The Washington herald., 1907-12-24

adopt its own means to effectuate legiti-
mate objects, and 10 mold and model the
exercise OF its powers, as its own wis
dom and the public interests. should re-
quire. Thus, Mr.. President, was the
nation armed with authority 70 meet new
conditions that might arise. and which
permitted or required governmental ac-
ton. Is the proposed new law embraced
by any general power granted? Has Il
any reasonable connection with the speci-
fed objects, or any Of them, 20 which.
under the Constitution. the power OF
Congress eXtendsT
Duties of the Courts.
IF these questions be answered IN the
affirmative then it VIII only remain for
eminent to determine whether the pro-
posed law viii be conducive 10 the public
welfare And that determination is not
one Of law. but simply one Of policy
Granted the power TO enact a statute.
Congress can employ any means. not
forbidden nor inconsistent with the Con-
stitution, which is germane TO the end
proposed to be accomplished.
Therefore let the country gather UP
all the strength that comes from the
patriotism and loyalty OF the American
people and go forward in its mar
velous career. holding to the confident
BELIEF. justified by the words Of the
Constitution and by judicial decisions,
that the checks IN our governmental
system viii suffice in the future. as
they have sufficed in the past. 10 guard
our institutions against insidious at
taeks upon the fundamental principles
or free government or against the ex-
efclse OF arbitrary or usurDed power
Keeping within the scope and broad
lines Of the Constitution, we may walk
safely and without fear. We need not
hesitate 10 build on the foundations
laid by our fOrefathers Those foun-
dations are broad and deep and so
long as new measures and policies are
tested by the plumb line Of the Consti-
tuition and we keep well within its
wise limitations. We may safely rear
whatever suDerstructures our welfare
and greatness rs a nation may re-
quire
Move In the Old Paths.
Let US. then, move on in the old
paths. where is the good way marked
out by the fathers. Let US not give
our approval 10 any Interpretation Of
the Constitution that viii either cripple
the nations power and PROSTATE the
nation al the feet Of the States. or that
viii deprive the States OF their Just
powers. Let US hold fast TO the broad
and liberal. and yet safe, rules OF con-
stitutiOnal construction approved by
the fathers and established by judicial
decisions. In so doing we will sustain
our dual system. under which the gov
ernment Of the Union is forbidden 10
exercise any power not granted 10 il.
expressly or by necessary implication
while the States viii not be hindered
or fettered IN the exercise Of powers
which have not been surrendered 10
the union. and are not inconsistent
with the Constitution
Mr.. President. / owe an apology for
saying this much. There are other speak
ers 10 follow. whom ! know YOU are eager
10 hear. But ! cannot take my seat with
out thanking the KentUckians OF this i'm
perial city for the high honor they have
done me on this occasion. The memory
of il viii abide with ne 70 my Hfes end.
and Will be a sweet heritage for my chill
dren. During all the years OF life now
quite extended-much of which has been
passed in the nations service. away from
my native State-there has never been q
moment when l did not have an abiding
affection for the great-hearted. high-mind-
ed, chivalrous people Of my Kentucky
home, which has been the home Of my
people since the days before the Revolu-
ton. The old Commonwealth. Mr.. Presi-
dent, Is indeed a goodly land. and land
Of brooks OF water, OF fountains and
depths that spring out OF valleys and
hills, a land wherein thou shalt eat bread
without scarceness.' and shalt not lack
anything in it And yet. well-nigh in
eXhaustible as are its natural resources.
Kentucky's richest possession is in its
people. The brave men who first settled
the State and made its constitution and
laws and guided its affairs during the
formative years OF its earlier history.
were worthy scions Of a sturdy stock
They were great lovers Of liberty and
were devoted 10 the Union.
Gratihed by Unity.
In pioCiuU Az p~seFSa-. 7 -,,-.-- ,.-.s-