The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-08-05
BLOOMSBURY, COLUMBIA COUNTY, PA. WEDNESDAY
aud excep, upon single occasion, prevent


aud except upon u single occasion, prevent
cd.
Ffth-A bankrupt act, dssoving the re-
lations Of debtor and creditor in manner
and TO an extent unauthorized by the Con-
sttulion, disastrous 10 private rights, injuri.
ous to morals, and 10 tho encouragement,
mainly, of one of The least merilorious class
es of socie,y--,he speoula.ot and spend,hri!,.
With hot haste and under the lash OF public
opinion, tho very anlhors OF such an act in
Isle were coerced into its repeal.
Sirth-Approphations of public moneys
or lands, TO objects of doubtful constitution
ality or utility; connected with which, may
be mentioned tho allowance of claims, iu-
sufficiently es,ablished OF unjust. Tho DEM
ocralic principles strikes as deeislvely a, all
projects for assaling the treasury. for an in
dividual class, or section, in the absence
Of clear right 10 justify lle demand, as i,
does at other unwarranted or doubtful meas
utes.
Serenth-The execciso OF jurisdiction by
the General Government over slavery in the
territories, 10 the exclusion OF local decision
thereon. Legislation by Congress upon sla-
very beyond The express requirement as 10
return OF lugitives, is to be doubted, aud il
regard is had 10 high judicial decision, OK
pressly denied, rs a valid exercise of power.
Aud its inexpedcncy is yet more plainly
manifest, in view Of the dangerous disputes
which such action inevitably produces. Most
clearly, therefore, is it 10 be deprecated and
opposed, upon the general doctrine of non
action by government in doubtful cases.
Eighh--The establishment olcorpontions, ol
either excessive as To number or vested with
inordna'e powers or privileges; aud especial-
ly for pursuits or business within tho reach
of individual means aud skill. Under which
head is 10 be particularly noted, the charter.
ing OF Banks beyond the business wants of
tho community, locating them at points with
out adequate commerce or exchanges 10
afford legitimate occupation, and failing TO
impose upon them such guards against abuse
and fraud as arc demanded by experiences
The recent resolution Oh this subject by our
State Convention, but indicates The well con-
sidored position Of orr party aud its policy
for tho future.
Nmh-The authorizing Of municipal sub
scriptions 10 railroads and other corporate
bodies to the encouragement of speculation,
corruption and the accumulation OF public
debts. The proposition now before the peo-
rle for tho amendment, Of the Constitution TO
prevent this in future, is bu, in afI.rmance of
the principle wo have been considering; for
tho decision of divided Court in favor of
legislative power 10 authorize such subscrip-
tons has no, removed all doabs, and has
left the powerful objections 10 the system,
upon grounds Of expedieucy, untouched aud
irresistible.
7cnih-Tho sale or surrender by Govern
mcnt, in whole or in part, of any of its con-
sti,u,ional powers confided to it by The peo.
pie. The attempt TO do this in tho lae act
for the sale of the Main Line of the Public
Works an attempt which was denounced
by the State Convention, and has since been
pronounced unconstitutional by The Supreme
Court, may be cited under this head, and de.
served that reprobalion whicn il has generally
received.
Eleuenh-Sumpiuaty laws, by which dress,
food, drink, equipage, or other like concern
of use, habit or fashion, is coerced. The in
reference of law 10 such cases would seem
10 be unuseful, and is of doubtful authority.
TiUcyM-Fnally, measures directed against
class or sect, and intended 10 degrade them
or limit their civil privileges I, is affirmed
that neither religious belief nor birth place
will furnish grounds for osracism or denial
Of common right.
Such are some of the leading measures up
on which political divisions have taken place,
and on their careful examination it will be
seen, that they can all be resolved into the
general question whether the powers and ac.
tion of government shall be extensive or linn
lied. And if we should pursue The subject
further, this view of the fundamental ground
Of difference between public men ant parties
would be but confirmed a1d Strengthened.
We are ef: then 10 choose sides in The slrug
gle between power and ,lberty-between a
government that NEEDLES and one that alb.
slans--between political New Englandism m
and the Virginia doctrines of 1898. Neutral
ily is not possible, for almost every public
question that arises compels US to choice
between contending parties, and The schools
OF opinion which they respectively represent.
1t has been fashionable for apostales from
our party TO claim that they retained their
principles unchanged, and even opposing par
ties occasionally advance pretensons 10 the
faith and doctrines of Jefferson. How un-
founded such pretensions are, whether ad-
vanced by aposiate or party, will appear from
considering the measures of public policy
they propose and support. II we find them
iavorng new projects Of doubtful right or ex-
pedieucy, conlendng for extensive jurisdic-
tion for government, and scofIing at constitu-
tional scruples rs ''sbsiractions,n we may be
sure they are no deciplss Of The phiianthsoP'st,