1171. CENTRALIZATION, Judiciary drives [further continued].
We already see the
power, installed for life, responsible to no
authority (for impeachment is not even a
scare-crow), advancing with a noiseless and
steady pace to the great object of consolidation.
The foundations are already deeply
laid by their decisions for the annihilation of
constitutional State rights, and the removal of
every check, every counterpoise to the ingulfing
power of which themselves are to make a
sovereign part. If ever this vast country is
brought under a single government, it will be
one of the most extensive corruption, indifferent
and incapable of a wholesome care over so
wide a spread of surface. This will not be
borne, and you will have to choose between
reformation and revolution. If I know the
spirit of this country, the one or the other is
inevitable. Before the canker is become inveterate,
before its venom has reached so
much of the body politic as to get beyond control,
remedy should be applied.—
To William T. Barry. Washington ed. vii, 256.
(M.
1822)
