The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-11-18

ssnhng 70 compacs by old arranging their bounda-
res, has the power OF bringing States within the mane
OF the constitutions which. left in their present state and
to their acts. would be without IT, Such eonsuc-
ton would permit State owning the whole oil r'ver
TO cede portions OF il other States with the assent OF
Congress- and thereby bring such river within the con-
situlion BY assuming such rule, concede to Con-
xress and the States the right to contract or expand the
powers Of the constitution States having majority in
both houses OF Congress might. BY concerted move
men rearange their boundaries 10 bring their prn-
cpal waters wnhn the improving power OF Congress
while all others might remain or become excluded No
such constructions be sustained. Unlil distinctly
conferred by The sovereign power. prudent regard Tor
common rights will require US 10 refrain from the ex'
ercse of any such power If resort to il for authority
distractions in the bed OF river, may we not,
when cheaper, cut canal around them The power 10
construct roads and canals is hardly claimed by any
one II may cut short canal, the power must
authorize TO make long one II We may make
new channel to float commerce, why may we not
make road for il ! If we may make roads and ca.
nails and improve rivers, may levy tonnage duty or
tolls for their use, il not isfct penalties for avoiding
them The power 10 take toll direct is clear that TO
subscribe for stock and collect through the agency OF
corporation If have the power TO construct useful
internal improvements, it will be difficult assign valid
why may not, like the States, charge COM
pensaiing tolls Blu, independent free State would
submit to such exactions BY adopting and adhering TO
strict construction Of the constitution. avert numer-
evils BY il, the federal government instead OF ex
citing jealousy and discomfort would be the object OF
universal respect, and the author Of nnumerable bless
ings. Instead Of consolidating them into an unlimited
and nsuppor,able desrosm, it would shield and protect
the sovereignty Of the States, and thereby transmit
happy form Of government in strength and purity to re-
mote generations
Appropriations for internal improvements would in
the public burdens, by increasing The
national debt the extent OF the money expended and
interest The records OF the Treasury show that since
Mr. Monroes administration this class Of improvements,
including surveys, has cost immense sum- Past
large expenditures have not diminished the number of
applications, the zeal and perseverance with which
they pressed. The cost OF all such works usually
vastly exceeds the estimates, and the promises Of small
pendtures generally end in disappointment The expense
of works commenced seems never 10 end. Usually
they remain perpetual charge the treasury bill
bracing many OF this class OF works. which received
President Folks veto, appropriated the sum OF l,a7s450,
which, if it had become law, would have added that
amount TO the public debt time of national war. II 10
not unworthy of consideration that public confidence is
shaken in relation 10 the motives which sometimes
prompt applications for expenditures of this kind The
..conveniency of commerce" is always the assigned,
while local interests and private epeculaons often
supposed be the real motives The appearance OF
ions in Congress for Improvements, followed BY pats
OF cities and villages with lots for SALE is well calculated
to awaken such suspicious Ii is far safer TO decline all
action on subjects liable 10 suspicion and possible
injustice, and con6ne care 10 lighthouses, beacons,
buoys, and public pers and such shelters on the ocean
and lakes really requires for safety. IL is
earnestly desired, as far as practicable, TO limit the
discretion OF The Executive over all expenditures. TO
prevent abuse by any unaiihfu public servant. The
laws should under heavy penalties. require all moneys
received on account of the government 10 be promptly
deposited in the public treasury there remain involae
until paid under distinct appropriations made by Con-
gress.
Than the present, suspicious and appropriate
penod could not be selected for this reform. Our
fellow citizens cordially approve the practice OF rigid
economy in public expenditures while they are avsrse
TO all unnecessary discretion over them by public func.
uonafles lney Justly ueprccate nauona ue0t 80 sc
rious public evil. and will hold those creating il, when
not occasoned by patriotic and approved considerations.
to strict and salutary accountability Debts should
be created taxes imposed. when the
therefor not palpable and conclusive to chal.
leDge the appreciation Of all patriotic citizens To
s,ruc, works of internal improvements would be TO in.
crease, without apparent and mperious necessity, and
tend long to perps,uate, national debt This would
elicit the marked censure, rather than the appreciation,
OF the American people. No one Justly appreciang the
slow rewards OF labor, and the toll Of axpayng in debt
en- governments, will seriously contend that national
debt national blessing, any than private
debts are blessings individuals Except when required
by an imperous of public duty. the legislative pow
er should consent to the creation continuance OF
a public debt. and never exercise doubtful power.
Collector RcAneId.
In every political organization that has existed in this
A.. - ~,