The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-01-17
Governor Clifrora,s message

We have already published telegrap hic
synopsis of Governor CLlFFoRD's inaugural
address to the Legislature of Massachusetts
The following paragraph, however, deserves
to be Reproduced in our columns in more re-
liable FORM: .4 5ls ). ..ass !5qai E35s
-"Therelations sustained by the Commonwealth
to the Government of the Union, and the action OF
that Government on the people of the several
States, must beo us at all times matters of deep
interest. 1t is cur Government in the same sense
and within its constitutional sphere of action EN-
titled to our loyal allegiance in the same degree
as the government of our own Commonwealth, 1t
was established, not league or compact be-
tween independent States, but as a government
founded upon the voluntary suffa ges of the whole
people, in adopting the Constitution of the United
States, and declaring it to be their supreme law.
While, therefore, We may properly give expires
sion to our views and opinions respecting its
action, and endeavor, through the authorized
and constitutional channels, to influence that ac-
ton in such directions as we may deem most pro-
motive of the general welfare Icannot regard it as
any part of our duty, either Legislators or citi-
zens to exhibit our opinions at such times, and in
such modes, as to produce other effect than dis
cord and ilwil; or to endeavor, under their influ
ence to withdraw ourselves from the full perform
ance ofour constitutional obi Cations The people
of the United States have a common history and
common destiny, and there are no adequate COM
pensatons to the interests of the human race that
will justify any action, of States or of Individuals
which tends to impair the strength and integrity
of that Unionaufsder which the great cause of hui
nanity has been SO signaHy advanced and prus.
pered. BY the patriotism of our fathers, and the
favor OF good Providence, there has been estab
lshed here great family Estates; and we, as
peepe.- can ne more .caicnlate the vaue'' Of its
Union, than we can, individuals, calculate the
valos OF the ties which bind together in the re-
latons OF domestic life. - t-.o.' -sSyt.s z-4 nc
The Governor S review of the financial con
dltion of the State brings to light some of the
results of the recent coalition government,
which has left. the treasury With a deficit ofat
least 1868 Goethe deficit for the last year be-
ing over SOC, 900. The excess over the last
years's estimate In the items of cost of legisla-
ton and State printing alone amounts to about
$25,O 900. During the two years of the coali
tion reign, the excess of the cost of State legis
laton, over corresponding years of the last de.
cennal period, has been not less than 81 a. 500.
The remarks Of Governor CEIFToRD upon the
duties Of the Executive Of a State, afford a
satisfactory contrast to the Interpretation, prac-
tically, by several of the Governors whose
messages we have had occasion recently to
epitomise. He says: 40 81 l. :; "a. 5,' :.
!" By the constitution of the Commonwealth it is
explicitly provided, a5 of the chief safeguards
of liberty, that the powers of the respective depart
ments OF the Government shall be kept scrupu-
lously distinct and independent of each other. In
the loose discussions that incident to all our
political contests and controversies, there has been
exhibited Of late manifest tendency to disregard
this great principle, which lies ut the foundation
of our rspublican system. Botbin regard to the
General Government and the government of. The
Commonwealth, there is disposition TO. hold the
Executive responsible for specific measures, theinir
tiation and direction of which belong exclusively
to the Legislature 1t has been found convenic Mt
mode OF discussing this TOPIC, with a view, to its
effect upon the interests Of political parties, to
sneak of the Executive Influence Ia of
legislation. 1t is enough to say that any such in
fuence is illegi,imate, unauthorized, and in its
tendency and spirit departure from the plain re-
qoirsments 0 the constitution The functions of
the Executive are distinctly defined by that nstru
ment. In my judgment, they clearly exclude eyen
the declaration of his opinion with respect to spe-
cc acts of legislation, unless his information up
on the particular subject, the of which
moi equally open TO the Legislature enables him to
aid them BY bis suggestions in the discharge OF
their duties ~ 3 "a 60 II .-- ..t