Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1845-03-13

publican tendencies;' and to the preservation o.
the general government in its whole constitutional
vlgor as the sheet anchor of our peace at home
and safety abroad
10 the Government Of the United States has
been intrusted the exclusive management of our
foreign affairs Beyond that, it wieds few gen.
eral enumerated powers. 1t does not force reform
on the States. 1t leaves individuals, over whom,
1t casts lis protecting influence, entirely free to
improve their own condition by the legitimate ex-
erclse OF all their mental and physical powers
| 1t is common protector of each and all the
States, OF every man who lives upon our soil,
whether of native or foreign birth; Of every reli-
glous sect, in their worship of the Almighty ac.
cording 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 de-
vised by human minds, has been tested by its sue
cessful operation for more than half century: and
if preserved from the usurpations of the federal
government 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 to every patriot, shall
devote myself with anxious sohcitude. 1t will be
my desire to guard against that most fruitful
source of danger TO the harmonious action CT our
system, which consists in substituting the mere
discretion and caprice of the executive, or of ma
Jorities in the legislative department Of the gov
ernment, 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 unlimited one.
1t is right to be exercised in subordination to the
constitution, and in conformity to it. One great
object of the constitution was to restrain majori-
tiesfrom depressing mlnorities or encroaching up
on their just rights. Minorities have right to ap-
peal to the constitution, as shield against such
oppression.
That the blessings Of liberty which our consti-
tuition secures may be enjoyed alike by minorities
and majorities, the executive has been wisely in
vested with qualified veto upon the acts of the
Legislature. 1t is negative power, and is con-
servave in its character. 1t arrests for the time
hasty, inconsiderate. or unconstitutional legsla-
ton; invites reconsideration, and transfers ques
tions at issue between the legislative and execu-
tive departments to the tribunal of the people -
Like all other powers, it is subject to be abused.
When judiciously and properly exercised, the con-
stitution itself may be saved from Infraction, and
the rights of all preserved and protected
The inestimable value Of our federal Union is felt
and acknowledged by all. BY this system of uni
ted and confederate States, our people are per-
mitted, collectively and individually, TO seek their
own happiness in their own way; and the conse
queRces have been most auspicious. Since the
Union was formed, the number of the States has
increased from thirteen to twenty eight; two of
these have taken their position as members Of the
confederacy within the past week.
Our population has increased from three to twen-
ty millions New communities and states are
seeking protection under its agis, and mnliitudes
from the Old World are hocking to our shores 10
participate IN It's blessings Dencain llS DeiHSn
sway, peace and prosperity prevail. Freed from
the burdens aud miserles of war, our trade and III
tercourse have extended throughout the world
Mind, no longer tasked in deyising means to ac-
compsh or resist schemes of ambition, usurpation,
or conquest, is devoting itself to mans true inter
ests, in developing his faculties and powers, and
the capacity OF nature to minister to his enjoy
ments
Genius is free to announce its inventions and
discoveries and the hand is free to accomplish
whatever the head conceves, not Incompatible
with the rights of fellow being Ali distinctions
of birth or Of rank have been abolished. All citi
zens, whether native or adopted, are placed upon
terms Of precise equality. All are entitled to equal
rights and equal protection. No union exists be-
tween church and State, and perfect freedom OF
opinion is guaranteed to all sects and creeds.
These are some of the blessings secured to our
happy land by our federal Union. TO perpetuate
them, it is our sacred duty 10 preserve it. Who
shall assign limits to the achievements OF free
minds and free hands, under the protection OF this