The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-12-11

| guage will allow; and | deem it my frs
duty, not to question its wisdom, add to Its
provisions, lcyade its requirements, or null
lify its commands.
Upon you, fellow-citizens, as the repre-
sentatives ofthe States and the people, is
wisely devolved the legislative power.
shall comply with my duty, in laying be-
fore you, from time to time, any informa.
ton calculated to enable you to dis.
charge your high and responsible trust
for the benefit Of our common constituents
My opinions will be frankly expressed
upon the leading subjects of legislation
and if, which, do not anticipate, any act
should pass the two Houses of Congress
which should appear 10 me unconstitution.
al, or an encroachment on the just powers
of other departments, or with provisions
hastily adopted, and likely to produce con-
sequences injurious and unforeseen,
should not shrink from the duty Of return
ing it to you, with my reasons, for your
further consideration. Beyond the due
performance ofthese constitutional obliga-
tons, both my respect for the Legislature
and my sense of propriety will restrain me
from any attempt to control or influence
your proceedings. With you is the pow
er, the honor, and the responsibility Of the
legislation of the country.
The Government of the United States is
a limited Government. tits confined to
the exercise Of powers expressly granted,
and such others as may be necessary for
carrying those powers into effect; and it is
at all times an especial duty to guard a.
gainst any Infringement Of the just rights
of the States. Over the objects and SUBJ
jects intrusted to Congress, its legislative
authority is supreme. But here that au-1
thority ceases, and every citizen who tru-
lyloves the Constitution, and desires the
continuance of its existence and its bless
ings. will resolutely and firmly resist any
interference in those domestic affairs which
the Constitution has clearly and unequivo-
cally left to the exclusive authority of the
States. And every such citizen will also
deprecate useless irritation among the sew.
eral members of the Union, and all re-
proach and elimination tending to ALLEVIATE
one portion Of the country from another.
The beauty of our system of government
consists, and its safety and durability must
consist, in avoiding mutual collisions and
encroachments, and in the regular sepa-
rate ecton Of all, while each IS revolving
in its own orbit.
The Constitution has made it the duty
of the President to take care that the laws
be faithfully executed. In government
like ours, in which all laws are passed by
a majority of the representatives of the
people, and these representatives are cho-
sen for such short periods, that any lnjuri.
Gus or obnoxious law can very soon be re-
pealed, it would appear unlikely that any
great numbers should be found ready to
resist the execution of the laws. But il
must be borne in mind that the country is
extensive, that there may be local interests
or prejudices rendering a law odious in
one part, which is not so in another, and
that the thoughtless and inconsiderate, mis-.
led by their passions, or their imagnations,
may be induced madly to resist such laws
as they disapprove. Such persons should |
recollect that, without law, there can be no
real practical liberty; that, when law is
rampled under foot, tyranny rules, wheth-
Or il appears in The form Of a military des-
oostsm or Of popular violence. The law
s the only sure protection of the weak, and |
he only efficient restraint upon the strong
When impartially and faithfully admins
cred, none is beneath its protection, and
,one above its control. You, gentlemen,
and the country may be assured, that to
he utmost Of my ability, and to the extent
IF the power vested in me, | shall at all
lines, and in all places, take care that the
avs be faithfully executed. In the dis
,harge ofthis duty, sylemnly imposed up
IN me by the Constitution, and by my oath
IF Office, shall shrink from no response
,ility, and shall endeavor to meet the e.
rents as they may arise, with frmness, as
veil as with prudence and discretion.
The appointing power is one Of the most
lelicate with whichthe Executive is invest
ID. | regard it as a sacred trust, to be
exercised with the sole view of advancing
he prosperity and happines of the people.
I shall be my effort TO elevate the stand
lrd Of official employment, by selecting
or places Of importance individuals fitted
or the posts to which they are assigned by
heir known integrity, talents, and virtues.
N so extensive country, with so great a
population, and where few persons ap-
,ointed to Office can be known to the ap-
,ointing power, mistakes will sometimes
lnavoidably happen, and unfortunate ap-
continents be made, Notwithstanding the
greatest care. In such cases, the power of
may be properly exercised; and
neglect of duty Or malfeasance in office
viii be no more tolerated in individuals
myself thanin those appoint
d by others.
am happy in being able to say that no
lnfavorable change in our foreign rela-
ions has taken place since the message
i the opening Of the last session Of Con-
rress. We are at peace with all nafions |,