Iowa territorial gazette and advertiser. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa Territory [Iowa]) 1840-1846, 1845-03-15

~ Of our system, and even thres:cned the
psrpetuity of oar glorious Union.
ITO the Ststes respectively, or to the
people," have been reserved 4sthe powers
not delegated to the United States by the
Constitution, nor prohibited BY It to the
States Each State is q complete sover-
eighty within the sphere Of its reserved
powers. The Government Of the Union,
acting within the sphere Of its delegated
authority, is also complete sovereignty
While the general government should abb
stain from the exercise Of authority not
clearly delegated to it, the States should
be equally careful that in the maintenance
Of their rights, they do not overstep the
limits Of power reserved to them. One
Of the most distinguished Of my predeces-
sovs attached deserved importance 10 "the
support Of the State governments in all
their rights, as the most competent ad-
ninistration for our domestic concerns,
and the surest buiwark against anti-repub-
lican tendencies; and to the 1preservation
Of the general government in its whole
constitutional vigor, as the sheet anchor
Of our peace at home, and safety abroad. =
To the government Of the United States
has been entrusted the exclusive manage
ment Of our foreign affairs. Beyond that,
i wields few general enumerated pow
ers. 1t does not force reform on the
States. Itleaves individuals, over whom
it casts its protecting influence, entirely
free to improve their own condition by the
Legitimate exercise of all their physical
and mental powers. It is common pro-
tector Of each and all the States; Of every
man who lives upon our soil, whether Of
native or foreign birth; Of every religious
sect, in their worship of the Almighty ac-
coIding TO the dictates of their own con-
science, Of every shade of opinion, and
the most freeinquiry; Of every trade, art
or 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
inen, ever devised by human minds, has
been tested by its successful operation for
more than half a century; and if preserved
from the usurpations Of the federal gov
eminent 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 de-
vote myself with anxious solicit,,de. 1t
will be my desire to guard against that
most fruitful source Of every danger to the
harmonious action of our system, which
consists in substituting the mere discretion
and caprice of the executive, o. Of major
tiles in the legislative department Of the
government, for powers which have been
withheld from the federal government by
the constitution. BY the theory of our
government, 1majorities rule, but this right
is not an arbitrary or unlimited one. Il is
Alright to be exercised in subordination to
the constitution, and il conformity to it,
One great object af the constitution was 10
restrain mMorities from depressing minori-
ties, or encroach upon their just rights
Minoritics have a right to appeal 10 the
constitution, as shield against such op-
preston.
That the blessings Of liberty which our
Constitution secures may be enjoyed alike
by minorities and majorities, he -execu-
tive has been wisely invested with a quail
iied veto upon the acts of the legislature.
Il is negative power and is conservative
in It's character. 1t arrests for time hasty,
inconsiderate or unconstitutional legisla-
tion,-invites reconsideration, and trans
fers questions at issue between the exec-
utive and legislative departments to the
tribunals Of the people. Like all other
powers, it is subject to be abused. When
;adiciously and properly exercised, the
constitution Itself may be saved from in
fraction, and the rights Of all preserved
and protected,
The inestimabie value of orr federal
union is felt and acknowledged BY ALL
BY this system Of united and confederated
States, our people are permitted collective
" and Individually, to seek their own hap
piness in their own way; and the conse-
quences have been most suspicious. Since
the Union was formed, the number Of the
States has increased from thirteen to TWEEN.
| ty eight: two Of these have taken their 20.
sition in the confederacy within the last
week. Our population has increased from
three to twenty millions. New commu.
mites and STATES are seeking protection
under its ngis, and multitudes from The
Old World are focking to our shores e
participate in its blessings. Beneath its
benign sway, peace and prosperity pre-
vail. Freed from the burdens and mise
ries Of war, our trade and intercourse have
| extended throughout the world. Mind nc
longer tasked devising means to accom-
plish or resist schemes Of ambition, usur-
] patton, O. conquest, is devotinr itself
to mans true interests in developing his
faculties and powers, and the capacity q
nature TO minister to his enioyments.-
Genius is free to announce its inventions
and discoveries; and the hand is free 10
accomplish whatever the head conceiyes,
not incompatible with the rights Of q fel.
iow-being. AL Distinctions Of birth or
rank have been abolished. All citizens,
whether native or adopted, are placed up-
on terms Of precise equality. All are en-
titled to equal rights and equal protection.
No union exists between church and STATE.