The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-12-21
From the Detroit Free Press.
internal. Improvements by the General Govern
ment n ~ ri

The democratic doctrine as 10 Internal ,mnroy.m.,,
oy me general government was settled General jack
sons ume HIS celebrated message on the occasion If
hs refusal TO assent TO The Maysye road bill at once
declared the true doctrine of the constitution and of The
republican party of that day = ~
Ii we understand The views of Gen Pierce
~ MS message we IN the main coincide with them: and
lhey IN the man coincide with those OF Gen Jack sons
message, TO which we have alluded
lie construction OF the Pacific railroad II the ~,ea,
and ineed, the only Question under this branch Of in
terna improvements which is likely 10 engage The alien
noh oil Congress and The country during the ensuing
tWeiVemohth ~ Is manifesy the undivided sentiment
OF the country that to whatever extent Congress- pos
sesses the constitutional power and should be
extended TO The prosecution of the great eneroriae We
Cordially assent TO The declaration oil the President tha
although the power 10 construct aid in the
OF road within the ins of territory, not
by mat question OF jurisdiction which would arise within
the limits OF State, is nevertheless held be of doubt
tat POWER, and more than doubtful propriey even within
the limits OF Territory, for the general government to
undertake 70 administer the affairs Of railroad canal
or other similar construction; and that ia con-
nexon with work OF this character should be incident
al raider Than primary Is not possible for any occa.
soa 10 arise where would proper for the govern
TO administer the affairs OF railroad or OF any Other Aim
ar means oil inlercommunicaon, except prospect or
IN tune Oh war when such administration would be ne.
eessay Tor The public defence That Congress has posy
to construct roads or canals within the limits OF the Stass
Il Iarsdcton OF The territory which they may occupv s.
Claimed as necessary 10 ihr preservation and use no
one at this day pre,ends General jackson said az ~
" Although frequently and srenuousy ATTEMPTED the
power, 10 thus extent has been exercised hv ina
government IN a single instance. Ii does not n nv
opinion, possess II and no BILL therefore, which admits
1t, can receive my Official sanction
There Just two ways BY which the senet.l sov.r,
ment can ad IN the construction OF the Pacific railroad
and IN both cases is connection with the work womb
be incidental rather than primary" First under The
clause oil the constitution empo wernR Congress 10 rro
vide for the public defence, appropriations OF moaev
iron the treasury may undoubtedly be made, but wheth
er they shall be made must depend upon the pressing
necessity OF the road as such work In this view hs
question to be determined one OF fact and OF sxns1i
Ia of fha pn,n ,h..sL
necessity does not exist Second by grants of the nssns
lands The proprety and expediency of such grsn 4
not questioned in any quarter -
We do not see any good ground OF exception n The
Presdenps views on this question. Men holding n the
same general doctrines may, and will, dl0ef a. To Inc
poprlety OF appropriations in money 10 aid the vork
under the constitutional canse referred 10 ut this &
ference relates not 10 principle IL
Unless we greatly misapprehend the President wa do
Improvement OF rivers and harbors IN by "locai i'm
provements he means those that are snItv so-if he
means improvements that for the benefit OF inter-
state commerce-hs views eminently just and emf
neny right. But il by sloca improvements be means
the harbore, and falls. and lighthouses OF the ereat
chain OF northern lakes that connects overeirn
States-f he means the impro vement of rivers that
stretch thousands OF miles through different States al ina
confederacyh he regards these "Ioca impfovementss
contra. distinguished IRON improvements on Ina -
coast then his views are not emlnenily lust or emosn
ly proper but The very reverse nor are thew in a.ao,
ance with The principles which governed Gen JacIson',
adminisG alton. r. EST 8Hs9 - - -,
Bat we give favorabe construction 10 Tho pyes;dsn,..
expressions IN the branch Of the message relating 10 his
subject we shelievebe places improvements Tor the
proecuon Oh internal commerce upon the footing "a