1175. CENTRALIZATION, Limitless.—
It is but too evident that the branches of our
foreign department of government, Executive,
Judiciary and Legislative, are in combination
to usurp the powers of the domestic branch,
all so reserved to the States, and consolidate
themselves into a single government without
limitation of powers. I will not trouble you
with details of the instances which are threadbare
and unheeded. The only question is,
what is to be done? Shall we give up the
ship? No, by heavens, while a hand remains
able to keep the deck. Shall we, with the hot-headed
Georgian, stand at once to our arms?
Not yet nor until the evil, the only greater
one than separation, shall be all upon us, that
of living under a government of discretion.
Between these alternatives there can be no
hesitation. But, again, what are we to do?
* * * We had better, at present, rest awhile
on our oars and see which way the tide will
set in Congress and in the State Legislatures.—
To William F. Gordon.
Ford ed., X, 358.
(M.
Jan. 1826)
