The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-07-09

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force OF law. 4 bill was introduced 70
repeal the whole system OF laws, besiow-
ing these extraordinary powers upon the
State Auditor and his jun,a. The pream-
BILE recites that lit IS manifest TO this Gem
eral Assembly that the delegation Of ths
taxing power 10 the Auditor oi State is
clearly and unquestion ably unconsiitulion-
al: yet the magnitude of the interests in
volved, demands formal repeal therefore,
he it enacted, &c., &c. ~ IAN
Now, every man who voted for this bill
must be understood as asserting that the
en- enactments in question were clearly un-
constitutional and their numbers amounted
10 just one-half the Senate, for the bill was
lost by tie vote. ...., ,.-l s.y.,r
And now il is gravely proposed by
committee Of this Convention, to render
this irregular authority constitutional
does it deserve such good fortune? ltis
said that the abuses of yesterday become
the Precedents Of to-day: but are not some
abuses loo outrageous 10 be turned info.
precedents! What is the leading idea. Of
this delegation Of the taxing power 10 a.
small secret conclave. except, darkness,
night, conceament! Is not TO favor and,
afford facilities to the assailants Of the
treasury-to smooth their path and remove
distractions! No stormy debates of Q
popular Assembly; no Senatorial opposition
inquiry, or discussion-no
light, no publicity, but TO the peoples most
important interests are TO be decided upon,
and their treasures granted away by, men
who form their resolution in the recesses
of their own breasts, and render no rea.
son for those resolutions. By men who
must be subjected TO all manner of extra.
neous influences, TO secret solicitations by
night and by noon; in the field, and in the
forest; in the city, and in the country, but
at all times in private. s.
Ii is said that these three despots will be
elected by the people. Was an elective
despotsm the kind of government that our
ancestors fought for! Did they propose
thus to resign all the benefits of discussion
and debate. inquiry, investigation and con-
sideration, in their legislative assemblies2
Is the power Of the purse, infinitely the
most important in the commonwealth, Civ.
en- up 10 secret cabal of three men, in
any other civilized community that makes
The slightest pretensions to popular gov.
On the contrary, is not the
power of the purse, the very power which
he friends Of the people are resoute not
o give up. The old battles between lib.
srty and tyranny have always been fought
upon the appropriation bills. The people
are in no danger now of lorcible tyranny
10 military leader will 60 forth at the head
If his conquering cohorts to inquire or en-.
slave them. but their representatives ara
called 10 as much vigilance now as ever;
or be it remembered that as tyrants of old
prevailed by force, so neutrality-suspicious.
prevail by fraud. The jealousy of the
guardians Of popular rights must now be
against secret and sinister prac.
ises. and suspect everything in the ma
ure of such practices, if the proposition
If the committee shall prevail. lido not
assert that the State Auditor and his small
'abal have done anything wrong, for do
lot know do not assert that they have
lone anything right, for do not know,
laughter and it is not my fault thatI
10 not know, for | never had the means
# knowledge. 1t is one of the curses of
his abominable system, that it turns the
eys Of knowledge against the people and
heir representatives. 1t sends all the most
important affairs of the people to be trans
cted in secret conclave, where the peo.
les representatives are not admitted. 1t
5 said that the Legislature of Ohio has
ad few skilful financers. 1t is not to be
wondered at; practice makes perfect men
annot become skillul without practice;
nd all real, effectual, actual power over
ne treasury Of this great State has long
esided with the State Auditor and his
mall board; these persons, as a matter OF
curse, must possess, and do possess, all
,e little practical skill that exists on the
ubject. 1t is said by genn,emen that we
hight send committees Of the General As
embly TO examine the books of the money
ing and his board; this would be like
ending committee Of farmers and law.
ers to examine the doings of maker of
'athematcal or astron omcal instruments.
'hese gentlemen might be very skilful in
leir respective professions, but they would
nd themselves at loss in entering upon
new line Of business, with which thew
ave had no previous acquaintance. No
IAN is good farmer the first time he ever
rikes fnrrow. No man is good black.
NTH the first time he lifts the hammer.
II we wish the members of the General
ssembly to guard skilfully the peoples
easury-to have any efficient control
'er the matter-we must clothe them with
,tual power on the subject For whoey-
has the actual power and control over
e peoples treasury, will possess the finan.
al skill, and il is our unquestionable in
rest to give that power 10 an Assembly.
numerous that open debate, discussion
i'd investigation will render all sinister
actices, all concealment or frauds i'm
'ssible. suspect everything from con
Gaptto,.o, IL -