Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1851-03-29


hed pecdents and be content 10 follow in the footsteps OF
Of the great intellectual lights Of the country let them
unite with the majory in Congress- and with the general
sentiment Of the country and instead Of warning against these
appropriations lend their aid in digesing system Of river
and harbor improvement which will take away the temptation
and put Of the power Of individual members Of Congress
to thrust in their petty local objects to the exclusion Of others
which are Of real magnitude and importance Let them do
this and we shall hear more of these combinations and
corrupons freely charged callupon Southern gen
emen, especially those who most vehement In their OPP
position to this BILL to consider whether they not really
responsible for whatever mpeectons may belong to it. Will
son. Monroe Adams Jackson and Calhoun to say nothing
Of the doctrines Of living statesmen During Gen Jacksons
administrative notwithstanding his famous Of the Mays
vile road, there about FIVE millions of dollars appropra
ted to rivers and harbors Similar though 70
less extent continued through Mr. Van Burens admins
aon the opposition to this bill had been content to
knowledge the authority of these precedens end united with
its friends could have framed bill free from all objec
tons-one satisfactory TO all sections
has been contended by those who doubt the constitutional
power Of Congress make internal Improvement that the
proper course would be TO obtain grant power BY
an amendment 10 the constitution If that practicable
would be against il. opposed 70 general system Of
internal improvements; Iwould not have such power given
by the constitution Some contend that the power exists
to construct roads and canals 10 the States That is not
clear II involves the exercise Of Jurisdiction within the
States which do not hold 70, do think even exPe-
dent make appropriations for such objects would lead
to great progscy to unlimited expenditures and absorb the
treasury stand on the Baltimore platform In relation to in
ternaI improvements am opposed to general system Of
internal improvements, butt am in favor Of the
of the nsvgabe rivers and harbo am favor aording
facilities TO the commerce the great lakes and the navi
gable waters Of the We waters which the States have no
exclusive jurisdiction Of and cannot lawfully obsruc Here
is clear field for the exercise Of jurisdiction by Congress
under the commercial power given in the constitution 10 say
nothing Of tho war and postal power
has been suggesed by high authority that the proper and
just mode Of extending facilities to inland commerce. IN the
improvement Of and harbos would be to authorize the
evog Of tonnage duties upon and other vessels en-
gagged 10 tho commerce upon the lakes and rivers Ii such
mode 30 the best for inland commerce. let II also b adopted
W refsence 10 foreign commerce. The commercial power
gwen BY the constitution IL extensive and unmed when
spPhed 10 inland commerce external Let evenhsnded
justice Dc dealt 70 both. HmsI beg again refer 10 tho con-
1sss beswssu The sxpndrs of tia Government in giving
protection and facilities to sgn and hose given inland