The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-12-17
THE UNION.
ITEM OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS

The following communication, in more elevated
,vle than common, presents, with great force
subject of much importance in its constitution
:, bearings. 1t was brought up the other day
:, Memphis, and in manner and to an extent
which were calculated to surprise, if not to ex-
I'll, those politicians who remember the veto
~ Mr.. Madison in 1917, upon the last day OF
he administration, as well as General Jackson's
veto on the Maysville road. What are the powers
# the federal government over internal improve
n.ots in the States, or in the Territories What
with the money Of the federal treasury, or with the
uublic lands or has Congress no power and ju-
rsdction on the question at all
We shall scarcely have room for any extended
discussion, at moment like this, when the public
documents and the proceedings of Congress are
making such heavy draughts upon our columns; but
we may probably be able to find room in the course
n the present month for ono or two condensed es-
,avs upon these constitutional questions, from some
experienced and competent pen.
Our correspondent seems TO be Of opinion that
from the Atlantic to the borders Of Missouri, the
States must improve for themselves; but from the
raj government may have power to appropriate her
MONEY!, or grant her lands, and exercise unlimited
jurisdiction of persons and of SOIL Are both these
propositions correct The power of internal i'm
provement is one Of the most important which can
be exercised by any government, and ought never
TO be exercised by the United States without the
lion of the constitution. Amid the immense variety
Of schemes which were proposed at Memphis, and
with aproposilion Just made, by correspondent Of
the New York Evening Post, to stretch the power
Of the general government over the Delaware canal
as link in general system Of defence, staring
US in the face, it would seem desirable to proceed
with some caution in this matter
THE ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC RAILROAD.
The 9th day Of May, 1880, is an important
epoch in the history of internal improvements. 1t
s the point at which an old system expired, and a
new set Of principles commenced their experimental
career. That was the day of final conflict between
two great parties upon one of the causes of their
separation and hostility; and never, pcrhaPs, were
there greater influences appealing to every sent-
ment Of the man, arrayed against every principle of
the citizen than brought to bear and hung sus-
pended on the issue Of that day. The Buffalo and
New Orleans road bill, the Washington and Fred
ericktown turnpike, the national road from Cum
berand to St. Louis, although presented upon diff
ferent and independent grounds; the proposed
turnpike from GAINESVILLE, Ohio, to Nashville, in
Tennessee;-all these magnificent schemee, with
numberless others in embryo, proposing wealth
and unsurpassed facilities to twelve States of the
Union, that now, or at any time, could make Presi-
dent United States, arrested by the moral
influence of one man, who told his countrymen, in
the language of earnest truth, in the veto of the
MaysvIle road bill, that these things were forbidden
by The constitution
In making an extract from that "veto," you will
permit me- in common, know, with yourself to
adopt the friendly sentiment towards internal i'm
provement contained in it, but TO insist upon the po-
ical morale which speaks from every line of the ex-
tract:
"This subject has been one Of much, and, may
add painful reflection to me. 1t has bearings that
are well calculated to exert powerful influence up
on our hitherto prosperous system of government,
and which, on some accounts, may even excite des-
pondency in the breast of an American citizen.
will not detain you with professions Of zeal in the
cause OF internal improvements. If to be their
friend Is virtue which deserves commentator, our
country is blessed with an abundance of it; for do
not suppose there is an intelligent citizen who does
not wish to see them flourish. But though all Of
them are their friends, but few trust are unmind.
none, certainly, are degenerate to desire their
success at the cost of that sacred instrument with
Inc preservation of which is indissolubly bound our
eountrys hopes Ii different impressions are enter
famed in any quarter; if it is expected that the peo
PIE this country, reckless of their constitutional
Obligations, will prefer their local interests to the
principles Of the Union, such expectations will, in
me end, be disappointed; or, if it be not So then,
indeed, has the world but little to hope from the ex-
ample Of free government. When an honest obser-
vance OF constitutional compacts cannot be obtained
from communities like ours, il need not be anci-
pa'ed elsewhere; and the cause in which there has
oeen so much martyrdom, and from which SO much
unexpected by the friends of liberty may be aband-
oned and the degrading TRUTH that man is unfit for
Ntgovcrnment, admitted. And this will be the
easel erpedency be made rule of construction in
interpreting the constitution. Power, in no govern
ment, could desire better shield for the insidious
advances which 1t is ever ready to make upon the
'"eck' that are designed to restrain its action"
Throughout the contest Of parties, from the divis
ION upon principle which took place in the contest
!, is2o up to the present day, have earnestly and
steadily commended for the truths contained in this
extract As member of the Baltimore convention,
approved Of this issue. for the struggle in which
,'peellcanlsm was staked against all modes Of cen
.aizlng power or corrup,ing public sentiment. As
atuemoer OF an important committee appointed by
ual body, sowed broadcast as far as the influence
%my pen could reach this, among all the other doc
ulnes Of constitutional democracy. And upon the
aunp.when, in bold, broad light, l showed to the
PEOPLE Polk standing by the side Of Jackson, hold.
10y at bay his assailants in the House of Represent
ssuses, nterposing his bucker and his sword in de-
'ence OF the Pder PatrieI was checred by the ex-
uan' response which Indicated the popular approval
D. ne men and their measures; and now know the
resident will stand by himself he stood by Jack
E. coming events are casting their shadows be-
h s IN the signs Of the times, as well as from the
OF the past; and now upon the cessation Of
''afes will begin the retrocession from the
"On iigldlty Of fundamental principle to the ut
~, ~" axIty of temporizing expediency, until fi-
w %g Monroe may grant all that Madison had not
S s.ueu, and dangerous scion, grated from the
emlnated nurseries Of Hartford, bear again for
bitter fruits Of future, and, if so, fatal contests.
western and southwestern convention at Memphis
10y conhne It's action TO legitimate range Of OBJ
LIS NV oGt who cannot see Immediately beyond these
~ oner objects to which the concentrated energy
, - ne general government would be desirable
o.n u Just beyond this again. the case which would
u, M lnlo existence the erpedisncy which would APP
m p. the money Of the national treasury and
T~ me territory and the powers of the States;
n ne pillows are again swelling; and before another