The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-12-16

THURSDAY NIGHT. DEC. 10, ls47.


upon the public mind almost, if not altogether as pro
found that which has been caused by the annual
message. Familiar have been for many years
with the imposing array OF objections the doctrine and
policy OF internal improvements by the general govern
ment yet free confess that we have never seen
those objections summed up SO powerfully as in the
present message. The Presidents exposure Of the mani
fold evils and corrupons, which, apart from any inquiry
as constitutional power, necessarily nhee the sys
tenn to absolutely irresistible and conclusive
Upon this point. at least, the question may be well
regarded as settled in so far as argument can settle it,
In no previous veto message upon an Internal Improve
men Bill has this most important branch OF the subject
been so uminously discussed.
In connexion with this topic the exposition cogen
y presented the message OF the considerations which
recommend the prosecution of such internal improve
mens may be necessary, by the States themselves
raising for this purpose, (under that clause OF
the constitution which authorizes the States, with the
consent of Congress- to impose duties upon tonnage WILL
we are persuaded impress the public mind with great
force In the treatment of this part OF his subject Also
no candid man deny that the President has made
the strongest yet presented to the country in vnd
cation OF the policy which he recommends
The appearance OF the message at this moment is most
opportune. While the force and completeness of its
argument and the well-matured care and excellence
of its style, utterly preclude the silly suggestion
made yesterday, that it has been prepared hastily and
with reference to the topics just before Congress,
we yet congratulate the friends of sound constitutional
opinions upon this important subject that the message
presents itself at this moment unanswerable refutaton
of the old federal sophistry which the House of Rep
rcsentaves has been listening during the debate Mr..
vinton's proposition. distinct and unequivocal
presenment Of the Internal Improvement doctrines of old
federalism than has been given by the wing speakers in
this debate has been heard 1t is well that the OPP
poste doctrines for which the democratic party has so
long conended should find at this moment expression
equally distinct and formal and such expression is
given in message and given with unsurpassed force
We deem this fact the more important because it is alto
gether manifest that the present attempt saddle the
treasury with the burden of system of internal improve
ments the extent and end of which no pretend
to oresee is directly calculated if not designed. to
barrass government and seriously cripple its ener
gies in the vigorous prosecution of the war. In this
view, it is amusing to hear the wing leaders insisting
that in past times, 30 at present. this purpose OF IN
ternal Improvement looks only to the expenditure of
surplus in the treasury, and not to the creation OF
creased public debt What possible is there in the
present condition of the country and of the treasury,
for any such Pretence Does the present House of Rep
resentatives see SO immediate prospect Of surplus in
the treasury during the to make it necessary
for them without any delay, to raise Committee on Inter-
nal improvements in order to look objects upon which
can be expended On the contrary if the general gov
eminent is now to undertake to make roads, canals
or harbors or navgable rivers the first thing to be done
is to borow the money for the this
while the credit of the country is already needed to
tain the character of the nation during the war; and to
bring back the blessings of peace just soon peace
can bring with il justice, and honor. and indemnity. In
this point of view it very easy to why such scheme
of internal improvement should not be set foot;
and it is not easy to see why the time OF the popular
branch OF Congress should this uncture be consumed
in its further preliminary discussion.
In TRUTH this question: at all times fraught with great
difficulties and objections presents itself at this time
in more embarrassing and fearful aspect We are
in the midst of foreign war. We require all the
means which we command for its vigorous pros
ecuiion We want men; but they can be obtained.
We want money; and money cannot be obtained on
acceptable TERMS unless finances be unettered and
our credit high Without money, the gallant soldiers
who have fought their way into the heart OF Mexico,
and won the admiration OF the world, cannot be clothed
and fed and lodged. Deny them the means of support
and they will be compelled to trail their arms in
ing and to retire from their conquests disgrace And is
this the reward which they to receive for their
vices this the recompense for the blood they have
lost and the glories they have achieved'
The opposition have spared to paralyze our
efforts and cheer the enemies of their country Some
tine since we wanted money. We had to obtain it by
loans The wing presses attempted to defeat the plans of
the Treasury; boldly announced that loans could
not be eected that finances were embarrassed and
credit PROSTATE. All this camor in vain. Three
four times much money offered the Treasury
wanted Instead of deprecated stock, obtained our
loans above par But the is protracted by the OBJ
stnacy of the enemy and the encouragement which
they are receiving from factous opposition in our
country. We want money. The Secre-
ary frankly communicates to Congress the amount
which our triumphant armies may want for their
supports and it is at this very moment that another
scheme is brought forward, which is calculated to |
strike at the finances, and njure the credit of the ma
ton II is proposed by the leading wings Of the House
create new committee to take charge of the commerce
among the States 1t is avowed that this committee is
designed to superntend the internal improvements of the
county and it is not denied that rivers are to be cleared
out roads constructed and canals excavate at the dis
creton OF Congress There is no stopping place in this