Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1845-03-15

people," have been reserved "the powers
not delegated to the United States by the
constitutions, nor prohibited by it TO the
States" Each, State -vis q complete SOW
ereignty within the sphere Of its reserved
powers. The government of the Union,
acting within the sphere of its delegated
authority, is also a complete sovereignty.
While the general government should
abstain from the exercise Of authority not
clearly delegated to il, the States should be
equally careful that, in the maintenance
of their rights, they do not overstep the
limits of powers reserved 10 them. One of
the most distinguished of my predecessors
attached deserved importance to "the sup
port of the State governments in all their
rights as the most competent administra-
ton for our domestic concerns, and the
surest bulwark against anti-republicsn ten.
denotes, and to the preservation of the
general government in its whole constitu.
tional vigor, as the sheet anchor of our
peace at home, and safety abroad"
To the government of the United States
has been entrusted the exclusive manage
ment of our foreign affairs. Beyond that,
t--wields few. general enumerated pow
ers. 1t does not force reform on the
States. 1t leaves individuals, over whom
it casts its protecting influence, entirely
free to improve their, own condition by
the legitimate exercise of all their mental
and physical powers. tits a common pro-
tector of each and all 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 TO 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 advancement Of
our country, which have been the offspring
Of freedom and not of power.
This most admirable and wisest system
Of. well regulated self government among
men, ever devised by human minds, has
been tested by its successful operation for
more than half century; and, if preserved
from the usurpations of the Federal Gov
eminent on the one hand, and the exercise
by the States of powers not reserved to
them on the other, will, ] fervently hope
and believe, endure for ages to come, and
dispense the blessings of civil and religious
liberty to distant generations. To effect
objects SO dear 10 every patriot, / shall de-
vote myself with anxious solicitude. 1t
will be my desire to guard against that
most fruitful source of danger to the har-
monious action of our system, which con.
sists in substituting the mere discretion
and caprice of the executive, or of MAORI
ties 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, majorities rule; but this right
is not an arbitrary or unlimited one. II is
a right to be exercised in subordination to
the constitution, and in conformity to it.
One great object of the constitution was to
restrain majorities from expressing minor
tiles, or encroaching upon their just rights.
Minorties have right to appeal to the
constitution as shield against such oppres-
sion.
That the blessings of liberty which our
constitution secures may be enjoyed alike
by minorties and majori;ies, the Execu-
has been invested with a qualified veto
upon the acts of the Legislature. 1t is
negative power and is conservative in its
character. 1t arrests for the time hasty,
inconsiderate, or unconstitutional legisla-
ton; invites reconsideration, and transfers
questions at issue between the legislative
and Executive departments to the tribunal
of the people. Like all other powers, it is
subject to be abused. When judiciously
and properly exercised, the constitution
itself may be saved from infracton, and
the rights of all preserved and unprotected.
The nestimable value of our Federal
Union 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 consequent
ces have been most suspicious. Since the
Union was formed, the number of the
States has increased from thirteen to twen-
ty -eight--two Of these have taken their
position as members of the confederacy
within the last week. Our population has
increased from three to twenty millions.
New communities and States are seeking
protection under its egis, and multitudes
from the Old World are filocking to our
shores to participate in its blessings. Be-
meath its benign sway, peace and prosperity
prevail. Freed from the burdens and mis-.
cries of our war, our trade and intercourse
have extended throughout the world. |
Mind, no longer tasked in devising means to
accomplish or resist schemes of ambition,
or conquest, is devoting itself
10 mans true interests, in developing his |
faculties and powers, and the capacity of
pature to minister to his enjoyments. Ge-
Mus is free to announce its inventions and4
discoveries. and the hand is.free IN accono