Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1845-03-14
No 99--WHOLE No 74O.

W." VI 'ui FJS1tlii, "nIVH CONSlSS IN sub
sttuting the mere discretion and caprice
Of the executive, or of maoridps in the
legislative department Of the government,
for powers which have been withheld from
the federal government by the constitution.
By the theory Of our government, maiori-
ties rule; but this right is not an arbitrary
Or unlimited one. II is a right to be exer-
clsed in the subOrdination to the eonslitu-
ton, and in conformity to it. One greal
object Of the constitution was to restrain
mJorltes from expressing minorilies, or en-
croaching upon their just rights. Minor-
ties have a right to appeal to the eolsttu-
ton, as shield against such oppression.
That the blessings Of Liberty which our
constitution secures may be enjoyed alike
by minorities and msjorties, the executive
has been wisely invested with a qualified
veto upon the acts Of the legislature. 1t is
negative power, aud is conservative in
Its character II arrests for the time hasty,
inconsiderate, or unconstitutional egisla-
tom invites reconsideration, and transfers
! questions at issue between the legisIatiy e
and executive departments to the tribunal
OF the people. Like all other powers, it is
subject to be abused. When iudiciougly
and properly exercised, the constitution
itself may be saved from infracton, and
the rights Of all preserved and protected.
The nestimabIe value Of our federal L.
mon is felt and acknowledged BY all. By
this system Of United and confederated
States, our people are permitted collectively
and individually to seek their own happi-
ness in their own way; and the co1seuuen-
ces have been auspicious. Since the Union
was formed, the number of the States has
been increased from thirteen to twenty
eight: two Of these have taken their posi.
ton as members Of the c0nfedpracy'withfn
the lastweck. Our population has increa-.
ed from three to twenty millions. New
communities and states are seeking prolec.
ton under its agis, and multitudes irou
the Old World are focking TO our shores tc
participate in its blessings. Beneath its
benign sway, peace and prosperity pre-.
vail.
Freed from the burdens and miseries O
war. our trade and Intercourse have extend
ed throughout the whole world. Mind, M
longer tasked in devsing means to accom-
tpIish or resist schemes of ambition, usur
patton, or conquest, is devoting itself t
mans true interest, in developing his lacuI
ties and powers, and the capacity of ma
ture to omnister to his enjOyments. Geniu
is free to announce its inventions and di-
coveres;-and the hand is free to accom-
pIlsh whatever the head conceives not in
compatible with the rights of iellow-be
ing. All distinctions of birth or OF ranl
have been abolished. All citizens, wheth
er native or adopted, are placed upon ht
terms of precise equality. All are entitled
to equal rights and equal protection. Ne
union exists between church and State
and perfect freedom Of opinion is guaran.
tied TO all sects and creeds.
These are some of the blessings secured
to our happy land by our federal Union.-
operpetuate them, tits our sacred duty tc
preserve it. Who shall assign limits to the
achievements of free minds and free hands
under the protection of this glorious Union,
No treason to mankind since the organiza.
tion Of society, would be equal in atrocity
to that Of him who would lift his hand tc
destroy it.
He would overthrow the nohlast struc
ture of human wisdom, which protect.
himself and his fellOw-man. He would
stop the progress of free government, and
involve his country either in anarchy Oh
despotIsm. He would eXtingush the fire
of liberty which warns and animates tht
hearts of happy millions, and invites al
the nations of the earth to initiate our ex.
ample.
If he say that error and wrong are com.
mitted in the administration of the govern,
ment, let him remember that nothing hu
man can he perfect; and that no other sys
teln Of government revealed by Heaven
or devised by man, has reason been allowec
so free and broad scope to combat error
Has the sword OF despots proved 10 lie a
safer or surer instrument of reform in GOV.
eminent, than enlightened reason! Does
he expect to find among the ruins of this
Union happier abode for our swaming
millions than they now have under it!-
Every lover OF his country must shuddera at
the thought of the possibility of its dissolu-
ton, and will lie ready to adopt the patriotic
sentiment, "Our federal Union-it must be
preserved" To preserve it, the compro-
misses which alone enabled our fathers to
form a common constitution for the govern
ment and protection Of S, many States and
distinct communities, Of such diversified
habits, interests, and domestic institutions,
must be sacredly and religiously observed.
Any attempt to disturb or destroy these
compromises, being terms Of the compact
of Union, can lead 10 none other than the
mostruinous and disastrous consequences
1t is source of deep regret that, in some
sections Of our country, misguided persons
have occasionally indulged in schemes and
agitations, whose obiect is the destruction
of domestic institutions existing in other
sectons-institutions which existed at the
adoption of the constitution, and were re-
cognized and protected by it. All must
see that ifit were possible for them to be
successful in attaining their object, the dis
olution OF the Union, and the consequent