The Yazoo Democrat., 1854-04-26
GENERALIZATION.

GENERALIZATION.
The apprehension with which the aggranlize-
ment of the Federal Government is regarded by
men who hold just theory of our political sys-
tenn, is abundantly justified by successive in
stances Of Legislative encroachment and Exec
utive usurpation. There have been men with
sagacity to discern and courage to expose and
resist the centraizing tendency in political in
stitution, when developed in its most fagrant
and offensive FORM There is, however, par
ticular manifestation of this vice, which, being
less obvious and aggressive IN its operation, has
escaped the censure which its malignant and
dangerous character should provoke.
In this country, public opinion is proverbially
omnpotent Legislation is but the expression
os the popular will. Whatsoever, therefore,
gives shape and direction 10 pubic opinion,
exerts an important influence on the policy of
the government.
The time was when the governments OF the
States were thought TO be co-equal in dignity
and power with the Federal Government. The
time was. when the action OF the Virginia Leg
islature was sensibly felt, and anxiously antici-
pated throughout the confederacy. The time
was, when every great impulse of public senti-
ment had its origin in the States and the gov
eminent at Washington was but the weather
cock which indicated the C. urse of the breeze.
Then the Federal metropolis was the gulf into
which the streams oI popular feeling discharged
themselves, and not the source and spring of
public opinion and political influence. Then
the politicians at Washington, so far from con-
trolling and directing the sentiment of the
country, were but its slaves and obedient instu-
ments, and their chief anxiety & ambition were
clearly to discern and faithfully to execute the
independent opinion of the people.
How different an aspect things wear at pres
ent, any man may ascertain by a single glance
and moments consideration. The States, In
comparison with the Federal Government, have
sunk to the level of dependent and tributary
provinces. They display none of the dignity,
they command none Of the respect of sovereign
and independent communities. Whatever may
be their theoretical position and function in our
system of government, they are well nigh as un-
distinguished and powerless as the shires OF
England or the departments In France. Their
chief magistrates neither claim nor enjoy the
distinction justly due to their position and
their Legislatures have Genre to be thought of
scarcely more importance than village debating
clubs-a result which they precipitated upon
themselves by the demagogic contrivance of BIZ
ennial sessions. Before the States were dwarf
ed by the spreading and deepening shadow Of
central power, in the memorable year of 1799
Virginia by her potent voice, arrested the march
of Federal encroachment; but now the voice Of
Virginia is equally contemned and disregarded,
whether heard in mild expostufation or defiant
menace Once statesmen of senatorial fame
were content to win the favor of county con-
stituency but now, all but the highest Offices
in the States, are the prize of mean ability, or
the stepping stone of young ambition. Nation
al reputation and Federal office engross the care
and consideration of men of competent capaci-
ty and eminent name.
The s. und and salutary public sentiment
which, matured in the States and expressed in
the honest and emphatic language of the people;
once controlled the policy of the government,
has been superseded by the artificial and delusve
counterfeit of popular opinion which the poll
ticians in Washington impose upon the coun-
try. Washington has become the foundation of
honor and the source of power: To Washing
ton the eyes of the nation are turned IN eager
anxiety. To Washington the needy adventu-
rer repairs in quest of fortune From Wash
ington the rays Of intelligence illuminate the
land; and from Washington flow the refreshing
streams Of patronage. The country is governed
by Washington. Not more despotic is the rule
Of the Partisan populace over France. than the
rule Of Washington politicians over this con-
They are the true Warwicks Of the
age-they pull down and set up; they bind and
loose: they make and undo. They are the au-
gust actors whom the people must behold and
spplaad at the suggestion Of the confidential |
prompter.