4011. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS, State rights and.—
When we consider the
extensive and deep-seated opposition to this
assumption[power of Internal Improvements],
the conviction entertained by so
many, that this deduction of powers by elaborate
construction prostrates the rights reserved
to the States, the difficulties with
which it will rub along in the course of its
exercise; that changes of majorities will be
changing the system backwards and forwards,
so that no undertaking under it will be safe;
that there is not a State in the Union which
would not give the power willingly, by way
of amendment, with some little guard, perhaps,
against abuse; I cannot but think it
would be the wisest course to ask an express
grant of the powers. * * * This
would render its exercise smooth and acceptable
to all and insure to it all the facilities
which the States could contribute, to prevent
that kind of abuse which all will fear, because
all know it is so much practiced in public
bodies, I mean the bartering of votes. It
would reconcile everyone, if limited by the
proviso, that the federal proportion of each
State should be expended within the State.
With this single security against partiality
and corrupt bargaining, I suppose there is not
a State, perhaps not a man in the Union, who
would not consent to add this to the powers
of the General Government.—
To Edward Livingston. Washington ed. vii, 343.
Ford ed., x, 300.
(M.
1824)
