The Yazoo City Whig. [volume] (Yazoo, Miss.) 1844-1851, 1845-03-21

and at time Whou so great oiNeT1lty OF O. Il
piniOn prevails in regard 10 the principles
and policy which should characlsFize the
administration Of our GoVeTnmsnt4 Well
NAY the bOldesl fear, and the wisest tremble |
when incurTing responsibilities on which
may depend our countTy's peace and pros.
psrity, and, in some degree, the hopes and
happiness Of the whole human family.
Ia assuming the responsibilities so vast,
ferVenty invoke the aid 81 that Almighty
Ruler Of the Universe, in whose hands are
the destinies Of nations and Ofmen, to guard
this hsaVen favored land against the mis-
chiefs which, without iis guidance, might q.
rise from an unWise public policy. 10
firm reliance upon the wisdom Of NJ lnipo-
tencs to sustain and direct Inc in the path
Of duty which am appointed 70 pursue,
stand in the presence ofthis assembled mul~
titude Of my cOuntTymen, to take upou my
self the solemn obligation, "to the best Of
my ability 70 preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution Of the United States"
A consize enumeration of the principles
which will guide me in the administrative
policy of the Government, is not only in &C
cOrdance with the examples set me by all
my predecessors, but is eminently beftting
the occasion.
The constitution itself, plainly written as
il 10, the safeguard Of our federative compact,
the offspring OF concession and compromise,
binding together in the bonds of peace and
union this great and increasing family Of free
and Independent States, will be the chart by
which shall be directed.
Il will be my FIRST care to administer the
government in the true spirit of that instru>
ment, and to assume no powers not expressly
granted, or clearly implied in its terms. The
government of the United States is one Of
delegated and limited powers; and it is by
q strict adherence to the clearly granted
powers, and by sustaining from the exercise
Of doubtful unauthorized implied powers,
that We have the only sure guaranty against
the recurrence Of those unfortunate coils
lens between the Federal and State authori-
ties, which have occasionally SO much dis
tuTbed the harmony Of our system, and even
threatened the Perpetuity of our glorious
Union.
ITO the States respectively, OF TO the PEG.
Ple," have been reserved "lhe powers not
delegated TO the United States by the con-
stitulion, nor prohibited by il 10 the States. {"
Each State is a complete sovereignty within
the sphere fits reserved powers. The gov
eminent Of the Union, acting within the
sphere Of its delegated authority, Is also
complete sovereignty. While the general
government should abstain from the exercise
Of authority not clearly delegated 10 it, the
States should Be equally careful that in the
maintenancs ~ their rights, they do not over
step the limits Of powers reserved to tuetA'
One Of The most distinguished Of my Prede-
csRsoTs attached deserved importance to "the
support Of the State, governments in all their
rights as the most competent administration
I for our domestic concerns, and the surest
bulWark against anti-republican tendencies;
and TO the preservation Of the general gov
ernment in its whole constitutional Vigor,
aS sheet anchor Of our peace at home and
safety abroad"
To the government Of the United States
has been iniFusted the exclusive manage
ment Of OUT foreign affairs. Beyond that, it
Yields few general enumerated powers
Il does not force reform on the States. 1t
leaves individuals, over whom il casts its pro-
tecting influence, entirely free TO improve
their mental and physical powers. 1t is a
common protector to each and all of the
States; Of every man who lives upon our
soil, whether Of native or foreign birth; Of
every religious sect, in their worship of the
Almighty according 10 the dictates Of their
own conscience; Of every shade Of opinion,
and the most free inquiry; Of every art,
trade, and occupation, consistent with the
laws Of the States. And we rejoice in the
general happiness, prosperity and advance
ment Of our country, which have been the
offspring of freedom, and not Of power.
The most admirable and wisest system of
Well-regulated selfgoVrnment among men,
ever devised by human minds, has been test.
cd by its successful operation for more than
half a century; and il preserved from the
usurpations Of the federal government on the
one hand, and the exercise by the States Of
power not reserved to them on the ether,
will. ! feFVently hope and believe, endure
for ages 10 come, and dispsnse the blessings
Of civil liberty 10 distant generations. To
effect Objects 80 dear 70 every patriot shall
devote myself with anxious solicituds. 1t
will be my desire TO guard against the most
fruitful source Of danger TO the harmonious
action Of our system; which consists in sub
shutting the mere discretion and caprice of
the executive, or Of majorities in the'legisla-
tive department Of the government, forPow-
erS which have been withheld from the fed
eraI government BY the constitution. BY
the theory Of our government, majorities
ETule; but this night is not AZ arbitrary one.
I Il is right 10 be exercised ia BubOTdinalion
| to the constitution, and in conformity 70 IT,.
tOne great object Of the constitution was 70
restrain maioTities from expressing minorities
or encroaohing upon their Just rights. Mi~
0oFities have right 20 appeal 10 the consti-
tuition, aS a shield against such oppression.
That the blessings Of liberty which our
constitution secures may be enjoyed alike BY
minor ties and nnaiorities. the execntive has