New-York tribune., 1906-11-10
FEDERAL SOVEREIGNTY.
Power to Increase 1t Inherent in Constitu-
ton and Should Be Invoked.
rsl.or al 90 Trthune.

Tn The Editor OF The Tribune.
s.r. When the federal Constitution was adopted
nv the states its object 10 establish national
government And create an indissouble Union. where
"a people in their political capacity. could act
ss a unit against danger. Chief Justice Marshall
ssjd in rendering opinion IN the case OF McCul-
loch est Maryland: When. in order 10 form
more perfect Union. Il deemed necessary 10
change this alliance into effective government
possessing great and sovereign powers and acting
directly on the people. the necessity OF referring
Il 10 the people, and deriving its powers directly
from them. felt and acknowledged by all
That IS the imperative need IN part OF our couh-
try to-day and it be obtained only by increas-
ing federal sovereignty for which ample provision
i made by the Constitution. Those were the words
of a great luTisJ. who interpreted the CONSTITUTION
and gave the government that constructive force
which the basis upon which national
sovereign state was created.
We have noted IA The legislation OF the last ses-
sion OF Congress that federal sovereignty was in
creased over the states, IN the Rate Pill and Pure
~ effective administration ana better government :
and what citizen will deny that II VIII not redoun1
10 the beLeft OF the whole country? And so, IN
other affairs OF government. fedeIa- soNefelgnty M
critics and combat mob rule.
Federal sovereignty would establish a universal
rule Of government which would eXterlninate vio-
ience command respect and be obeyed. IL would
establish uniform laws that would govern corpora
pursuits i would establish uniform conditions Of
Suffrage, which would guarantee inlpartiality and
fairness in the exalted duty OF casting a free bal
lOt, which is the foundation OF popular govern
The problems Of this. government are many. and
they must he met and dealt with wisely, On the
basis Of duty honor and patriotism. The race
problem is that affects the cornerstone OF our
government and in fuldlment OF a moral duty
which the nation has assumed some action must
be taken protect the Negro in his civil and po-
lficsl rights. Constitutional duties laid upon
the states 10 prevent the violation or Ieoera4 rSts
within their respective domains, and then, II the
states negligent in their duties, the federal
government must intervene. Americans proud
Of eKtolling their Constitution, which has been the
instrument that has constructed OF the greatest
governments in the world. Larger federal sOver-
eighty IS necessary 10 secure Immunity for the
Individual citizen so that he may enjoy the largest
Of personal freedom that IS consistent with
good government.
The fag Of the Republic floats over this govern
symbol Of liberty, 10 advance civilization
protect its citizens and preserve the Constitution
80 that a free government may endure. The Valor
flag should inspire the hearts OF Americans with
kindred duty toward him in establishing noble
IDEALS. Every citizen who loves his flag and coun-
rv is interested In nauona! politics. because he
desires 10 secure representation by men who are
endowed with those mastery qualities by which
great deeds are accomplished Is there any reason
shall not be over elections. IN which its very ex-
islence is involved? Should not patriotism adiudi-
oate question which Is the very essence Of our
national lfe2 No broad minded American will dis
pute the fact that government In part Of this
country IS farce-tLat il IS contrary 20 the spirit
q free Institutions
Another potent factor leading 10 the extension Of
federal power is found in the material condition
r modern life. The evolution Of production and
ing n the Constitution, and has broken down the
economic barriers that once existed. The Consti-
tuition, fortunately, Is an elastic document capable
of meaning much or little at the will Of It's in
1erpreter. And the grandeur OF the country is
flanttested, let ardent Americans, hope that
these problems will be met and solved on the eter-
vtrc.5e JOHN x DOUGLASS
Newport r 7. oct q. 1876