Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1866-12-12


shall judge necessary or expedient."
| know Of no measure more impera-
lively demanded by every considcra-
tion of national interest, sound poll
cy, and equal justice, than the adnis-
sion Of loyal members from the now
unrepresented States. This would
consummate the work Of restoration,
and exert a more salutary influence
in the re-establishment Of peace, har-
mony and fratcrnal feeling. 1t would
tend greatly to renew the confidence
of the American people in the vigor
and stability of their institutions 1t
would bind us more closely together
as nation, and enable us to show TO
the world the inherent recuperative
power of Government founded upon
the will OF the people, and established
upon The principles OF liberty, Justice
fand intelligence. Our increased
strength and enhanced prosperity
would irreiragably demonstrate the
iilllacy of the arguments against free
institutions drawn from our recent
national disorders by the enemies of
republican government. The admis-
sion Of loyal membere from the States
now excluded from Congress, by al
laying doubt and apprehension, would
turn capital, now awaiting an oppor-
tunity for investment, into the chan
nels of trade and industry. 1t would
alleviate the present condition of
those States, and by inducing emigra-
ton, aid in the settlement of fertile
regions now uncultivated, and lead to
an increased production &C those sta
pies which have added so greatly to
the wealth Of the nation and the com
merco Of the world. New fields of
enterprise would be opened 10 our
progressive people, and soon the de-
vastations of war would be repaired,
and all traces Of our domestic differ
ences 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
10 the condition which they held prior
to the rebellion, we should be cautious,
lest, having rescued our nation from
perils Of threatened disintegra lion,
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 exercise of pow
ers of doubtful constitutionality, we
hasten to bring legislation within the
boundaries prescribed by the Consti-
tuition, and TO the ancient landmarks
established by our fathers for the
guidance of future generations. "The
Constitution which at any time exists,
until changed by an explicit and au-
thentic act of the whole people, is sa-
credly obligatory upon all" "If, in
the opinion Of the people, the dis
tributOn or modification of the con-
stitutional powers be, in any particu-
lar, wrong, let it be corrected by an
amendment in the way in which the
Constitution designates. But let there
be no change by usurpation, for it is
the customary weapon by which free
governments are destroyed" Wash
ington spoke these words to his coun-
trymen, 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 constitutional powers, and cherish
the Federal Union as the only rock of
safety" were prescribed by Jefferson
as rules Of action to endear to his
"countrymen the true principles of
their Constitution, and promote a
union of sentiment and action equally
auspicious 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 cur Go
vernment is not to be maintained nor
our uhion preserved "by invasion Of
the rights and powers Of the several
States. In thus attempting TO make
our General Government strong, we
make il weak. It's true strength con-
ssts in leaving individuals and States
as much as possible to themselves
and making itself felt, not in its pow
er, but in its benefcence not in its
control, but in its protection; not in
binding the States more closely 10 the
centre, but leaving each TO move un-
obstructed in its proper constitutional
orbit" These are the teachings of
men whose deeds and services have
made them illustrious, and who, long
since withdrawn from 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 Constitution and 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 pro-
per adjustment of our revenue system,
internal rs well rs impost, are com
mended 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 necessity of carrying
into every department of the Govern
ment a system Of rigid accountability,
through retrenchment and wise econ
omy. With no exceptional nor unu-
sual expenditures, the oppressive bur
dens OF taxation can be lessencd by
such q modification of our revenue
laws us will be consistent with the
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