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[Governors Message]

of the high estimation in which this entire instrument is held by the American people that within the time above referred to, none of these various propositions have been sustained by the requisite majority. That it may be susceptible of improvements will not be denied; for it is the work of man, which is never perfect. But when we are called upon to consider and pass upon proposed alterations, it will not be forgotten that the original was framed by the soundest and purest minds of which our country can boast; that it was ratified by State conventions composed of delegates of all interests and professions, and that the instrument, from which we have derived so much benefit and under which we have experienced so few evils, should be viewed with veneration rather than with jealousy. Indeed there can be no ground of jealousy between the national and state governments. The charters under which they exist have defined their powers; the same source from which they emanate is the same; the object of their institution is alike the benefit of the people; and should either attempt to overleap its bounds, and encroach upon the other, the all powerful correcting hand of the people will be effectually applied for its restraint. A discreet administration, will, however, at all times approach with caution those extreme boundaries of its power, which border upon the constitutional limits of others. The great unanimity which prevails throughout the country in relation to the measures of the General Government affords the high evidence of their correctness. To the people of this State, it is believed, they are entirely satisfactory.

Under the constitution and existing laws of the United States, the organization of the national government