Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-12-21

II
the influence OF these causes may be ad-
ded the influx of laboring masses from
eastern Asia to the Pacific side of our
possessions. together with the probable
accessionof the populations already ex-
isting in other parts of our hemisphere.
which, within the period in question, will
feel with yearly increasing force, the ma
tural attraction of so vast. powerful and
prosperous confederation of self-go-
verning republics. and will seek the pri-
vilege OF being admitted within its safe
and happy bosom. transferring with
themselves, by peaceful and healthy
process of incorporation, spacious regions
of virgin and exhuberant soil, which are
destined to swarm with the fast growing
and fast spreading millions of our race.
These considerations seem fully to JUS
tIfy the presumption, that the law popu-
lation above stated, will continue to act
with undiminished effect, through at least
the next half century. and thai thousands
persons who have already arrived at
maturity, and are now exercising the
rights of freemen, will close their eyes
on the spectacle of more than one hun
dred millions ofpopulation embraced with
IN the majestic proportions OF the Ameri-
can Union. IL Is not merely as an inter-
esting topic of speculation, that I pre-
sent these views for your consideration
They have important practical bearings
upon all the political duties we are cal
led to perform. Heretofore, our system
OF government has worked on what NAV
be termed miniature scale, in compa-
rlson with the development, which it must
thus assume within d future so near at
hand, as scarcely to be beyond the pre-.
sent existing generation.
1t is evident that confederation so
vast and so varied both in numbers and in
territorial extent, in habits and in interests,
could be kept 10 national cohesion by the
strictest fidelity TO the principles of the
constitution, as understood by those who
have adhered to the most restricted con-
struction of the powers granted by the
people and the s .ates. Interpreted and ap-
piled according to these principles, the
great compact adapts itself with healthy
ease and freedom TO an unlimited extent
of that benign system of federatiye self
government, OF which it is our glorious
and. | trust. immortal character. Let US,
then with redou Died vigilance, be on our
guard against yielding to the temptation
of the exercise OF doubtful powers. even
under the pressure of the motives of con-
ceded temporary advantage and apparent
temporary expediency.
The minimum of federal government,
compatible with the maintenance of
ma ional unity and efficient action in
our rels ions with the rest OF the world
should afford The rule and measure, of
construction OF our powers under the gen
eral clause of the constitution. a spirit
of strict Difference to the sovereign rights
and dignity Of every State. rather than
disposition TO subordinate the Safes into a
provincial relation to the central authority,
should chArscterize all our exercise of the
respective powers temporarily vested in US
As tcred trust from the generous conf
dence of our constituents.
In like manner, as mAnifestly indis-
peuSable condition of the perpetuation of
the Union. and OF the realization of that
magnificent national future adverted to,
does the duty become yearly stronger and
clearer upon US. as citizens of the several
States. 10 cultivate fraternal and affec-
tionate spirit. language. and conduct in
regard to othee States, Institutions, and
habits of sentiments and opinion, which
may characterize them. Mutual forbear-
ance, respect, and non-interferenc in our
personal acts as citizens, and an enlarged
exercise of the most liberal principles of
the community in the public dealings of
State with State. whether in legislation or
the execution of the laws, are the means
to perpetuate that confidence and fraterni-
ty. the decay of which mere political
union, on SO vast a scale, conld not long
survive.
In still another point of view. is an inn
portant practical duty suggested by this
consideration of the magnitude and di-
mansions. to which our political system.
with its corresponding machinery of gov
eminent, is SO rapidly expanding. With
Increased vigilence does it require us TO
cultivate the cardinal virtues OF public fru-
gality and official integrity and purity.
Public affairs ought to be so conducted
that settled convict N shall pervade
the entire Union. that nothing short of the
highest tone and standard OF public moral
lty marks every part OF the administration
and legislation of the general government.
Thus will the federal system, whatever
expansion time and progress may give it,
continue more and more deeply rooted in
the love and confidence OF the people.
That wise economy, which is AS far re-
moved from parsimony as from corrupt
and corruptnS extravagance.- that single
regard for the public good. which will
lro"n upon all attempts to approach the
treasury with insidious projects ofprivate
interests cloaked under public pretexts.-
that sound fiscal administration, which in
the legislative department, guards against
the dangerous temptation incident 40 over
lowing revenue, and, in the executive,
maintains an unsleeping watchfulness
against the tendency of national expen-