Democratic banner., 1850-12-23
The MesSaRe.

60 II ere TINS, ana formed IN opinion Iot ulsm-
selves. In our estimation, it is a good document.
1t presents a full and satisfactory statement Of
our public affairs, without any effort at pompous
parade. 1t is concise, and expressed in appro-
PIRATE and digni6ed'tsrms.
The doctrines, as laid down, certainly confict
with the broad, underlined and latitudinarian doc
|trines once adopted and acted upon by the Wing
party in relation to the construction Of the Con-
s~titutiOn. He says, "the Government Of the
United States is a limited Government. It is
confined to the exercise of powers expressly
granted, and such others as may be necessary for
carrying those powers into effect" Again he
says, in accordance with what has been taught
by all the eminent men of the Democratic party,
from the time Of Jefferson down to the present
day, ''no p~retence of utility, no honest c%onvic-
Ition Of what might be expressed, can justify
the assumption Of any power not granted"
But it i not alone in this matter that he has
run counter to the views Of the party that ele-
waited him to power. He has placed himself upon
ground occupied by the opposing party in the
very canvass that resulted in his election. 1t j.
|yet fresh in the recollection of every one, that
the tyranny and oppression of the veto power,
constituted one Of the chief electioneering hob.
bies Of the Wing party in the last presidential
campaign. Though the Constitution was plain in
its provisions, that the President should exercise
his judgment in the examination of a measure pre-
scented to him for his approval, and return it to
Congress with his objections, if he disapprOvsd
of its provisions; yet this provision of the con-
I~stitution was to be virtually abrogated, in the
passiveness and non.committalism of the Execu-
tive. He must disregard his oath, and surren-
der his views to the superior wisdom of Con-
|gress-thus destroying one Of the checks of a
we'll regulated government. President Fillmore
seems to hold in contempt such miserable doc
|trine, and has repudiated all slang about the ZONE
MAN POWER" in one bold stroke, which, for its
boldness and independence, we confess is very
cOmmendable. He says:
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
unconstitutional, or an encroochment on the just
|PoveTs Of the other departments. or Nth provis.
ions hastily adopted and likely 10 produce conss-
|guences injurious and unforeseen,I sho1ld not
shrink from the duty of returning It 10 you With
my reasons, for your further consider afion."
This completely upsets the Taylor platform,
and leaves our Wing friends considerably Tyler
Used. They glorifed Taylor for his declarations
in advance, against the exercise Of this power,
and no doubt they will worship Mr.. Fillmore for
ibis firm and decided adherence to the old repub.
Ilican doctrine on this subject.
On the subject of internal improvements, the
President however takes the broadest possible
ground. The authority to make these improve
ments by the General Government, he asserts,
is derived from the power 'to regulate commerce
with foreign nations and among the States, and
the power Of laying and collecting impOsts."-
Though he does not argue the subject, or dis
ltinctly say to what extent he would carry this
subject-yet that he is in favor of boundless
Iono uEnAnbSSu schcue " improvements "ay VIC
inferred from the expression, that sit is some
what remarkable that among all the t~hirty-one
States, there is none that is not to q greater OF
less extent, bounded on the Ocean, or the Gull
of Msrico, or one Of the great Lakes or som.
nauigabis river" Hence there is no Limitation.
He argues as though it would have to find an Oh.
ject local in its character, for wherever an "sx.
I~tensive traffic" can be carried on--and we pre-
sumo any means which would induce, bring on,
IOr increase such-would fall within the rule laid
down. Therefore, there is no object outside
of it.
He again recommends specific duties, but does
not go to the extent of the Wing doctrine for q
high tariff. He says: "a high tariff can never
be permanent; it will cause dissatisfaction, and
will be changed. 1t excludes competition, and
Thereby invites the investment ofcapital in manu-
~facturss to such an excess, that when changed, 1t
bring, distress, bankruptcy and ruin, upon all
who have been nisled by its faithless protec.
l%tion." 1t is also said that the chief object of a
Tariff, sis to replenish the Treasury" and "if
an accidental advantage may be gained by en-
couraging the industry Of our own citizens, it is