The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-01-01

me Union New YORK. fhsdspA and Boston, and receipt for
payment for ths
Happy new Year
We cordially tender TO patrons and readers the CON-
plimenis OF the season
The Tarsn and Internal Imprsvsmsais.- Monopoly
and Eatrsvas&nss.
The administration is now committed by the message
prepared by the cabinet and sent into Congress in the
name Of General Tayor-to two measures constituting
however, but system Of policy Those measures are
high prohibory tariff and mitess system OF internal
improvements. we say lim,ess system, because the
language OF the message TO imply that there is to
be no bounds set to its extravaganza II not only pro.
poses to carry at the expense OF the general govern
ment. all the works begun or contemplated. but il
suggests that preliminary surveys should be commenced
with view to the increase OF the system to an in.
definite extent. We are therefore, to have, If the
suggestions OF the message carried out to their
ultimate purpose scheme of public expenditure for
roads, canals. rivers and harbors as magnificent ex-
nayagant. and corrupng that under the admnisra-
ton Of the younger Adams which was arrested by the
veto Of the late ustrous Patriot Of the Hermitage AT
that period not only large appropriations made for
the purpose Of carrying extensive system OF inter-
nal improvements, then commenced but surveys were
made and projects started, the contamination OF which
would have involved expenditure Of at least one hun
bred millions Of dollars.
AT the time. high prohbitory tariff system was
devised which enabled the manufacturers to levy boun
ties upon the people, in the shape OF increased prices
which the MONOPOLY OF the market, secured to them
through the fundamentally OF an excessive tariff ena
bled them TO charge upon their fabrics AT that early
period, in consequence Of the heavy demand the
capacity OF the manufacturers to supply the consumption
OF the country, comparatively large de-
rived from duties imposed foreign manufactures i'm
ported into the country under the then existing tariff
Thus the tariff produced large revenues and the grand
scheme Of internal improvements, adopted part Of
the system then known as the American system, was
the device by which il was to be got rid Of The two
measures then, as it is now intended they shall CO. went
together hand in hand The expenditures for internal i'm
provements created the necessity Of higher taxation in the
form Of the tariff and thus the purposes Of the monopo-
lists subserved by the joint operation Of both
measures That system exploded by Gen. Jackson.
and il is sought to be renewed by FEDERALISM under
the auspices Of Gen. Taylor.
We opposed to that system Of policy, and the two
measures which constitute il in parthe third and re-
manning branch OF the system being the distribution Of
the proceeds Of The sales Of the public lands The latter
measure, and the internal improvement system were de-
vsed for The purpose Of smpfyng the treasury and the
tariff system was the expedent by which it was to be
again replenished. ssg
With regard to our views upon monopoist tariff, they
have been so often expressed that tits unnecessary
to repeat them shall therefore, confne our remarks
to the remaining branch Of the system by which the policy
Of the monopolsts is to be wrought out-namey, INTER
NAL IMPROVEMENTS.
We are opposed to this system, both upon principle and
expediency. We do not think the constitution gives
Congress the power TO appropriate money from the treas
ury of the general government, to be expended upon
roads, canals, rivers, harbors, the limits OF the
States We do not propose to 60 into an argument
in support Of this pointhe able and splendid message OF
Mr. Polk upon this subject being fresh in the recollection
Of readers, document which contains the most con-
elusive reasons against the power Of Congress in relation
to this subject and 10 which we woald respectfully refer
the reader We will only say, that the support.
OF the doctrine that Congress has power 10 an.
propaie the money Of the general government for inter-
nal Improvements do not pretend that they can find any
express grant for it in the constitution II is constructive
only; and being independent and integral power the
exercise Of which is not necessary TO carry any other
power granted in the constitution, is assumed in direct
violation Of the clause Of that instrument which prohibits
the exercise Of all powers not expressly delegated TO Con-
gress.
We are opposed TO il because il nteferes with the in
ernal affairs of the sovereign States of this conederacy
The great principle which lies the foundation OF this
government s, that is the creature OF compact be.
tween sovereign and independent States In creating the
general government. the States which were the original
parties to the compact intended part with their
attributes Of sovereignty and Independence. except to
very limited extent; and therefore they clothed their
central government agency with general powers. re-
latng mainly TO their external and foreign affairs
all other powenall the great and necessary duties Of
internal and municipal reserved to them
selves And upon the careful recognition and observance
on the part Of the general government OF the right OF
the States to manage their internal concerns and TO reg
uiae their municipal affairs, depend the preservation Of
the State governments and the liberties Of the people
Every usurpaton Of power by the Genital government
week.-mrs. that OF the States and thus tends to consol
daton. The obteraton Of the State governments and
perfect consolidation would result in central despo,i.m
10 preserve this great distinction between the central and
State governments and TO prevent consolidation. ha.
been the occasion OF unceasng struggle between the re-
publican and federal parhesthe former con,ending for
strict construction OF the constitution and the latter for an
unlimited one Therefore, the democratic party as BODY
have oDpoaed The annronr,.f,oa. ~ ~