Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-02-01
A Letter from Mr.. Buchanan in 1852.

WnEATLAND. Feb. %. lS52.-GENTLEsEN ::
On what issues. then, can We 90 before the
country and confidently calculate upon the
support of the American people at the APP
preaching Presidential election? | answer
nnhesitatingly that we must fall back, as
you suggest. upon those fundamental and
time-honored principles which have divided
us from our political opponents since the be-
ginning, and which, from the very nature OF
the Federal Constitution. must continue to
div idc Us from them to the end. We must
in-cribe upon our banners, sound regard
for the reserved rights of the States, n strict
construction of the Constitution. a denial to
Congress of all powers not clearly granted
BY that instrument, and rigid economy in
public expenditures.
These expenditures have now reached the
enormous sum Of fifty millions Of dollars per
annrm, and. unless arrested in their advance
by the strong arm of the Democracy of the
country NAV, in the course of few years,
reach one hundred millions, The appropria-
ton of money 10 accomplish great national
objects sanctioned by the Constitution, ought
10 be on Il scale commensurate with our pow
or and resources a. Il nation but Its eXpen-
diture ought Ia be conducted under the gui-
dance of enlightened economy and strict res
possibility. am convinced that our expen-
,es ought to be considerably reduced below
the present standard. not only without dctri-
mcnt. but with positive advantage both to the
Government and the people
An excessive and lavish expenditure of
public moncy-though in itself highly per-
nicious-is nothing when compared with the
disastrous influence it may exert upon the
character of our free institutions. A strong
tendency towards extravaganza is the great
political evil of the present day, and this
ought 10 be hrm Y resisted. Congress is now
necessarily importuned from every quarter
to make appropriations for all sorts of pro-
icctS. Money. from the National Treasury,
is constantly demanded to enrich contractors
spectators. and agents and these project
are gildeh over with every allurement which
can he impaired to them by ingenuity and
talent. Claims, which have been condemned
by former decisions, and had become rusty
with age. have been again revived, and have
been paid, principal and interest. Indeed,
there seems To be one general rush to obtain
money from the Treasury on any and every
pretcncc.
What will be the inevitable consequence
Of such lavish expenditures? Are they not
calculated to disturb the nicely adjusted bal
ance between the Federal and State govern
mcnts. upon the preservation Of which de-
pend the harmony and efficiency Of our sys-
tenn? Greedy eXpectants from the Federal
Treasury will regard with Indifference, if
not with contempt, the governments of the
several States The doctrine of State rights
will be laughed to scorn by such individuals,
as IN obsolete abstraction, unworthy the en-
lghtcncd spirit Of the age. The corrupting
power of money will be felt throughout the
length and breadth of the land and the De-
mocracv led on by the Hero and Sage of the
Hermitage. will have in vain put down the
Bank of the United States. if the same fatal
influence for which it was condemned shall
be excrted and tostered by means drawn from
the public treasury.
To be liberal with their own money, but
sparing of that of the republic, was the glory
Of distinguished public servants among the
ancient Romans. When this maxim was re-
vcrsed, and the public money was employed
by artful and ambitious demagogues TO So
cure their own ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, genuine lib
crtv soon expired. Ii is true that the forms
of the republic continued for many years,
but the annating and inspiring soul had
fed forever. | entertain no serious appre-
tensions 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-citizen,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
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