West Virginia Democrat. [volume] (Charles Town, W. Va.) 1885-1890, 1888-11-16
TgE SYSTEM OF JEFFERSON.
fsas b;s latter = Mr.. Gerry, page 267,
vol. A. of his IA 'AS.J

rsee h;s ,e,ter = Mr.. Gerry, page 267,
vol. 4, of his
The tenth amendment to nc coa-
stitution is an inhexible rule Of col
struction, the sacred and compre-
hensive guarantee of American lib-
erty.
The support Of the State govern
ments in all their rights, as the
most competent administrations for
our domestic concerns and the sur
est bulwarks against anti Republi-
can tendencies; the preservation OF
the general government in its whole
constitutional vigor as the sheet an
chor of our peace at home and safe
ty abroad.
An honest administration of the
government. which implies not
merely a just application of the pub
lie moneys to the public service, but
the faithful observance OF the llmi
tations of the constitution. or ap-
plicants for office three questions
only need be asked: us lie HONESTY
Is he capable? Is he faithful to the
constitutions"
A number of officials sufficient
| for the transaction of the public
business; no supernumeraries to
eat out the substance of the people.
A diplomatic establishment lin
tied to the public necessities; moth
ing for parade; nothing for patron
age.
A sleepless jealousy of standing
armies; mercenary force always
dangerous to liberty; the military
embodiment of the people in the
states the surest safeguard OF pub
lie peace and domestic rights.
The money raised by taxation to
be expended only on the objects
specified in the constitution. 1t
NAV not be distributed to favorites
in the form of bounties or of snbsid-
les, nor given away in charity. He
urged the State of Virginia to be
liberal toward the San Domingo
sufferers, but he denied the right of
| Congress to grant them dollar.
Economy to the public cxpendi-
lures, not only that the people may
be lightly burdened, but that the
purity of the administration may be
preserved. Extravaganza is the
parent of corruption, and corrup-
tion is the parent OF usurpatlon.--
A public thief is a public enemy.
During the eight years of his adj
ministration there was not even an
Indian war, simply because there
was no swindle to provoke one
Every word of promise was kept,
and every dollar was sacredly ap
piled to the purpose for which it
had been appropriated.
No power in the general govern
ment TO lay one class of citizens un
der tribute to another; duties lev
led for revenue and determinations
permissible only against those
countries which discriminate against
us. "Free commerce with all ma
tions, entangling alliances with
none" He held that all restric.
tions upon the free trade were but
remnants Of barbarism, and that a
state of things in which any people,
wherever situated, might freely ex-
change its surplus for the surplus
of any other wonld produce the
greatest sum Of human happiness.
The power to prosecute internal
improvements belongs to the States;
whether wisely or not. IL was GER
tainly withheld from the general
government. In order to apply
even an inconvenlent surplus in the
treasury TO such objects an amend
meDt would be necessary.
Congress has no power to erect
private, or a mixed private and
public corporation. to DO that by
indirection which the United States
may not do directly.
Eternal hostility to monopolies;
no power to create them is granted;
the whole spirit of the constitution
prohibits them. But such was Mr..
Jeffcrson's dread Of these subtle and
formidable enemies or freedom that
he earnestly recommended a scpa
rate clause IN the bill OF rights TO
guard against them forever But
the danger at that time seemed 80
remote to all but this far sighted
sentinel on the watch tower that his
solemn warning passed unheeded,
and posterity is paying the pen
atty.
Supreme confidence in the virtue
and intelligence Of the people, and
implicit obedience to their will when
legally expressed,
This is the system Of Jefferson.
~t-