The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1845-03-15

N""""'uhundi VlHOi, no Wo oHOO'
anchor of our peace al home, and safety
broad
10 The government OF The United States
las been lntrusled the exclusive manage
nenl OF our foreign affairs Beyond thati
wIelds few general enumerated powers.-
Ii does not force reform on the States /
caves individuals, over whom il casts lis
protecting influence, entirely free to improve
'heir own conduon by the legitimate exer
else Of all their mental and physical powers.
II is common protector OF each an.l all .he
S'ales' ol 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 then
own conscience; of every shade of opinion.
and The most flee inquiry; Of every art,
trade and occupation, cOnsisteul with the
laws of the States. And we reinire IN the
general happiness, prosperity aud advance
ment OF our country, which nave been the
offspring OF freedom, aud not oi power.
This most edmlrabIe and wsesl system
well regulated sell government among men,.
ever devised by human minds has been
tested by lis successful operation for more
man half 4 century; and, it preserved from
the usurpations Of The federal government on
The oGe hand, and lhe exercise by the Sla,es
oi powers not reserved 10 them on the other
viii, terven,Iy hope and believe, endure
Tor ages 10 me,and dispense the blessings
oi civil and religious liberty 70 distant gen
eralions. To effect obierls so dear 10 eve
ry patriot, shall devote myself with anx
iOus soIiriude- twill he nv desire TO
guard against that most fruitful source OF
danger to The harmonious action OF our sys
TEN, which consists in substituting the mere
discretion and caprice of The executive, or
OF maJorilles IN the legislative department
of lhe government, for powers which have
been withheld from The federal governmen,
by the constitution. By the theory of our
government, majorilies rule; bu, this right
is not an arbitrary or unlimited one. 1t is a
right TO be exercised in subordinalion 10 the
Constitution, and in conformity TO it. One
great object Of the constitution was to re
strain major'Ies from depressing minorlles
Or encIoachlng upon their usl rights. -
Minorities have righ, 10 appeal 10 tn,
constitution, as a shield agains, such op
preston.
Tha, the blessings of liberty which our
constitution secures may be enjoyed alike
by mlnorities and majorilles, the executive
has been wisely invested with quaIlfe,
veto upon the acts OF the legislature. Ii i,
negative power, and is conservative in it,
character. 1t arrests for the time hasN
Inconslderate, or unconstitutional legislation.
nVil,s reconsideration, and transfers ques
nons al Issue between the legislative anG
executive departments TO the tribunal Uf tl
,'eopIe. Like all other powers /, is suhlec,
To be abused. When judiclously. aud prop
rly exercised, the constitution itself nav
De saved from iniracllon; and the rights ol
al preserved and protected.
The ineslimable value Of our federal u
nlon is fell and ackno wledged by all. B>
his system Of united aud cOnfederaeu
States, our people are permitted, ,coIeclIveI,
aud Individually, 10 seek lheIi own happl
ness in theiI own way; AID the consequen
ces have been most ausplciOus Since The
Union was formed the numbor of States
has increased from thirteen 10 twenty eight;
Two of these have taken their position as
members OF lhe cOnlederacy within HE las
week. Our population has increased from
three 10 twenty millions. New C0mmuni
lies and States are seeking projection undel
It's ngls, and muIt,udes from ,he Old WorI,
are hocking 10 our shores to participate il
Iils blessings. Benenlh lis benign sway
peace and prosperity prevail. Freed from
the burdens and mlseres OF war, our trade
and intercourse have extended throughout
the world. Mind, no longer asked IN de
Vls!ng means To accomplish or resis
schemes OF ambition, ,usnrpauOn or conques
Is devoling itself to mans true interests, it
developing his faculties and powers, and The
lcapacity OF nature 10 minister 10 his eni Joy
ments. Genius is free 10 announce its in
ventlons and discoveries; and the hand j.
free to accomplish whatever the head con
eeves, not incompatible with the rights I"
a fellow being. All distinctions of birth o
of rank have been abolished Al citlzen
whether native or adopted, are placed upoI
terms of precise equality. All are enli
lied 10 equal rights and equal protection. -
No union exists between church and state
and perfect freedom of opinion is guaran
i leed 10 all secls aud creeds.
These are some OF he blessings secuIel
10 our happy land by our federal Union. -
10 perpeluale them, it Is our sacred duty Il
preserve II. Who shall assign limits TO III
achievements of free minds and free hands
( under The protection of this glorious Union
No treason TO mankindf since the organlzt
non of society, would be equal in aroei'
10 that of him who would lif! his hand /
destroy il, He would overthrow the mobiles