Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-02-18


which cannot be surpassed =: ~
Buchanan on Federal Extravaganza.
A Leaf from the Past.
1t happens at the present moment that the
men who affect the most confidential relations
with Mr.. BUCHANAN, are the most addicted to
schemes Of federal usurpation and expendi-
ture. The circumstance has supplied an I'M
charitable opposition with plausible pretext
of accusation against the President, on the
assumption that he is responsible for the con-
duct of his intimate adherents We have
maintained different opinion We have con-
tended, under conditions of some embarrass-
ment, that Mr.. BUCHANAN is no way account
able for the eccentricities of his associates,
and that their disposition to lavish outlay
of the public money. is gratifird in spite of
the salutary restraints imposed by bis coun-
sci and bis example.
We have been accustomed TO regard the
President a surviving monument of that
better and brighter day, when statesmen
thought it a chief duty to inculcate lessons
OF economy. and to resist the aggrandiZ ment
Of federal power. We have repealed the idea
rights Democracy, and have persisted in the
belief that his venerable name is invoked,
against his will. in aid of the profigate en-
terprises of treacherous retainers. Happily,
in this conviction, we are not without. the
warrant Of his own emphatic assurances. The
record of his career abOunds in passages
which Exhibit the severe simplicity of his re-
publican morals, and which attest the con-
stancy of his attachment to the principles of
rot To
the end of dissipating the suspicious of bis
enemies, and OF reaSsuring his friends in their
persuasion and his fidelity, we have thought
it well to reproduce the following character
istic exposition of Mr. BUCHANAN's political
creed
WHEATLAND. Feb. %, 1852.
GENTLEMEN On what issues
fdently calculate upon the support of the
American people at the approaching Presi-
Dental election? | answer unhesitatingly,
that we must fall back, as you suggest. upon
those fundamental and timc-honored princi-
Piles which have divided us from our political
opponents since the beginning, and which.
from the very nature of the Federal COnsti-
tuition, must continue to divide us from them
to the end We must Inscribe upon our ban
ners a sound regard for the preserved rights
of the States, a strict construction of the
Constitution, a denial TO Congress of ali
powers not clearly granted by that insru-
ment. and rigid economy in public exPendi-
tur g.
These expenditures have now reached the
enormous sum Of FIFTY MILLIONS Of dollars per
dnnunl, and unless arrested in their advance
by the strong arm OF the Democracy Of the
country, may, in the course of few years,
REACH ONE HUNDRED MILLIONS. The appro-
pration of money to accomplish great ma
tional objects sanctioned by the Constitution,
ought to be on a scale commensurate with
our power and resources as a nation; but its
expenditure ought to be- conducted under the
guidance of enlightened economy and strict
responsibility. I am conpiHced that our expenses
ough IL be considerably reduced beiOt0 the present
standard, not only without detriment, but with
positive advantage both to the government
and the people.
IAN excessive and lavish expenditure of
public money, though in itself, highly PERM
cious, is nothing when compared with the dis
astrOus influence it may exert upon the char
acter Of our free institutions. 4 strong ten
dency tO'rGrds erfraUagance as the great political eUL
Of The present day, aud this ought to he firmly
resisted. Congress is now necessarily impOr-
timed from every quarter to make apprOpria-
tions for all sorts Of projects, Money, from
the national treasury, as constantly denandef 10 en-
rich contractors, Spec,tidtOrs and agents; and
the projects are gilded over with every allure
ment which can be impaired TO them by in
genuity and talent. Claims which had been
condemned by former decisions, and had be-
come rusty with age, have been paid. princi-
pal and interest. Indeed, there seems to he
one general rush to obtain money from the
treasury on any and every pretence. .- !.
WHAT will be the inevitable consequence
Of sgch lavish expenditure? Are they not en-
cpl,ited 10 disturb he noeiy-adjteted baJonce be-
ttceea the federal and State governments. Lpon the
preservation of which depend the harmony
and efficiency of our system? Greedy eX-
pectants from the fedora, treasury will regard
with Indifference, if not with contempt. the
governments of the several Stat s. TIE doc
hine Of Saterights ,0H be Ldugheiio ScorH By such
.dUbi,laL, as an Obsolete abstraction, aacoythy The
enlightened spirit Of The age. The corrupling
power of money will be felt throughout the
length and breadth Of the land. and the De-
mocracy, led on by the Hero and Sage of the
Hermitage. will have in vain put down the
Banks of the United States, If the same fatqL
influence for ichich condemned shall be e1erted
and foStered by dra,0n from The public treas
Wy.
ITO be liberal with their own money. but
sparing of that of the republic, was the glory
of distinguished public servants among the
ancient Roma rs. When this maxim was re-
gersed. and the public money was employed
by artful and ambitious demagogues to Sc
cure their own ACKNOWLEDGMENT, genuine lib
erly soon expired. 1t is true that the forms
OF the republic continued for many years, but
the animatng and inspiring soul had fed for
ever. / entertain no serious apprehensions
that we shall ever reach this point, yet we
may still profit by their example.
with sentiments of the highest respect,
remain your friend and fellow-ciizen.
JAMES BUCHANAN"