The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1859-01-12

profound reverence for the decisions of that
august tribunal, and standing ready to obey
them, whenever they are enuncialed, have
yet TO be convinced that any such construc.
ton can be fairly given to their action in
the case referred TO. Such doctrine, no
matter how sanctioned, or supported, will
shake. the very pillars of our constitutional
fabric. It would compel every territory TO
elevate property in slaves above every other
description OF property,-and to establish a
slave code in its early municipal regulations;
or else it would convert The Congress into
theatre OF elimination and confusion and
I'LL the whole country with strife. And all
this, without securing a single advantage TO
sss son,h M0r'h' or pFoissng single right of the
Regarding myselN as fally committed to
the doctrine or popular sovereignty in its
broadcast sense, can never subscribe TO
the theory of Congressional Intervention, as
understood and supported by the opponents
of this doctrine. By popular sovereignty, |
mean no violation of the rights of the States
mo assault upon the institutions of the
South-no appesltq 70 sectional prejudices
On the contrary; regard the doctrine as the
embodiment of the popular will in States
and Territories, as the conservator of the
rights and the equality OF State and people
and as The only means by which vexed
aud dangerous agitation will be satisfactory.
ly and perpetualfy 'tAetted."
A theory equally heretical has been ad.
vanced in another potion of the Union. 1t
has been held that this government, divided
into free and slave Safes as it was framed
by our revolutionary hthers, cannot endure
that all must become free, or all become
slave. When such doctrine shall have
been subverted-Stale sovereignty prostra.
ted--state righss 4disregarded, and the liber-
ty of the pcofi sestroyed. 1t should meet
an indignant reHnke from every lover of his
country, and the blood bought right of the
people and the tates to seli-government.
Under the virious amendments 10 the
constitution of Penn'a., the influence of the
Executive has been greatly reduced by the
transfer OF patronage from the Governor TO
the people. Ibis is in accordance with the
principles of self-government, but it must be
acknowledged that in relieving the Execu-
tive from many serious responsibilities, it
has diminished his ability TO maintain the
rights of The Ssste against Federal and other
encroachments, and has thrown greater
share ofresponsibility upon the people. The
ment, and the large salaries paid TO its Off
GERS, in comparison with those of the state,
present constant inducements 10 our citizens
10 overlook the state in the pursuit of more
lucrative employments under the United
States. 1t is, therefore, the more necessary
that the people should guard the sovereign.
ty of the state with increasing watchfulness.
Tho eois><<yan.ef the United States con-
tains the gNRt fundamental principle which
should govern its construction on every
question respecting the extent of the feder-
al power. "The power not delegated 10
the United States, by the constitution, nor
prohibited by it TO the states, are reserved
to the states respectively, or to the people u
Il is OIL this broad platform that every claim
OF federal power not grated by the consti,
tuition, should be sternly resisted. The ten
dency TO Capitalization is so great, and the
overshadowing influences of power and pat
ronage so seductive, that liberty cannot
long be preserved without The exercise OF
sleepless vigilance inforcing a Strict con-
struction of the federal compact The doc.
trine of state rights is the doctrine of true
liberty. Popular sovereignty is the lifeblood
OF our free Institutions, and the palladium
OF onr safety. Every patriotic nducemeni
to sustain those great principles should be
fearlessly held out TO our citizens, and every
unauthorized assumption of power should
be resisted with unceasing energy, and by all
constitutional means.
Having now discharged the duty imposed
on the Executive, by the constitution, can.
not conclude without congratulatng you up
on the peculiarly favorable auspices under
which you enter upon the duties of the Ses
sion of 1859. Few important subjects of leg.
islatSon press upon your attention. Prudence
firmness, fideIity-a watchful regard fol
the interests Of the Commonwealth jeal
GUS guardianship of her finances-on the
part OF the government-are all that are
required, under Providence, TO ensure the
continuance and increase of onward prosper
ity. Pennsylvania may then, at no remote
period, rejoice in the extinguishment OF hel
public debt--the repeal of her onerous and
burdensome taxes-a fame and credit
untarnished-a free and popular education.
al system-and an industrious and loyal
people, prosperous and happy.
WILLIAM F. PACKER.
Executive CHAMBER,
Harrisburg Jan. 5th 1859