Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1845-03-07

lave the only sure guaranty against the recurrence
# those unfortunate collisions between the eoeI-
Il and state authorities. which have occasionally
70 much disturbed the harmony OF our system' aho
wen threatened the perpetuiy OF our glorious ohr
on. -
To the states respectively, or to the people
nave been reserved the powers not delegated to
The United-states by the constitution. nor prohioi-
led by it to the states" Each state is complete
within the sphere of reserved pow
ers. The government Of the Union acting within
the sphere of its delegated authority is also COM
plete sovereignty. While the general government
should abstain from the exercise of authority not
clearly delegated it. the states should be equally
careful that in the maintenance Of their rights, |
they do not overstep the limits Of powers reserved
to them. One of the most distinguished of my
predecessors attached deserved importance to "the
support of the state governments in all their rights
as the most competent administration for our do
nestle concerns and the surest bulwark against an
t-republcan tendencies" and to the preservation
of the general government in lis whole constitutional
vigor. as the sheet-anchor of our peace at home d
safety abroad.
70 the government of the United-states has been
intrustcd the exclusive management of our foreign
Sc
merated powers. 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. 1t is common pro-
tector IF each and all the states; of every man who
lives upon our soh. whether of native or foreign
birth: 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 adj
vancement of our country, which have been the
offspring of freedom. and not of power.
This most admirable and wisest system of we'll
regulated selfgovernment among men, ever devised
by human minds has been tested by its successful
operation for more than half century; and, if pre-
served from the usurpations of the federal govern
ment on the hand. and the ex rcise by the
states Of powers not reserved them the other,
will ferventy hope and believe. endure for ages
to come, and dispense the blessings of civil and
ligious liberty to distant generations. TO effect
OBJECTS so dear to every patriot, shall devote my
self with anxious solicitudc It will be my desire
to guard against that most fruitful source Of dam
ger to the harmonious action of our system, which
consists in substituting the mere discretion and
caprice of the executive, of majorities in the
Legislative department of the government, for pow
ers 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. 1t is right
to be exercised in subordnaion to the constitution
and in conformity to it. One great object of the
constitution was to restrain ma oritics from oppres
sing minorites, or encroachng upon their just
rights. Minorities have right to appeal to thu
constitution, shield against such oppression.
That the blessings of liberty which our consti
tuition secures may be enjoyed alike by mnoritie
land majorities, the executive has been wisely in
vested with qualified veto upon the acts of thu
legislature. 1t is a negative power, and is conser
vaive in its character 1t arrests for the time, has
ty inconsiderae. or unconstitutional legislation
invites reconsideration, and transfers questions a
issue between the legislative and executive depart
ments to the tribunal of the people. Like all 9th
l er powers, it is subject to he abused. When judi
ciously and properly expressed, the constitution
itself may be saved from iniraction, and the right
of all preserved and protected.
The inestmable value of our federal Union i
| felt and acknowledged by all. By this system
united and confederated states our people are pei
mitted collectively and individually, t. seek the
own happiness in their own way; and the conse
+. quences have been most suspicious. Since tn
Union formed, the number of the states ha
increased from thirteen to twenty-e ght two
: these have taken their position as members of tn
y confederacy within the last week. Our popuIatio
has increased from three to twenty millions. Ne,
: communities and states are seeking protection ur
der it's egis, and mutitudes from the Old Wort
are focking to our shores to participate in its ble
sings. Beneath its benign sway, peace and pro
n perity prevail. Freed from the burdens and mis-
ries of war; our trade and intercourse have extende
>, throughout the world. Mind no longer tasked
!, devising means to accomplish resist schemes
u ambition, usurpaon conquest, is devoting it<e
;, to mans true interests, in developing his faculti
and powers, and the capacity of nature to minlst
20 his en- joyments. Genius is free to announce
inventions and discoveries; ana the hand is free
accomplish whatever the head conccives, not il
compatible with the rights of fellow-being. A
distinctions Of birth or of rank have been abolis
ed. All citizens, whether native or adopted, a
laced upon terms of precise equality. All are e.
titled to equal rights and equal protection. n
n union exists between church and state, and perfe
l. freedom of opinion is guaranteed to all sects ar
st crccds.
l These some Of the blessings secured to O,
j. happy land by our federal Union. To perpetual
l. them, 1t is our sacred duty to preserve it. WI
e shall assign limits to the achievements of fri
e minds and tree hands, under the protection Of tn
10 glorious Union !! No treason to mankind, sin,
the organization of society, would be equal in
% trccity to that of him who would lift his hand
). destroy it. He would ov rthrow the noble
If structure of human wisdom. which protects hir
t. self and his f,ow-man. He would STOP the Or
lie gress of foe government, and involve his count
If either in anarchy or despotism He would exit
D.. gush the fire Of liberty which warns and ar
mates the hearts of happy millions, ana invit
n all the nations of the earth to initiate our exanp
Id If he say that error and wrong are committed
t! the administration of the government, let him
a. member that nothing human can be perfect al
" that under no other system of government reves
m ed by Heaven. or devised by man, has reas
lie been allowed en- freq nd hrooI , s,ono ..