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

poses to assert the necessity OIL our parry "
check the evil and dangerous influences 10
which our political system is liable, and
against which it is impossible that written
constitutions can sufficiently guard. Doubt
less our constitutions exhibit the wisdom OF
those who framed them, and the amend
ments 10 which they have been subjected
have rendered them more complete and per-
feet than they were at first. But constiiu-
lion can only be an outline for the action OF
government, (besides providing for its eslab-
lishment,) and by construction it may be
made 10 mean almost anything the political
authorities for the time being may ch oose.-
IL is chart given 10 direct the vessel OF
state, which can have little effect upon the
voyage unless ihnsa in command choose 70
faithfully interpret and observe lis COUNSEL
A party organization, therefore, founded up
on righ, principles Of constitutional cons'ruc-
lion and powerfully and constantly influence
ing official action, may be regarded as neces-
sary. 1t is, in short, absolutely required 10
give just and consistent direction 10 gov
eminent, both in cases dependent upon con
struction of the constitution and in cases
where the constitution is SILENT Besides, the
instability of political action in republic is a
rsproach to which they have been often sub.
iected, and is the objection 10 them which
has had greatest weight with profound and
independent thinkers in The old world aud
the new. But this instability, which arises
principally from individual ambition, the self
ishness of classes, and the fluctuations of
opinion, is 10 great extent checked and
prevented by the predominance of a party
foanded upon clear and sound principles of
public policy, and acting constantly with
reference 10 them.
Now, the Democratic party is simply the
representative of school of opinion, and
its creed is given it by those who founded
and have subsequently supported it. The
great men who have spoken and acted for
it, and whose names will remain stamred
prominently upon the history OF the country,
have been men Of strong, clear and sound
views of our system of government, and of
the rules upon which its administration
should proceed. Our party is the product of
their efforts; the instrument for accomplish
ing the ends they proposed, and it remains a
monument of their sagacity, foresight and
patriotism.
The held that over-aclion in government
was great eviI-ihe most difficult TO be
guarded against, and therefore the mos, dam
gerous- and that both within and wiliiopt
the Constitution powerful guards against. it
were required. Proverbial language conveys
the idea in declaring that "the world is gov
erhed loo much" and that 'that govern.
meni is best which governs least" and phil
osophical reasoning alains the same result,
in concluding, that government, being the
creature of necessity, is limited by the nsces.
sites which create it, and is not TO be ex-
tended beyond them. The Democratic par
ty has therefore held, and holds, that Con-
that government shall exercise no powers
not clearly delegated 10 1t, and that in csees
Of doubt as to The policy Of particular meas
ure, the conclusion shall be against it. In
short, that public power shall not be exerted
except where clear warrant and manifes
utility authorize and justify ii.
The powerful tand we should think salu
tary) operation Of this doctrine appears
throughout the history of the National ant
State Governments, and The occasional de.
parures from il slaEd as beacons 10 warn
and not as examples 10 follow.
To illustrate our remarks, we we'll Tdfe
briefly TO a number of measures of pub liz
policy heretofore proposed to the general o
State Government, and upon which divisioni
OF opinion have existed among public men
and parties. They will afford data fot judg.
ing the value of the Democratic doctrine or
the subject of government powers and poii
cy, OF which we have spoken.
Fra-A bank created by the Genera
Government, owned, in part by it, and in
tended for the regulation oi the currency, ant
10 afford facilities 10 commerce and business
| This measure was resisted, and alt recen
attempts TO re-estabish such an institution
have bsen put down, upon the very grounds
above stated.
Seeond-Iniemal Improvements 10 be con-
struc,ed al the charge Of. the national treas
ury, 10 facilitate internal trade, and sssis, il
developing ,he material resources Of fparticu
lar sections. Mo clear authority for outlay
Of this description appearing, and the mani
fest dangers 70 which they lead being appa
rent, the action OF our Federal Government
on this subject has been rightfullY and wise
ly arrested.
Ihird-Fxcessive duties upon imports, 4
the extent of prohibition upon their imporla
tion, or to the production of revenue beyo ond
the Legitimate wants of government. Th'
federal power of imposing duties being 70
the expressed object Of Government suppor
and the liquidation of public Indebtedness
its exercise for an entirely different objec
would seem unwapanled, and would be an
just 10 interests or individuals against whom
q discrimination is thus produced. There
fore il is, tha, against much misconceptior
and the opposition of powerful interests, iht
doctrine of limited and reasonable dutie
has been sternly, and, upon the whole, sue
cesstully upheld.