The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-02-16


The River H.Ibor Bill.
Our time has been fully occupied for the last few
days that we have not called attention to the fact that
the river and harbor bill is pending in the House
Of Representatives. We have not seen the bill, and we
do moi know what particular appropriations it contains,
do know the aggregate it proposes to appro
pirate Our opinion of this species of legislation has
been expressed too often to need repetition. II it was
desirable for the federal government TO engage in
tended system Of internal improvements. think with
Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Polk that the constitution should
first be amended in order confer the power upon Con-
gress But we do not think desirable for the federal
government to engage in such general system. 1t s
calculated to lead TO corrupt combinations and high
to be- divided by the parties to such combinations The
government will become embarrassed, and perhaps
almost bankrupt, while the States will, distinct
bodies lose that influence which is so necessary to
preserve the purity of our institutions They will be-
come suppants the footstoo Of federal bounty
and each OF them submit ruinous taxation in or
der to sustain distant works, in which they have no in
tsres, become parties combinations having for their
object appropriations from the in order to build
up their local interests.
II TO that the present occasion is peculiarly
,nsuited to the adoption of system of internal i'm
rs. and the annual expenditure is more than fifty
lions. The Secretary, in his annual report, informs
C,ngress and the country that there will soon be de.
hcency in the treasury, and that liabilities will
mature which cannot according his judgment be dis
charged by the accruing revenues 1t seemsto there
FORE that. leaving out of view the constitutional ques
en, and the many overwhelming objections which can
DO urged against the system proposed be adopted the
If
its adoption. The government should be economically
administered and the national debt should be exngushed
at the earliest possible moment No new subject
OF expenditure should be added the long list of items
which are exhaustng the treasury without stringent ne
csssty. We know that there are many who think they
have an interest in making the expenses Of the govern
msnt a. great as possible There is large wealthy. and
influential class which nothing for river and harbo
improvs yet will sustain Them sustain any sim
lar me 7ement because ii is willing create necessity
for greater expenditure to be met by greater taxation Let
such be con,ened or pc rhaps worse may come There
may be result they de no, anticipate If the game played
too far it may the people to make radical
change in the laws than the friends of specifics
and minimums desire. The people may think Of trying
what effect the form in which the revenues Of the gov
eminent are furnished has over the amoun, of expend
ture.
Mr.. Folks veto message OF December, ls47, nearly
exhauss this subject Ii shows that the constitutional
power wanting 10 enter into general system Of inter-
nal improvements. And VIII ere is it TO stop Who
shall say Thus far, and no further" You begin with
two millions, and next session Of Congress you will be
asked for an immense amount-perhaps, one hundred
millions OF dollars The amount Of appropriations being
increased will lead 10 increase Of taxation The tariff
l.. Il "A al -
each Others hands The character of the government
will begin to be changed; combinations will be
formed new interests will be created TO extend the
powers OF the general government; and only will
log rolling be produced between different sections Of
internal improvement, but between internal improve.
ment and the tariff These views we have so frequently
stated that is not necessary TO expaate upon them
this moment
There is decided power il the constitution upon thi.
subject except 10 give the States the power TO lay duty
tonnage, "wb the consent Of Congress" Should any
power be wanted the first step should be to amend
the constitution, and confer the powerful, with the ne
csssary restrictions to guard against its abuses or ex-
cesses:
Should any great object Of improvement ex., in our
widely extended country which cannot be effected by
levied by the States with the
Of Congress. IL is safer and wiser apply the States
ihs mode prescribed by The constitution, for amend
Of that whereby the powers of the gene
raj government may be enlarged, with such limitations
and rsuctions experience has shown to be proper,
than assume and exercise power which has not been
granted or which may be regarded as doubtful in the
opinion Of large portion ofour constituents This
has been recommended successfully by Presidents Jeer-
son, Madison Monroe, and jackson, and fully
with thsm in opinion II enlargement OF power should
BE- deemed proper will unquesonably BIO granted by the
statesj If otherwise IL will be withheld and, ia either
dAria he In
proper 10 add that the investigation Of this subject has
Impressed mo moro strongly Than with the solemn
conviction that the usefulness and permsncnce of this gov
eminent and the happiness Of tho millions whom it
spreads its protection, will be best promoted by carefully
sbeainng nom the exercise of all powers oleay grant
"a By the constitution"
Dsnghsfsi Hsws.-Awrsvai of sh. Afrscs.
By telegraph late last night we were informed Of the