Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-01-04

IN many cases. appropriations Of this nature have
been made unwisely, without accomplishing bene
ncial results commensurate with the cost. and
sometimes for evil rather than good, indepen-
IDENTIFY OF their dubious relation 10 the Constitu-
ton.
Among the radical changes of the course of
Legislation IN these matters, which, in my iudg-
ment, the public interest demands, one is a return
TO the primitive idea Of Congress, which required
In this class Of the public works. as in all others
conveyance of The soil, and cesson of the luris-
diction 10 the United States think this cond-
ton ought never to have been waived in the case
OF any harbor Improvement of permanent ma
ture, as where piers, jetties, sea-was, and other
IKE works are 10 be constructed and maintained
II would powerfully tend 10 counterfeit endeayors
TO obtain appropriations OF local character, and
chenY calculated 10 promote individual interests
The want OF such provision is the occasion Of
abuses IN regard to existing works, exposing them
10 private encroachment without sufficient means
OF redress by law. Indeed, the absence, in such
cases, OF cession OF jurisdiction, has constituted
one OF the constitutional objections to appropra-
tons Of this class. Il is not easy 10 perceive any
sufficient reason for requiring il in the case Of
arsenals or forts, which does not equally apply 70
all other public works; if TO be constructed and
maintained by Congress- in the exercise of con-
stitutiona power Of appropriation, they should be
brought within the jurisdiction Of The United
States.
There is another measure of preca uton, in re.
be worthy OF the consideration Of Congress- II
rs, to make appropriation for every work in
separate bill, that each one shall stand ON its
own independent merits, and, if it pass, shall do
80 under circumstances Of legislative scrutiny
emitting il to be regarded as Of general interest
and proper subject Of charge on the treasury Of
the Union.
During that period Of time in which the country
had not come to look to Congress for appropria-
tons of this nature several Of the States whose
productions or geographical position invited for
egn commerce, had entered upon plans for the
Improvement oftheir harbors by themselves, and
through means Of support drawn directly from
that commerce, in virtue Of an express constitu-
ional power, needing for its exercise only the per-
mission Of Congress. Harbor improvements thus
constructed and maintained, the expenditures upon
them being betrayed by the very facilities they af
ford, are voluntary charge on those only who see
MT 10 avail themselves of such facilities and can be
Justly complained of by none On the other hand
80 long as these improvements are carried on by
appropriations from the treasury, the benefits will
continue to inure TO those alone who enjoy The
facilities afforded, while the expenditure will be
burden upon the whole country, and the dscrim-
nation double injury 10 places equally requiring
improvement, but not equally favored by appro-
priations
These considerations, added 10 the embarrass-
ments OF the whole question, amply suffice to sug-
gest the policy OF confining appropriations by the
general government TO works necessary 10 the
execution OF lis undoubted powers, and OF leaving
all others TO Individual enterprise or to the sepa.
rate States, 10 be provided for out Of their own
resources, or by recurrence 10 the provision ofthe
CONSTITUTION, which authorises the States 10 Law
duties OF tonnage with the consent Of Congress-
FRANKLIN PIERCE
WASHINGTON, December 90, 1854.