The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-03-23
The Relative Rights of the States and
of the General. G government.

We have heretofore called attention to the
fact that the circumstances of the country at
the present time necessarily lead to the con
sideration of the question of the relative
powers of the States and the Federal Govern
ment. 1t is Il question which, though IL at
present more particularly affects the Southern
States yet, in its tendencies, has bound up
within il the dearest interests OF all the people
North and South. 1t is an encouraging fact
to find that some of the leading minds of the
country are giving their attention TO this sub"
ject; for good results must follow its conslde-
ration. II is not an abstract question: but on
the contrary, has so many practical bearings
that the sooner il is considered, determined
upon iudicially, and settled by the acqui-
essence of the States and the Central Power,
the better for the country. revenue case is
now before the Supreme Court of the United
States involving decision upon this very
point Upon this case the New York Times
makes the following excellent remarks:
"The dispute is not rs TO which Govern
Inent shall make the most out OF z certain SUD-
iect of taxation, but as TO which Government
NAV create the subject itself. The true point
in issue is whether the United States have the
power indirectly TO call into existence bust
ness whose existence Massachusetts positively
forbids? Now, nothing is clearer than that,
DeyOnQ
ers the Federal Governmental has no authority
within the several States. Allegiance and
support by the render OF military service ana
the payment of taxes are the great dues which
the citizen owes TO the power at Washington
rs 10 all else his State prescribes duties and
confers rights in relation To his property ana
conduct. BY her laws alone he lives, buys, aud
sells; marries, practices his feigion, dlsposes
of his affairs and estate, and IL peaceably
buried unless he incurs speedier death as the
penalty for breaking them When therefore,
IN the regulation of her internal police, or with
a view 10 amending public morals, state for
bids certain business to be carried on, her
citizens are bound by the prohibition, and IL Is
beyond the powers Of the General Govern
ment 10 set ii aside. Still less can u assume
10 permit, under the color OF collecting reVe-
nue. what il has 10 power TO authorize. Among
subjects Of taxation which are allowed 10 ex-
list by State laws, the Federal Government
may select such as it pleases for contribution
but 1t cannot, indirectly any more than oil.
rectly, originate such rs do not exist, against
the expressed will of the State
The practical bearing of these views set
forth by the Times--whch seem TO the people
OF this section of the country TO be correct in
every particulars well illustrated in the fol.
lowing item OF news, which we copy from a
New York paper of the same date with the
Times:
TAUNTON, MAss., Tuesday March %
about noon day the liquors selzsd >,
Taunton on the lith instant We're taken away
from the State const abes by United States
Marshal Richardson, and returned TO the
owners The cons tables threatened but made
no resistance
Here If a direct conflict of authority. Mas,
sachusetts declares by her laws that liquor
shall not be sold in that State, except upon Ger
tain conditions which SIZE prescribes The
United States license men TO sell liquor, and
~. IA ss, hafu nx,e ha tat
laws The State officers seize their liquors.
The United States Marshal thereupon inter.
poses, and, despite the threats OF the State