Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-03-13


mere discretion aud caprice OF the execu-
live, or Of majoriiies in the legislative de-
partment of the government, for powers
which have been withheld from the fed
eral government by the constitution. By
the theory of our government, majorilles
RUE but this right is not an arbitrary or
unlimited one. 1t is right TO be eSer-
cised in subordination TO the constitution,
aud in conformity to it. One great OBJ
lect of the constitution was. TO restrain
majorties from depressing mlnorlties, or
encroaching upon their just rights. Mi
norities have right to appeal to the con.
stItution, as shield against such oppres-
sion.
That the blessings of liberty which our
constitution secures may be enjoyed alike
by minorities and majorties, the execu-
tive has been wisely invested with quail.
fed veto upon the acts Of the Legislature.
1t is negative power, ana is conservative
in its character. II arrests for the time
hasty, inconsiderate, or unconstitutional
legislation invites reconsideration, and
transfers questions at issue between the
legislative and executive departments TO
the tribunal of the people. Like all 9th.
er powers, it is subject TO be abused.---
When judlciousy and properly exercised.
the constitution itself may be saved from
nfraction, and the rights of all preserved
and protected.
The inestimable value of our federal
Union is felt and acknowledged by ALL
BY this system of united and coniederat.
ed States, our people are permitted, COL
lectively and individually, to seek their
own happiness N their own way; and the
consequences have been auspic,ous. -
Since the Union was formed, the number
Of the States has increased from thirteen
to twenty eight; two of these have taken
their position as members of the con fed.
eracy within the last week. Our popula-
ton has increased from three TO twenty
millions. Now communities and States
are seeking protection under It's egis, and
multltudes from the Old World are flock
ing 20 our shores TO participate in its bless
ings. Beneath IFS benign sway, peace
and prosperity prevail. Freed from the
burdens and miseries Of war, our trade
and intercourse have extended throughout
the world. Mind, no longer tasked IN
devisng means to accomplish or resist
schemes OF ambition, usurpaton or con-
quest, is devoting itself to mans true in
terests, in developing his faculties and
powers, and the capacity of nature to
minister to his enjoyments. Genius is
free to announce its inventions and disco.
veries; and the hand is free TO accom-.
tphsh whatever the head conceives, not
incompatible with the rights Of fellow.
being. All distinctions of birth or Of
rank have been abolished. All citizens,
whether native or adopted, are placed
upon terms of precise equality. All are
entitled TO equal rights and equal protec-
ton. No union exists between church
and Stale; and perfect freedom of opln-
ion is guaranteed to al. sects and creeds.
These are some OF the blessings secu-
red TO our happy land by our federal
Union. To perpetuaie them, il is our sa-
cred duty to preserve it. Who shall as.
sign limits to the achievements of free
minds and free hands under the protec.
ton Of this glorious Union No treason
to mankind since the organization of So
ciety, would be equal in atrociiy to that
Of him who would lift his hand to des-
troy il. He would overthrow the MODEST
structure of human wisdom, which pro.
tects himself and his felow-man. He
would stop the progress Of free govern
meni, and involve his country either in
anarchy or despotism. lie would extln-
guish the fire of liberty which warns and
anlmates the hearts of happy millions,
and invites all the nations Of the earth to
initiate our example. If be say that err
ror and wrong are committed in the ad-
mlnistralion of the government, let him
remember that nothing human can be per-
feet; and that under no other system Of
government revealed by Heaven, or de.
vlsed by man, has reason been allowed
so free and broad a scope to combat en-.
ror. Has the sword of despo,S proved to
be safer or surer instrument of reform
in government, than enlightened reasonl
Does he expect to find among the ruins of
this Union happier abode for our swarm
ing millions than they now have under III
Every lover Of his country must shudder
at the thought of the possibility of its dis.
solution, and will be ready TO adopt the
patriotic sentiment, ''Our federal Unon--
It must be preserved" To preserve it,
the compromises which alone enabled our
fathers TO form a common constitution for
the government and protection OF so manv
States and distinct communities, of such
| diversified habits, interests, and domestic
institutions, must be sacredly and roti
gously observed. Any attempt to dis
turb or destroy these compromises, being
terms OF the compact of Union, can lead
to none other Than the most rulnous and
disastrous consequences.
1t is a source Of deep regret that, in
some sections of our country, misguided
persons have occasionally INDUCED in
schemes ard agitations, whose object is
the destruction of domestic institutions ex-
listing ia other sectlons-in Institutions which
existed at the adoption of the coEsti:u.
ton. and were recognised and protected
by il. All must see that il it were posi-
Bile for them to be successful in attaining
At i a.