The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-12-11

W0uiQ aileVlate tne present troupieu coH-
ditlon of those States, and by inducing |
emigration, aid in the settlement of fer
tile regions now uncultiyated, and lead
to an increased production Of those sta
pies which have added so greatly to the
wealth of the nation and the commerce
Of the world. New fields Of enterprise
would be opened to our progressive peo-
pie, and the devastations of war would
be repaired, and all traces of our domes-
tic differences efaced from the minds Of
our countrymen.,
In our efforts to preserve "the unity of
Government which constitutes US one
people, by restoring the States to the
condition which they held prior to the
rebellion, we should be cautious, lest,
having rescued our nation from the per-
lis of threatened disintegration, We re-
sort to consolidation, and in the end ab-
solute despotism, as remedy for the re-
currence Of similar troubles. The war
having terminated, and with it all occa.
sion for the exercise of powers of doubt
full constitutionahty, we should hasten to
bring Legislation within the boundaries
prescribed by the Constitution, and to re-
turn to the ancient landmarks established
by our fathers for the guidance of suc-
eeeding generations. "The Constitution
which at ANY time exists, until changed
by an explicit and authentic act of the
whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon
all" "If, in the opinion Of the people,
the distribution or modification of the
constitutional powers be, in any particu-
lar, wrong, let it be corrected by an
amendment in the way in which the Con-
stitution designates. But let there be
no change by usurpation; for @it is the
customary weapon by which free govern.
ments are destroyed" Washington spoke
these words to his countrymen, when,f fol-
lowed by their love and gratitude,h he vol
UNFAIRLY retired from the cares of public
life. "To keep in all things within the
pale Of our Constitutional powers, and
cherish the Federal Union as the only
rock of safety were prescribed by JEFF
ferson as rules of action to endear to his
"countrymen the true principles of their
Constitution, and promote uuion!of SEN
ltiment and action equally auspieious to
their happiness and safety" jackson
held that the action of the General Gov
ernment should always be strictly conf
ded to the sphere of its appropriate du
tiles. 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 several
States. In thus attempting to make our
Genera! Government strong. we make it
weak. It's true strength consists in leav-
ling individuals and States as much as
possible to themselves; in making itself
felt, not in its power, but in its bere6-
cence; not in its control, but in its pro-
lection; not in binding the State more
closely to the center, but leaving each to
m owe unobstructed in its proper consti-
tutional orbit" These are the teachings
of men whose deeds and services have
| made them illustrious, and who, long
since withdrawn from the scenes of life,
| have left to their country the rich legacy
Of their example, their wisdom, ,and their
patriotism. Drawing fresh inspiration
| from their lessons, let US emulate them in
love of country and respect for the Con-
stitution and laws. # e
The report Of the Secretary of the
Treasury affords much information re.
specting the revenue and commerce Of the
country. His views upon the currency,
and with reference to proper adjust
ment of our revenue system, internal as
lwell as impost, are commended to the
careful consideration of Congress: In
my last annual message expressed my
general views upon these subjects.
need now only call attention to the ne.
cessity of carrying into every department
: of the Government a system of rigid ac-
eountability, thorough retrenchment and
wise economy. With no exceptional Of
unusual expenditures, the oppressive bur.
dens Of taxation can be lessened by such
a modification of our revenue laws as
will be consistent with the public faith
and the legitimate and necessary wants o.
the Government.
The report presents much more sat
isfactory condition of our finances thar
one year ago the most sanguine coulC
have anticipated. During the fiscal yeal
ending the Both June, 1865, the last yea
ef the war, the public debt was increased
$941 ,902, ,537 ,and on the 31st of October
! 1865, it amounted to $2,640, 1854, $50.
On the 31st day of October, 1866, i
had been reduced to So .551, $40, ,006, th'
, diminution. during a period of fourteen
. months, commencing September j, 1865
and ending October 81 1866, having beer
S206, ,379, ,565. In the last annual repor
on the state of the finances, it was esti
mated that during the three quarters o
the fiscal year ending the 30th of Jun'
last, the debt would be increased SIP,
: 1914, ,947. During that period, however
], it was reduced $3l, 1876, ,3S7,, the receipts
of the year having been $50 ,905, 9O5 NOR
and the expenditures S200,529,235 les
: than the estimates. Nothing Gould NOR
clearly indicate than these statements tn
extent and availability of the national re
sources, and the rapidity and safety will
which. under our form of government
) grea. military and naval establishments
can be disbanded, and expenses reduced
from a war to peace footing.
) During the fiscal year ending the 30tl
, of June, 1866, the receipts were S558,
7 032, $40, and the expenditures S52o,750,
$40, leaving an available surplus of $37,
) PSI $780, 1t is estimated that the receipts
for tba Gsool Won, +bo Qntb Tuno