from thirteen 10 twenty eight: two of these have taken their positions as members of the confcderacy within the last week. Our pop uation has increased from three 10 twenty millions. New communities and States are seeking protection under it's Ggs, and multi tutles from the Old World are docking to our shores to participate in it's blessings Beneath is benign sway, peace and prosperity prevail. Freed from the burdens and misemcs of war. our trade and intercourse have extended throughout the world Mind, no longer task ed in deYi~ng means to accomplish or resist schemes of ambition, usurpaton. orconduest,
 is deyolng itself to mans true interests, in developing his faculties and powers, and the capacity of nature 10 minister to his enjoy- ments. Genius is free to announce its inven- tions and discoveries and the hand is free to accomplish whatever the head eonceives. not incompatible with the rights of a felow-being. All distinctions of birth or of rank have been abolished. All citizens, whether native or adopted, are placed upon terms of precise equality. Ali are entitled 10 equal rights and equal protection. No union exists between church and state, and perfect freedom of opinion is guaranhad to all sects and cleeds.
 These are some of the blessings secured to our happy land by our federal Union. To perpetnaie them, t Is OUT sacred duty to pre- serve it. Who shall assign limits 10 the aehievements of free minds and free hands. und& the protection of this glorious Union :: Noreason to mankind since the organization of society, would be equal in atrocty to that of him who would Eft his hand to destroy it. He would overthrow the noblest structure of human wisdom, which protects himself and fellow man. He would stop The progress Of free government, and involve his country either in anarchy CT dasPelism. He would extlnguish the fire of liberty which warns and aldmates the heats of happy millions.