The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-03-14

l1ofm'ty To IL. One gTeat oUJect oi TIE
constitution was to restrain majorities
from expressing minorities. or en-
croaching upon their just rights. Mi
norities have right to appeal TO the
constitution, as shield against such
oppression. hla ta94l h4t.i3
| That the blessings Of liberty which
our constitution secures may be en-
Ijos ed alike bv n,inorities and amajori-
ties. the executive has been wisely in
vested with a qualified veto upon the
acts Of the legislature II is a mega
tive power. and is conservative in its
character. 1t arrests for the time has
ty, inconsidernte, or unconstitutional
Legislation; invites reconsideration, and
transfers questions at issue between
the legislative and executive depart
ments 10 the tribunal Of the people
Like all other powers, it Is subject to
be abused. When judiciously and
properly exercised. the constitution
itseifmay be saved from lnfraction and
the rights Of all preserved and protect
ed. la, 1a fH9 a1.rf aai
The inestimable value Of our federal
Union is'felt and acknowledged by all.
By this system of united and confeder-
ated States, our people are permitted
collectively and individually, to seek
their own happiness in their own way;
and the consequences have been most
auspiciou.. Since the Union was
formed the number OF the States hasin-
creased from thirteen to tweDty-eight;
two Of these have taken their postum
as members ofthe confederacy within
the last week. Our population has in
creased from three to twenty millions.
New communities and States are seek
ing protection under its egis. and null
titudes from the Old World are aock-
ing to our shores 10 participate in its
blessings. Beneath its benign sway,
peace and prosperity prevail. Freed
from the burdens and miseries Of war,
our trade and intercourse have extend
ed throughout the world. Mind, no
longer tasked in devising means to ac-
complish or resist schemes Of ambition,
usurpat,on or conquest, is devoting its
elf to mans true interests, in develop
ing his faculties and powers, and the
capacity Of nature to minister 10 his
enioyments. Genius is free to an
nounce its inventions and discoveries;
and the hand is free to accomplish what
ever the head conceives, not incompat-
idle with the rights of a feilow-being.
| All distinctions of birth or rank have
been abolished. All citizens, whether
native or adopted, are placed upon
terms Of precise equality. All are en-
tilted to equal rights and equal protec
ton. No union exists between church
and State; and perfect freedom Of
opinion is guaranteed to all sects and
creeds.
! These are some Of the blessings Sc
cured to our happy land by our federal
Union. To perpetuate them, it is our
sacred duty to preserve it. Who shall
assign limits TO the achievements ol
free minds and free hands, under the
protection of this glorious Union? No
treason to mankind since the organlza-
ton of society, would be equal in afro
city to that Of him VIII, would lift his
hand to destroy it. He would over
throw the nobIest structure of human
wisdom, which protects himself and
his fellow-man. He would stop the
progress of free government. and IN
i volve his country either in anarchy or
4 despotism. He would sxtinguish the
| Are of liberty which warns and AMI
mates the hearts of happy millions, an
invites all the nations of the earth to
initiate our example. If he say that
error and wrong are committed in the
administration of the government, let
| him remember that nothing human can
be perfect; and that under no other
! system OF government revealed by
Heaven, or devised by man. hasreason
been allowed SO free and broad "A scope
to combat error. Has the sword Of
despots proved to be safer or surer
instrument Of reform in government.
than enlightened reason? Does he ex-
pect to find among the ruins of this
Union a happier abode for our swarm.
ing millions than they now have under
it? Every loverof his country must
shudder at the thought of the posslblll-
ty ofits dissolution, and will be ready
to adopt the patriotic sentiment. sour
federal Union---lt must be preserved
TO preserve it, the compromises which
alone enabled our fathers to form a
common constitution for the govern
ment and protection Of SO many States
and distinct, communities, of such d.
versifisd habits, interests, and domes-
tic institutions, must be sacredly and