The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-05-19
From the Richmond Enquirer.
The Veto Message.

Without hesitation or delay, the President has
put the executive veto on the Lunatic Lan0 Bill.
There was never any cause Of apprehension In re-
ga rd to the course Of the Administration on this
and kindred measures. As disciple of the school
OF Jefferson and Jackson, MIR. Pierce has been con-
sistenty opposed TO every scheme for divertng
the public lands from their legitimate use, no matter
whether the appropriation be Tor the succor OF
unatics the benefit Of individuals of SOUND mind
but mproviGenl habits, or the aggrandzement OF
grasping corporations. But, even if such were
not the inclination of the Administrator the plat
form Of principle which they stand, strictly and
emphacalIy forbids any SecnarlZaon oil the
public lands to not authorized by the constI-
luton. The Baltimore Convention put i's veto IN
advance upon every measure for the distribution
of the public lands, which contemPlates any object
besides the payment of the national debt and the
equal benefit of the several States.
The veto Of the Lunatic Bill is memorable step
in the progress of the Democratic party The
alarming increase Of Federal power and the gradual
oblivion of State rig hit and strict construction
principles furnished a controlling motive 10 the
nomination oil Mr.. Pierce. We wanted man Of
right principle and of genuine courage, TO arrest
the tendency to federal corruption and aggrandse-
ment, and 10 bring back The Government 10 the
legitimate sphere of its powers and its duties. In
the statesman Of New Hampshire the Democracy
found the man for their purpose. The event Jus-
ies their choice. President Pierce has availed
himself OF the first opportunity to testify his devo-
ton to The strct-cODstruction creed, and 10 intllct
a staggering blow the corrupt monster Of
Federalism. In the veto OF the Lunauc Bill, the
country has pledge Of the future policy Of his
Administration. Neither timid nor reserved in
justifying his conduct, he lays down principles
which comprehend all similar measures. The
death warrant OF the Homestead is signed in ad.
vance, and the thousand other schemes for the pill.
lage Of the public lands are laid PROSTATE at one
blow. We cherish the hope that Congress will
not disregard The hint, persist in its piratical
forays on the public domain. Perhaps, however,
it may serve the purpose of demagoguism 10 press
these various schemes through Congress, with the
positive assurance in advance that they will meet
the untimey fate of the Lunatic Bill.
The most skfu pilot is embarrassed by The
shoals, narrows and sudd en- tacks Of creek navl.
CATION once upon the broad ocean and the ship
springs forward in its career with assurance OF
safety. The administration Of Mr.. Pierce has been
embarrassed by multitude Of pretty annoyances
and difficulties which were MS inevitable as they
were difficult 10 manage. The distribution Of the
patronage among an army OF rxpectants awakened
some jeaouses and provoked some resentment
The couIse Of the Administration was obsirucled
by the clamors Of the disappointed and the oppo-
ston of the factious, and for time confusion and
delay subjected the President to suspicion and re-.
proach. These difficulties have been surmounted
and the Administration may now pursue their
course, free from the obstruction which beset their
early path. They may rally the Democratic party
on common ground, by an appeal which the
Democracy understand and to which they will
respond. The veto OF the Lunalic Bill enunciates
principle which the Democratic party will op-
prove and support, and in battling for they will
lose the recollection OF their discredtabIe ieuds.