The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-14

our past progress; and TO the influence OF
these causes may be added The influx Of
laDoring masses from eastern Asia to the
PACING side OF our possessions, together
with the probable accession OF the popula-
tions already existing in other parts of our
hemisphere, which, within the period in.
question, will feel, with yearly incre asif1e
force, the natural attraction Of so vasf.
powerful, and prosperous confederation
of governing republics, and viii seek
the privilege Of being admitted within. it's )
safe and happy bosom, transferring with
themselves, by a peaceful and healthy bro.
cess of incorporation. spacious regions Of
virgin and exuberant soil, which are des-
tined to swarm with the fasi-growing and
fast spreading millions OF our race
These considerations seem fully to JUS
tify the presumption, that the law of pop.
ulation above stated will continue to act
with undiminished effect. through at least
the next half century; and that thousands
Of persons who have already arrived at
maturity. and are now exercising the
rights Of freemen, win close their eyes on
the spectacle Of more than one hundred
millions of population embraced within the
majestic proportions Of the American
Union. IL is not merely as an interesting
topic Of speculation that present these
views for your consideration. They have
important practical bearings upon all the
political duties we are called upon to per-
form. Heretofore, our system Of govern
ment has worked on what may be termed
miniature scale. in comparison with fhe-
development. which it must thus assume,
within a future so near at hand. as scarce.
ly 10 be beyond the present Of the existing
generation.
1t is evident that a confederation so vast
and so varied. both in numbers and in ter
ri,orial extent. in habits and IN interests,
could only be kepti in national cohesion by
the stric,est fidelity 10 the principles ofihe-
con stiiution, as understood by those who.
have adhered to the most restricted con-
struclion Of the powers grantedby the peo-.
pie and the States. Interpreted and ap-
piled according TO those principles. The
great compact adapis iiselt with healthy
ease aud freedom 10 an unlimited exten--
sion ofthat benign system ofiederatiye self
governments. oi which il is our glorious and,
trust immortal charter Let us. then.
with redoubled vigilance. be on our guard
against yielding ioithe temptation OF the
exercise of doubtful powers, even under
the pressure Of the motives of conceded
temporary advantage and apparent tenn
porary eNpediency.
The minimum Of federal government,
compatible with the maintenance of ma
tional unity and efficient action in our re-
lations with the rest of the world, shoultH
afford the rule and measure Of construction
oi our powers under the general clauses of
) the constitution. Aspirit Of strict Difference
to The sovereign rights and dignity Of every;
State, rather than a disposition 10 subor.
dinate the States into a provincial relation
to the central authority should characterize.
: all our exercise OF the respective powers
, temporarily vested in US as a sacred trust,
from the generous confidence ,oi. our con-
stituents.
f In like manner. as manifestily indis.
pensable condition Of the perpesuaion
, OF The Union, and OF the realization Of that
!. magnificent national future adyerted 10,
does the duty become yearly stronger and
S clearer upon US, as citizens Of the several
y States, TO cultivate fra.ernal and affection
j al spirit. language and conduct. in regard
0 to other States. and in relation 10 the varied
f interests, institutions, and habits OF sen,i.
g ment and opinion which may. respective
Il ly characterize them. Mutual forbearance.
a respect, and acknowledgements in our perso.
/ nal action as citizens and an enlarged
: exercise of the most liberal principles of
o comfy in the public dealings of State
i with State, whether in legislation or in the
: execution oflaws, are the means 10 perpet.
: uaie that confidence and iratern,iy, n
! decay Of which a mere political uni
i on so vast a scale, could not long survive.
1 In still another point OF view, is an inn
: portant practical duty suggested by this
o consideration of the magnitude of iimen-
/, sions, to which our political system. with
: its corresponding machinery OF govern
S ment, is sosrapidly expanding. With in.
g creased Vigilance does il require us 10 cul-
n tivate the cardinal virtues Of public frugal.
e ity and official integrity and purify. Pub.
J. lie affairs ought to be SO conducted that q
n settled conviction shall pervade the entire
i Union. that nothing short of the highest
n tone and standard of publicmorality marks
J. every part Of the administration and leg
!. islation OF the general government Thus
e will the federal system, whatever expan.
: sion time and progress may give il. con,in-
d ue more and more deeply rooted in the
h love and confidence Of the people. syi
II That wise economy, which is as far re-
s moved from parsimony as from corr,int
o and corrupting extravagance e,-ihat single
e regard Tor the public good. which will frown
d upon all attempts to approach the ire asury
n with insidious projects OF private interes,
e cloaked under public pretexts, ,-that sound
u fiscal administration, which, in the leRis.
d flatiye department, guards against the dan
9 lgerous temptations incident to overfowine
!, revenue, and, in the executive, maintains
e an uEsleeping watchTulness against the
If tendency Of all national expenditure to
# extrayagance,-wh while they are admitted
e elementary political duties, may, trust.
Il be deemed as properly adverted 10 and
If urged, in view of the more impressive
If sense of that necessity. which is directly
suggested by the considerations now pre-
: Isented. s sses
II Since the adjournment Of Congress. the
e Vice President Of the United States n.