The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-03-11

4 ~
whether the power proposed 60 be exercised w,
authorized by that sacred instrument He had an
peaed TO that instrument in this and could knd
no authority therein which would justify HIM
voting either for the amendment Of his eosague a,
for the bill under consideration.
| His colleague who had just taken his seat had en-
deayored TO deduee this power for internal improy,
ments in part from the preamble Of the constitution
But the far-seeng and patriotic wisdom Of the IN.
mers of the constitution did not leave the powers /
conferred upon these subjects 10 the doubtful con-
structlon the whims, the interests, and the logtol
/ ing of the representatives OF the nation, Mr. J.
considered that that instrument was couched In sim
| pie, unambiguous terms, intended 10 be made and
actually made so plain that the mechanic at hh
work bench, the farmer at the plough, though inlet
Tered and unesned, may comprehend its meaning
And amer stating, in the preamble, the great Object,
intended to be secured, the constitution he said went
ON 10 enumerate the delegated powers by which
these great objects are TO be attained. Il wa.
true that the power TO provide for the CON-
mon defence and general welfare was granted
but the manner in which they were 10 be s,.
cured was expressly pointed out and provided
for by the constitution itself II thew v.,s 40
take this power in the broad sense which gentlemen
wished to give TO IL, IL was worse than ,isee..it
was absurd that the powers given to the general
government should be attempted TO be enumer.ted
He referred 10 the grants in the constitution TO Con-
gress OF power over commerce, and other GRAM.
| from which the power Of thess improvements had
been attempted 10 be dedueed. However old.ash
toned 1t might appear however radical and straight
laced il might be, he declared that there was not
solitary provision in the bill now under considen.
uon Which, In his opinion, was authorized by tina,
constitution which he had sworn 20 support.
The gentleman from Ohio, Mr.. FAsAs,l had ia.
quired, If this construction Of the constitution wa
correct. where the power derived TO erect fou.
| Mr.. J. answered, that IL was expressly granted IN
the constitution, and read thereirom the clause 40.
thorizng Congress go exercise like authority IOr
exclusive egislaIlon'l over all places purchased by
the consent OF the legislature Of the State in which
the same shallbe, for the erection Of FORTS magazine
srsensls, dock-yards, and other Deedfal lbuld.
ings." ..... ." ...
Some conversation ensued between Mr. TIB.
BATS and Mr.. JONES on this point.
Mr. J. further referred to certain other grants Of
power IN the constitution, under which the power
for internal improvements had been claimed 10 b
included, and replied to those points which had been
made by several gentlemen, denying all these infer
enees Of power, and adopting for himself liteu
construction OF the constitution And the fact thai
this amendment, made, would 90 for the benefit d
his district, could have influence upon him in M
construction Of the constitution, and the discharge
his solemn duties under it. . @
lie expressed his concurrence in the view,
Of his colleague, Mr.. ANDREW Jonssos,l that
majority Of this House should decide that Coz
provements il their duty to distribute their 40
preparations equally over the country IN proporioa
to the Importance Of the works calling for such in
proyements, regardless Of what might be the view,
the individual representatives Of those sections ia
which such objects Of appropriations are found. Ia
case the constitutional objections were removed The
Tennessee river draining seven States, and capable
: of floating 80 immense an amount Of commences
amount which, If the obstructions in that river were
removed, would be more important than the con-
merce Of the Ohio river--was entitled to receive ia
full share Of appropriations. But for himself \.
ifate ed In hat he adj
Piles Of true and ancient repoblicanism, and denei
the constitutional authority for any of the works q
internal improvement contained in this bill.
. His colleague Mr.. GEHrRrl had spoken about
the democratic party, and about the bed OF Proour
ties. His Mr.. ~ opinion was, that the couaitu-
ton Of the United States and pure democracy wsr
both appropriately represented by the Procrus,sar
bed; and the mon who profess to be democns
wherever they found, and who remained within
the bounds e The constitution, Che did not pretend
to say wik thDse particular bounds esd that psr-
ucular bed we're for others, he knew what thsy
were for himsclf) he would unite cordially and
cheerfnlly with them in carrying our the great prn-
t0ples Of democrucy, and ne would 70 no further
Mr. J. briefly referred to and expressed his regret
at the differences Of opinion which existed among
the various secons of the democratic party on the
subject of internal improvements, and repeated the
declaration that he should stand by the strict and
true construction Of the constitution; and whatever
might be the fate of the principles Of equal rights,
ton of the community by burdening and depressing
other portions, he should adhere to them, and Il
they should go down, he should 90 down with them
) contending for the great principles Of equality,
, of political rishtsia this country. asa
Mr. COBB next obtained the floor, and, ne
quest, yielded to ~
/ Mr.. STROHM, who gave notice of an amend.
ment, when II should be in order, providing that
none of the appropriations contained IN tis bill
should be expended during the year, provided the
tariff OF lS42rshnll be repealed, modified, or d.
tered during the present session Of Congress. ~
Mr.. COBB resumsd the floor, and addressed the
COMMITTEES during his hour In opposition 70 this bin,
on account Of its particular provisions, well ~
account of its being the enteringswedgs Of general
prohigate unconstitutional system Of expenditure for
internal improvements, which would inevitably hM
the government in bankruptcy, and rainous indsb,
ledDess. The ball nous under consideration togsthf
with the pending amendments, proposed sppropnA-
tons of about 1900 600 in round numbers. Thsn
were also other bills lying upon the .able whch,m
amounting 10 between y, 08O, 900 and Ss,OOO, eco
for works Of informal improvement. In theextn.
encc Of these startling facts he found an ample ja
1 mittee. 1900 ! t+s ~ :. W " vaR
the revival Of general system OF internal improve
rnents would entail upon the country; and asowsd
his decided preference for the distribution scheme
ofMr. Clay and the wing party, Ubiquitous and op-
presslye a. Y was, tothe sanction Of this scheme
and It's Adoption by The general government
| Mr.. ROOT followed. He moved 10 amendibs
bill by inserting the following items: sas
"Eor Improving Black river harbor Lake Erie 500
| 81, 4O0n 80 ~ m - - N
The remark of Mr.. R. were directed, in greet
measure, to An tkplanaton Of the necessity Of bob
these appropriations. He then proceeded briefyyp
an examination. II the Rrestion of constitutional
pogpr, ArUsixEi{W undopbted existence, and cor
tending for the Beeessty and ProPriety Of ~ sser
| else.
| Mr.. YANCEY obtainAd The aaa-,- .nd Ipasdee
brief personal xPlanation, which has not been re-
ceived from HING
Mr.. Y then advanced to the question before tia
House, 10 the consideration Of which he devoted tho
remainder Of his hour. He regretted to have OBJ
served how inatentive this House was to the dis
cussion Of a question Involving so large an expend~
ture, and which he considered 30 vastly important
He had listened TO the debate with great interest;
and he should watch the progress Of this bill with
an interest which he could not well express in this
| hail. in the other branch of Congress- lin case IL