New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-12-28

eral Sherman to congratulate his festiv
( brothers upon not belonging to that elias
} Of our people in whose hearts were planted
the pernicious doctrine of State power.
) "The doctrine" continues the Times, ger
minated in the hearts of Washington
Hamilton, Adams, Hancock and other he
roes of the Revolution 1t i'll becomes
the Times to chide the gallant Sherman
and accuse him of exceeding "bad grace
when he congratulates his festive brothers
upon "not belonging to that class o
our people in whose hearts were
planted the pernicious doctrine o.
State power" The Times is not only
wrong in this, but it is equally wrong in
saying this pernicious doctrine-the doc
trine of State power" terminated IN the
hearts of Washington, Hamilton, Adams
Hancock, etc. In the early struggles OF
our country for independence from the
thraldom of British tyranny and the rule
of a British aristocracy, we find such men
as Washington, Jefferson, Jay, Madison,
Monroe, Adams and Burr differing widely
in their views as to measures OF govern
ment. Although all were opposed to
English rule and in favor Of seltgovern-
ment. they differed as to the mode Of best
obtaining it. General Washington Alex
ander Hamilton and John Adams were ac-
cused of being monarchists by the ultra
Republicans or Democrats of their day,
because they favored the Capitalization of
power in the Federal Government for the
rigid execution of the laws enacted by the
representatives of free people. Wash
ington, Hamilton and John Adams were
good and wise men. Hinged with none Of
the arts OF the demagogue, they Joke plain
ly in their day, and commended for a strong
government based upon Republican prlnci-
pies. General Washington was chosen by the
American people their first President, and
in forming his cabinet called around him
as his chief advisers such men as Jefferson,
Hamilton and Knox. John Adams was cho-
sen Vice-President on the same ticket with
General Washington. Notwithstanding con-
siderable of an Opposition party had
sprung into existence during President
Washington's first term, he and Mr.. Adams
were unanimously reelected. The oppo-
sition was mostly incurred in consequence
of measures that had been proposed by
Hamilton, as Secretary of the Treasury, for
the support Of the public credit, He re-
commended, among other things, that the
debts of the several States created for the
purpose Of carving on the war be assumed
by the general government, regarding it as
a measure of sound policy and substantial
justice. The opponents Of the administra-
ton questioned the constitutional authority
of the Federal government for this pur-
pose and denied its wisdom, evidently dis |
playing germ of that States Rights doc |
trine which has since struck such terrible |
blows against the integrity of the nation.
The Secretary of the Treasury also recon-
mended the establishment of a national
bank, and bill conformed to his
plan being sent from the Senate
passed to its third reading in
the House of Representatives without
opposition. On the final reading it en-
countsred vigorous opposition on the
ground that banking systems were useless,
the proposed bill was defective, and that
Congress was not vested by the Constitu-
ton with competent power to establish a
national bank. The bill finally passed
Congress and was presented to President
Washington for his approval or veto. The
warm manner in which the bill had been
discussed in Congress induced the President
10 give it a solemn consideration, and
ne required the opinion of each member of
lis Cabinet in writing on the subject. After
thorough investigation of the whole mat
ter he become satisfied of the cons j.
utionality and utility of the bill,
made it a law by afixing his signature
hereto, Hamilton and General Knox con-
urring. This was another Indication of
he inclination of the advocates Of States
tights to restrict Federal rights and weaken
he powers of the National Government.
Afterward, when a rupture occurred be-
ween France and England, and it became
Necessary for the United States to define
is course in regard to belligerents, Presi-
lent Washington submitted the matter to a
'abinet meeting, and finally determined
issue his proclamation of neutrality.
which was done on the twenty-second of
lpril! 1893. Tbs being done without
legislative sanction, was denounced by the
pposition party as "Royal Edict" and
tied as proof of his monarchial DISPOSE
on. President Washington, however. was
DO much for the States right9 men of his
az, and his countrymen would gladly :
ave continued him in office for the third
srm il he had not sigrifed his determine
on to retire after the expiration of his
econd term. There was nothing in the
'ritten law to have prevented him from
crying another term, but he gladly laid =
own the scepter of State and retired from
ne turmoils of political re to a more
eaceful private one, setting a bright
xample that has not yet been departed
'om, no President having served longer
eriod than eight years in that exalted :
alton. These are historical facts, and we .
tie them to show how entirely wrong the
lines is in saying that the Dernicions {