The Washington critic., 1886-11-10
STiTE NIGfiIS.
Governor Gordun'- Appeal tor the
supremacy of the states.

Governor Gorduu'- Appeal tor the
Supremacy of the states.
In the course Of his inaugural al
dress at Atlanta, Ga, yesterday, Gov.
crnor Gordon made u strong ap.
peal for the rcasscrtion Of States
Rights, the tenor Of which Is made eX'
plcit by the following quotations:
The momentous events OF our recent his.
tory have served to dwarf, In the estimation
Of the people, the importance OF tha states.
10 Is the transparent purpose OF certain
leaders Of public opinion to curtail the le.
gitimate Congressional representation ot
some OF the States upon the unjust aud un-
truthful assumption that large bodies OF
citizens are debafrcd the right and freedom
Of the elective franchise. But an Infinitely
greater danger to our future Is yet to be
mentioned The greatest Of all dangers
Turks In the silent but certain growth OF
spi timCnt for stronger central government.
IL II a sentiment which not only acquiesces
IN the dimiuution Of state powers, but de-
mauds a stronger and yet stronger Govern
mcnt ut Washington In proportion to our
material Advancement
There are those who hear me whose
children will see this great country with
perhaps half hundred States anl two
hundred millions OF people. Upon It's vast
domain deDsey populated, viii spring
multiplied Industries, with diverse claims
aud conflicting interests. The Pacific
States, the Atlantic States, the Gulf States,
the Middle States, the Eastern states aud
the great West Will demand through their
respective representatives, and with in-
creased earnestncss, legislation at Washing
ton friendly to their respective Interests and
cuusOuant with their varied theories. Great
social, economic and class problems VIII
press for solution with rrsistless urgency.
The great problem Of orr future Is TO
secure stability amid new ant great peris
aud yet save liberty Two roads are open,
one toward Capitalization, tine Other toward
local adjustments. The one or the ohcr
will be chosen by the people, aud must be
chosen quickly.
Let 1t be admitted that the plan of in
creased central power at Washington would
give stable government, vigorous social iu-
sIitutOts aud public order. Bat let 1t alsr
Ice remembered that these are lass than halt
the blessings promised by the founders Of
this Republic Stability Is essential, but
stability through progressive nccreitOnt TO
| Federal power must cud at last ia abSO-
| lutism or Capitalization. Stability thu Sc
| cured is the death of our duplex system
| II is the destruction of State Independence.
| II is the doom OF free government in Amer
| lea. There is one way, and one way only.
| to secure in cur mOmentOus future both
stability and liberty That way is tp de-.
| pend, as peiils Increase more and more
| upon the states and to trust more TO local
| adjustment. our greatest safety, progress,
| pcrmauence, and freedom lie Ia thc direc-
| tion OF the enlarged local administration.
| The freest government is that which Il
most controlled by homogeneous conmuuj-
ties; and the strongest government for q
country like ours is that which devolycs
upon States the largest responsibilities.