Mississippi Democrat., 1845-03-19

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.laiiye department Of the government, Tor
mowers which have been withheld from the
federal g.yornmant by the constitution
By the theory Of our government, malorl-
tics rule; but this right is not 40 arbitrary
ono. Il is a right to be exercised in sub
ordination to tue Constitution, and in con
formi,y 10 It. One great object Of the
constitution was to restrain majorltes from
expressing minoriies, or encroachng upon
their Just rights. Miuorities have right
to appeal to the constitution, as shield
against such oppression.
That the blessings Of liberty which our
Constitution secures may be enjoyed alike
by minorites and majorilies, the Ezecn'
tive has been wisely invested with quail
fed veto upon the acts of the Legislature.
1t is negative power, aud is conservative
in It's character. 1t arrests, for the time,
hasty, inconsiderate, or unconstitutional
legislation; invites reconsideration, and
transfers questions at issue between the
legislative and executive departments, 10
the people. Like all other powers, il is
subject 10 be abused. When Judiciously
and properly exercised the constitution il.
self may be saved from lnfraction, 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 united and confederated
States, our people are permitted collective
ly aud individually, to seek their own hap
piness in their own way; and the conse-
quer ces have been most auspiclous. Since
the Union was formed, the number of
States has increased from thirteen to twen-
ty-eght, two of these have taken their po.
silon as members OF the coniederacy with
in the last week. Our population has in
creased from three 10 twenty millions -
New communities and States are seeking
protection under its agis and multitudes
from the old world are aocking to our
shores to participate in its blessings. Be-
meath its benign sway, peace and Prospe-
rity prevail
Free from the burdens and miseries Of
war, our trade and intercourse have ex-
tended throughout the world. Mind, no
longer taskcd in devising means TO accom-
plish or resist schemes of ambition, usur-
patton, or conquest, is deyoting itself to
mans true interest, in developing his fac
ullies aad powers, and the capacity of ma
ture TO minister TO his enjoyments. Genius
IS free to announce its inventions and dis
coveries, and the hand is free TO accom-
oish whatever the head couceiyes, not in
with the rights Of a fellow
1eing. All distinctions of birth or rank
nave been abolished. All citizens, whether
native or adopted, are placed upon terms of
precise equality. Alarc entitled TO equal
lights and equal protection. No union ex.
SITS between church and state, and perfect
reodom of opinion is guaranteed TO all
IecIs and creeds.
These are some Of the blessings secured
o our happy land by our federal Uuion.--
70 perpetuate them we should assign limits
o the achievements of free minds and free
lands, under the protection of this glorious
Union! No treason to mankind, since the
organization of society, would be equal in
ltrociiy TO that Of him who would lift his
iand TO destroy it. He would overthrow
ho noblest structure Of human wisdom,
which protects himself and his fellow man.
He would stop the progress Of tree gov
and involve his country either in
lnarchy or despotism. He would extn-
guish the fire of liberty which warns and
the hearts of happy millions, and
invites all the nations Of the earth 10 imi-
ate our example. If he say that error
md wrong are committed in the admins
ration Of the government, let him remem-
ser that nothing human can be perfect;
md that under no other system Of govern
nent revealed by Heaven, or devised by
nan, has reason heen allowed so free and
'road scope TO combat error. Has the
WORD of despots proved TO be safer or
iurer instrument of reform in government
han enlightend reasona
Does he expect TO find among the ruins
If this Union happier abode for our
warming millions than they now have un-
Ter it? Every lover of his country, must
hudder a, The thought of the possibility of
is dissolution, and viii be ready to adopt
he patriotic sentiment, "Our federal Union
lit must be preserved To preserve it,
he compromises which alone enabled our
athers 10 form common constitution for
he government and protection of SO many
States and distinct communities, of such
diversified habits, interests, and domestic
Institutions, must be sacredly AID religious
y observed, Any attempt to disturb or
destroy these compromises, being terms Of
The compact nj Union, can lead 10 none
other than the most ruinous and disastrous
1t is source Of deep regret that, in
some sections of our country, misguided
persons have occasionally indulged in
schemes and agitations, whose object is the
r,f donnaStio in stit,,tinnS nvistinr