The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-10-26

'S'"oA S~n"So"s AhaukurAi Auufcss
Gentlemen Of Me Senate. Of The House Of
Representatives, and FsaoW- citizens
Ii has long been the established custom in this State
upon The inauguration OF the chief executive officer.
shadow forth. in what is termed an inaugural addes.
such opinions as he may entertain ia reference to the
leading and policy OF the State and genera
governments.
| In obedience 10 this custom and to public expecia.
tion, without further prelude will proceed in as brei
and concise manner the nature and the importance
OF the subjects will permit to give such views as may
entertain ~ relation 10 some OF those and pnn-
clples which believe lie al the foundation OF the Two
great parties in this country and involve the existence OF
the government itself The differences of opinion which
have arisen in this are, IN the governments oil the
other quarters o the globe, fundamental in their charac
ter, and such as have existed since first
formed into social communities The beginning point OF
these differences was as TO where the proper odgment OF
| the supreme power should be made-whether in the
hands OF ona or few men, or whether il should
oe continued IN the possession OF the great mass
OF the people, where il Of right belongs Between the
interested and designing few on the one hand, and
The laboIing many on the other, political power has
been vibrating, as The pendulum. from the origin Of
mans social condition 10 the present period OF time
DIVISION of sentiment upon this great problem, in this
country made lis most remarkable development in the
convention which framed the constitution OF the United
States In that convention there were two parliesone
OF them headed by Mr.. Alexander Hamilton, who
tended Tor that form OF government which was strongest
and iahest removed from the Of the people. and
based upon the old monarchical kingiy noion that
man was made Tor government, he not being capable OF
governing himself TIE other party was headed by Mr.
Madison, who contended that government made for
man. he being honest and capable OF governing himself
The ardent contest or struggle between the advocates
OF popular form OF government. vesting the sovereign
power in The mass Of the people, and those who stood
opposed 10 II, resulted IN the formation OF the constu
ton Of the United States as it now sandsless republic
can in many OF its leading provisions, than desired
by those who had confidence in the integrity. honesty
and capablliy OF the people 10 govern themselves. BY
this reference 10 the history Of couniy,t will be at
oace perceived when and where this division OF parties
took its rise aud had It's origin.
IL is most manifest that the difference OF opinion between
paries or more properly The leaders OF parties,
(or the great mass OF the American people are demo
cratic in senment) does not CONSIST in name merely, but
has deeper ounGalon the United Staes, and dates
It's origin anterior to any appeaton by which parties
known and designated in modem times. After The ratl
cation OF the constitution a the United Staes BY The
eral States, and when the government had been put INTO
successful operallon these same parties made their a
parance IN another form, and under another and more
imposing nane-one OF them contendng Tor the exercise
OF all those powers which had been sought express
grants, and refused in the formation OF the constitution,
by implication aiitudinous construction OF the
situton the other conlendng for government OF linz
tied and defined powers, and ior rigid and strict con-
strucuon OF The consultation. One OF these parties was
called The federal party the other the republican or dem
ocratc party.
The federal party from the formation of the govern
men down TO the moment when stand before you, have
commended for the exercise of all doubtful powers on the
part OF the general government without any restraint or
United States has most generally been viewed by them
paper wall through which they could thrust their fin
gers at pleasure or piece OF gam-easc that could be
expanded contracted al the will and pleasure OF The
legislature. 9.es
The democratic republican party hold that this govern
ment one OF limited and fixed powers, and that no
power should be exercised unless 10 expressly
granted and the incidents necessary and proper 10 carry
| II into full and fair edect
presume, at this period OF my public life. It is hardly
necessary for TO state where stand in reference 10
these questions or Limitations OF constitutional power
My past public course has gven conceive, the most
conclusive evidence that have always favored slIic
yet liberal construction OF the constitution hold that
no power should be exercised OF doubtful character
either BY the State or general government IL The exer
else OF doubtful powers by the State or federal govern
ment acquesced in by the people, and persisted IN on
the part OF the law-maker, the whole organic law OF
the land becomes virtually repealed, and the discre
ton Of the usurpins legislator becomes the measure
and only limit OF his power Our only hope and safe
guard against the consummaion OF the fearful tendency
OF federal policy on the part OF the general government
10 the States tor enlargement OF such power, such
expression OF opinion on their part as provided IN the
constitution OF the United States, as will see all doubt
ambiguity in relation TO the exercise OF such doubtful
power And il the people OF the several States con
vnced ha, The additional grant OF power asked for s for
the public good, it will be most readily conceded and
the contrary hey are no, well .I'sd he'd Ss' h Is
eminent rigdly confined within s prescribed orbit.
In this connexion, do most soemny declare that, al
this very period OF lime, believe that the heavy and
weghiy responsibility rests upon the great democratic
party OF this nation, OF recurring once more TO first pIn.
cples-io the original design OF the govenment-and, II
possible, TO bring back 10 ts primitive republican sim
plicity and economy and also TO conhne IT within the
ancient landmarks laid down by JeferAon and his pa
ote associates in the earlier and purer days OF the re-
public
f there divisions OF the democratic party, claim
belong thai division OF il which will stand firmly By
the combined and recorded judgment OF the people. unit
changed or modified by them and which wil u u has
the power, carry industry, economy REFORM and rsd re-
! sponsibly into every department OF The government
belong to that division OF democracy proper which Is
progressive, no, violation OF, but 10 conformity with
the law and The constitution, and which holds tna man
capable when becomes necessary. oil altering or amend
ing the Law and the constitution so as 10 conform 10 ms
advanced and constantly advancing social and nteecu
al condition we'll aware that there are some whose
fears easily aroused and who become greatly alarm
whenever herc proposition TO change the organic
law either OF The States or general government, which
apprenend proceeds from want OF confidence on thei
pa in the integrity and capacity OF The people TO govern
! themselves To all who entertain such Tears VIII
most respectfully say that entertain none and with due
Difference TO Their fears and opinions. will ask the ques
uon. II not capable and is not 10 be trusted with
the government OF hlmsef IL he TO be trusted with inc
government of oibeni Who, then. viii govern lhs
answer must he--man; for we have no angels IN the
shape OF men, yet who are willing TO lake charge OF
our political affairs Man not perfect II s tiue but We
ali hope ne appfoximstng perfection, and that he viii
in the progress OF time reach this grand and most import
ant end in all human affairs.
have not deemed il improper nor out oil place on h'
occasion to make single alluson TO the young men o.
our eounrv MANY OF them, while at academies and
colleges and when in The study OF their professions. I'M
percaptlbIy imbibe notions pTelud'cal TO democracy
Tne,r wealth. and too frequently their precep,os-many
their literary aianmen,s and assumed superior nerma
ton on most subiectsnspire their students with false