The Morning herald., 1876-02-01


ner than No. 20 and not thinner than No.
25, cent per pound; thinner than No. %,
IA cents per pound.
Reverdy johnson and the Centennial
Hon. Reverdy johnson has written a
letter to Hon. Samuel j. Randall, OF
Pennsylvania. in which he states that dur
ing his recent visit to London he found
that the hope and belief pervaded among
all classes that the approaching Centen-
NAL exhibition in Philadelphia would
far transcend in magnitude all previous
similar exhibitions. He says the foreign
nations will all be represented there, and
all their achievements in art in science, in
mechanics, and in agriculture will be ex-
hibited. In regard to the right of Con-
gress to vote an appropriation to the Cen
tennial, Mr.. johnson says:
AThe power to levy taxes, &C., and to
borrow money vested in Congress without
limitation as to amount, to pay the debts
and to provide for the common defense
and general welfare, 10 minds of ordinary
COMPREHENSION, not shackled by astute
and nice Observation-Disclosures which
would deprive the government Of powers
most essential to its wholesome operation
would seem to be clear Congress has
made appropriations involving this qnes-
I.tion of power which the people never OBJ
|jected to, and which were never the subject
of serious dispute. Not to mention other
instances, they have provided for the re-
lief of those whose property has been des-
troyed by earthquake. They have estab.
lished an agricultural bureau, erected ex-
chase of seeds, ETC., ABROAD, Authorized an
annual report of its proceedings and pub
lished it annually in very large numbers
and at very great expense. There is no
express power in the constitution to author
lze this. Its legality, therefore, must rest
upon implied and not express powers.
The former are as much delegated as the
advantageously without the aid of the
former.
i Under the clause referred to, which au-
thorizes the levying of taxes, it will be
seen to be the object to pay the debts of
the United States, and also to provide for
the common defense and general welfare.
These latt ,r terms are not to be fulfilled
without the means afforded by the taxing
power. But, as will be seen, the power to
tax, to rovide for the common defense
and general welfare, is given in the same
words as the power to provide for the pay
ment Of the debts. Whatever, therefore,
Congress may think will promote the COM
mon defense and gcnelal welfare, and
which money can accomplish, may be
done with the money supplied by the tax
ing power. And upon this point the de-
, cision of Congress must be conclusive.
Independent Of this, however can it be
questioned that TO celebrate appropriately
the birth of nation will tend to promote
2 its reputation with the other nations Of
, the world in showing that the present gen.
Grafton of Americans are not forgetful OF
the debts they owe to the men who de.
ciared and made us to be a nation, but, on
on the contrary, remember them with
I grateful reverence?
There ATE some, I know, thougA
'uppose there are but few, who apply te
J., the constitution strictly literal construc
a ton. These deny that The United States
IS nation, and as it is certain that the
States are not nation, the consequence
|. would be that reople Of forty three mill.
t ions, and as many more as may come int
+ being under the present constitution, arc
living under government, which has nc
= national character. 1t IS true, relative te
r all concerns with foreign nations. the
United States is invested with ample DOW.
ers. Congress can alone regulate commerce
with them, and the Pre.ident with the
advice and consent Of the Senate can make
e treaties with and appoint representative.
a to other countries. But, say the strict con
y structionists, the constitution nowhere de
: clares that the United States is a nation
7 and no implication is admissible to prov
it to be one. If such an Interpretation O
our organic law was to prevail, the Unite,
States would be without powers essentia
e to its prosperity, and be reduced 10 tn
!. mere dimensions of petty municipality
e 1t is not to be supposed, therefore, tha
4 Congress, in acting upon the matter Of th
# Centennial, will be. e.govemed by sonarro1
n and ruinous construction"
. In this latter clause Mr.. johnson make
q direct issues with the views of Mr.. Tuck
# er, of Va, as lately advanced in his speec
/. opposing the Centennialappropriation.
1,1 The boys of Winnemuca, Nevada, ha
u