The Daily state register. [volume] (Carson City, Nev.) 1870-1872, 1870-12-31
THREE pERNIcIoUs MEASURES

idea Of the purposes and duties OF the
Federal Government. One OF these
bills proposes TO organize a national
system OF schools-another TO author
lie the Government to take posse sion
OF all the telegraphs of the country
the other to authorize a similar posses
sion Of the railroads. Other bills OF q
similar character might be cited, but
these three occupy a prominent posi-
ton, rs they personally affect nearly
every person in the country should
they become laws. There are two Sc
rious objections to this sort of legisla-
ton. First, because ii Is an informed
ding with the local affairs Of the peo-
pie, never designed to be conferred
upon Congress. Second, it would de-
| stroy the present efficient business
management OF these institutions, and
| demoralize and degrade the service 10
subserye the purposes of politicians.
Congress is not q Parliament in
which the entire legislative power OF
the country is vested. Congress pos
sesses no authority not expressly dele
gated to ii in the division and distribu-
ton Of the general legislative powers
of the country. A portion Of this
power has been vested in Congress,
| the balance remains in the States and
the people. There need be no conflict
between the two SO long as each con-
fines itself within its legitimate circles.
The authority to regulate telegraphs,
railroads, and common schools within
their limits has been left with the in
dividual States, and TO their owners,
for the very good reason that each par
tieular locality is supposed to be best
acquainted with the necessities of its
own neighborhood, and that every in
dividual should manag his own
specuiatiops in business in his own
way. If the Government in time
-
of peace once breaks over the
line which marks the boundary
of its duties, invades the province
of the State Governments, and at
tempts 10 carry on a private business
in the community, il overleaps the
legitimate objects OF A government,
and differs but little from any other
gigantic incorporation in the measure
of its extraordinary power. Govern
ments are designed for the protection
and security of the p~eople-not for or
binary business corporations. Intime
of war there would be some justitica-
ton for Selling all the railroads and
telegraphs necessary for public safety;
but in time of perfect tranquility there
is no justification for leyying an enor-
nous tax, or mourning an exiraordi-
nary debt TO purchase these lines, and
successfully run them afterwards. BY
a similar mode of reasoning Congress
might provide for the purchase of all
the quartz mills in the country, be-
cause it has exclusive coinage of
money; or to purchase all the wollen
manufactures because the army needs
blankets; or to transact all the express
business that the transportation of
stores might be rendered safe; OF to
take exclusive possession of all the
wheat and tobacco fields because they
mightadd to its revenues. From taking
charge OF this kind of business the
transition would be easy to keeping a
hotel, cutting out a suit of clothes, or
running a grindstone TO sharpen SETS
sors. IN short the General Govern
ment is departing entirely from the
objects of its creation when il intorferes
IA the least with the ordinary
tions of citizens. II is establishing
precadeuts, which being founded ON
caprice, Nor interest, and not reason,
are liable to be extended in any direc-
ton, and run into the most absurd
propositions.
Ii has become almost an axiom that
government can transact no business
outside of its Legitimate sphere with
efficiency Of private individuals.
The personal interests of men lead
them TO devote that special attention
% all the minutie of their business
which is entirely wanting in the man
agement Of public affairs. To take
possession of the railroads and tele-
is virtually 10 place them
under the control OF mere politicians,
more intent on securing places than
on performing their duties. 1t would
practically destroy the efficiency OF the
ON these lines, and lead to neg
lect, accidents, and abuse of opportu-
now guarded against by the
most powerfnl personal considerations.
As for the proposed school system,
It's effect would be ruinous. The bill
Of the Massachusetts member author
ICES the President TO appoint a State