The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-08-05

poses 10 assert the necessity Of our party 10
check the evil and dangerous influences 10
which our political system is liable, and
asans, which it is impossible that written
constitutions can sufficiently guard. Doubt
less our constitutions exhibit tho wisdom ot
those who framed them, and the amend
men,s 10 which they have been subjected
have rendered them more complete anl per-
tecl than they were u, first. But conslitu-
lion eau only be an outline for the action OF
government, (besidas providing for IFS eslab-
lishment,) and by construction ii may DO
made 10 mean almost anything the political
authorities for the time being may ch oose.-
|, is a chart given 10 direct the vessel OF
state, which can have little effect upon the
voyage unless those in command choose TO
faithfully interpret aud observe It's COUNSEL
A party organization, therefore, founded up
On right principles of constitutional cons'ruc'
ton aud powerfully and constantly iniluenc-
ing official action, may be regarded as neces.
sary, |, is, in short, absolutely required 10
give Just and consistent direction 10 gov.
ernmen,, both in cases dependen, upon con.
sruclion Of the constitution and in cases
where tho constitution is silent. Besides, tho
instability of political action in republic is u
reproach TO which they have been often sub
iecied, and is tho objection 10 them which
has had greatest weight with profound and
Independent thinkers in tho old world and
the new. But This instability, which arises
principally from individual ambition, the self
ishness of classes, and tho fluctuations Of
opinion, is 10 a great exlen, checked an!
prevented by the prcdominance of party
ioondcd upon clear and sound principles Of
public policy, and acting constantly with
reference TO them.
Now, tho Democratic party is simply the
representative of school of opinion, and
its creed is given it by those who founded
and have subsequently supported n The
great men who have spoken aud acted for
il, and whose names will remain stamped
prominently upon the history of the country,
have been men OF strong, clear aud sound
views Of our system of government, and of
the rules upon which its administration
should proceed. Our party is tho product of
their efforts; the instrument for accomplish
ing the ends they proposed, and it remains a
monument of their sagacity, foresight and
patriotism.
Tho held that over'aclon in government
was great evl--the mos, difficult 10 be
guarded against, and therefore the mos, dan
gorous- and that both within and without
the Constitution powerful guards against it
were required. Proverbial language conveys
the idea in declaring that ",he world is gov
erned too much" and that 'that govern.
men, is best which governs least" aud phil
osophicai reasoning aiaus the same result,
in concluding, that government, being the
creature OF necessity, is limited by the neces-
sites which create ii, and is not 10 be OK
tenocd beyond them. The Democratic par
ty has therefore held, and holds, that Con-
siitulon shall receive strict constructions;
that government shall exercise no powers
not clearly delegated TO II, and that in cases
Of doubt as 10 the policy of a particular meas.
ure, the conclusion shall be against it. In
short, that public power shall not be eXerea
except where clear warrant and manifest
utility authorize and justify 1t.
The powerful fand we should think salu.
tary) operation of this doctrine appears
throughout the history Of the National and
State Governments, and the occasional de-
parures from il slaId as beacons 10 warn,
and not as examples 10 follow.
TO illustrate our remarks, we we'll refer
briefly 10 number of measures of pub lie
policy heretofore proposed to the general or
Stale Government, and upon which divisions
OF opinion have existed among public men
and parties. They will afford data for juds-
ing the value Of the Democratic doctrine on
the subject OF government powers and poll
cy, OF which we have spoken.
Frst-A bank created by the General
Government, owned, in part by it, and in.
tended for the regulation oil the currency, and
10 afford facilities 10 commerce and business.
This measure was resisted, and all recent
attempts 10 re-establsh such an institution
have bsen pu, down, upon the very grounds
above stated.
Second-Iniernal Improvements 10 be con-
strucled at the charge Of The national treas.
ury, 10 facilitate internal trade, and assist in
developing ,he material resources of particu-
lar sections. Mo clear authority for ou,lays
of this description appearing, and the mani
fest dangers to which they lead being appa-
rent, the action of our Federal Government
on this subject has been righdulIy and wise.
ly arrested.
Third-Fxcessive duties upon imports, TO
the extent of prohibition upon their imporla.
tion, or to The production of revenue beyo yond
the Legitimate wants of government, The
federal power of imposing duties being for
the expressed object of Government support
and the liquidation of public Indebtedness,
its exercise for an entirely different object
would seem unwarraned, and would be an.