The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-12-04

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Government, which constitutes us
one people, by restoring the States to
the condition which they held prior
to the rebellion, we should be eau
tlous lest, having rescued our nation
from perils of threatened disintegra-
t1on, we resort to consolidation, and
IN the end absolute despotism. As a
remedy for the recurrence Of similar
troubles, the war having terminated,
and with it all occasion for the exer-
clse Of powers of doubtful constitu-
t1onallty, we should hasten to bring
legislation within the boundaries pre-
scribed by the Constitution, and to
return to the ancient landmarks
established by our fathers for the
guidance of succeeding generations.
The Constitution, which, at any time,
exists until changed by any explicit
and authentic act Of the whole peo-
pie, IS sacredly obligatory upon all.
If, IN the opinion Of the people, the
distribution or modification of the
constitutional powers be, in any par
tlcular wrong, let it be corrected by
an amendment in the way in Which
the Constitution designates; but let
there be no change by usurpation,
Tor 1T is the customary weapon by
which free Governments are destroy
ed. Washington spoke these words
to his countrymen, when, followed
by their love and gratitude, he
voluntarily retired from the cares
of public life. To keep in all things
within the pale of our constit1-
tional powers, and cherish the
Federal Union as the only rock
OF safety, were prescribed by Jeffer-
son as rules Of action to endear his
countrymen to the true principles of
their Constitution, and promote a
union of sentiment and action equally
suspicious to their happiness and
safety. Jackson held that the action
of the General Government should
always be strictly confined to the
sphere of its appropriate duties, and
Justly and forcibly urged that our
Government is not to be maintained
nor our Union preserved by invasions
OF the rights and powers of the seve-
raj States. In thus attempting to
make our General Government
strong, we make it weak. It's true
strength consists in leaving indivi-
duals and States as much as possible
to themselves; in making itself felt,
not IN its power, but in it's benifi-
cence; not in its control, but in its
protection; not in binding the States
more closely to the centre, but leav-
ing each to move unobstructed in its
proper constitutional orbit. These
are the teachings of men whose deeds
and services have made them illus
trlons. and who, long since, have
withdrawn from the scenes of life:
have left to their country the rich
legacy of their examples, their wis
dom and their patriotism. Drawing
fresh inspiration from their lessons,
let us emulate them in love of coun-
try and respect for the Constitution
and the laws.
The report of the Secretary Of the
Treasury affords much information
respecting the revenue and commerce
Of the country. His views upon the
currency, and with reference to a
proper adjustment of our revenue
system, internal rs we'll as impost, are
commended to the careful considera-
ton of Congress. In my last annual
message, expressed my general
views upon these subjects. l need
low only call attention to the neces-
slty OF carrying into every depart
ment of the Government system of
rigid accountability, thorough re-
trenchment and wise economy. With
no exceptional nor unusual expendi-
lures, the oppressive burdens of taxa
ton can be lessened by such modi-
fication of our revenue laws as will
be consistent with the public faith
and the legitimate and necessary
wants of the Government. The re-
port presents much more satisfac-
tory condition of our finances than,
one year ago, the most sanguine could
have anticipated. During the fiscal
year ending the 30th June, 1865, the
last year OF the war, the public debt
was increased $941, 902, 537, and, on
the 31st Of October, 1865, it amounted
to 81, 74O,9 ,954,750. On the 31st day
OF October, 1866, it had been reduced
to 50, 551, ,310,006; the diminution,
during period of fourteen months,
commencing September /, 1865, and
ending October 81, 1866, having been
S2O6, ,379, $50. In the last annual re-
port on the state of the finances, it
was estimated, during the three
tourths of the fiscal year ending the
Both of June 1aet tho 1oJ,t 1vo,111 1o