Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1803-11-03

persons will, therefore, ID principle, ap
nroach as near as possible to the origina
principle of the Constitution.
Mr.. C. was in favor of preserving tina
partofthe Constitution which directed tn,
election to be made by states, wishing a
little innovation as possible on the princi
pies Of the constitution. He did not, how
ever, conceive mere change OF words dan
gerous, but the establishment OF prlnci
pie that deprived the people OF the powel
Of electlng those who possessed the larges
share of their confidence. He was decld
edly in favor of whatever had this effect, as
according with the true spirit OF the con
stitution; and he was, therefore, opposed
TO the amendment of the gentleman from
MARYLAND. His own opinion too was, thai
it was best to express in one article Whate-
yer related to the election Of President and
Vice President, than refer to the constitu-
ton, by which the provisions on that sub
iect would berendered much clearer.
The question was then taken on Mr..
Nicholsons's amendment and lost. Ayes
29-Noes ".
Mr.. Smile, in order to try the principle,
would move to strike out three" and IN
sert hve."
Mr.. Findlcy seconded the motion.
Mr.. Dawson would ouly repeat re-
mark, which he had already made. The
select committee, in proposing three as the
number from which an election should be
made, did not consider themselves as de-
partine.in the least from the spirit of the
constitutions as when both President and
Vice President were voted tor, without
determination, the choice was made from
fire.,
Mr.. Smile said, he did not know that
there would be any danger in this innova-
ton; but it was his wish not to alter the
constitution except IN casese OF necessity.
Mr.. Goddard said he was in favour of this
amendment for the same reason that he had been
in favour Of tIat proposed by the gentleman
from Maly'an The gentleman from Tene see
fMr. Camtbcll) has told us that it is our
duty to act, notfrom motives of interest but du .
ty. Mr.. G. considered it as his duty so to act
ID
of the state which he had the honour TO repre-
sent. The gentleman further observes that IN
limiting the number from which choice may be
made, we shall assure nearer approach TO the
will of the people. Now what is that will, but
tlle will of the large states of Virginia, New
York and Pennsylvania. He unprecedented there
might be cases where the interests Of the smaller
states might be materially affected, The larger
states will generally have the 6st nomination OF
the persons voted for as President and Wee Pre-
sdenr. If we dislike all of the candidates, nci.
Their Of whom shall have a majority Of all the
electoral votes, VIC may select from among them
the ore that best pleasss Us. He considered the
Constitution framed ID guard all the states.
And if gentlemen are 81 tsnaci 3uS OF Its vital
principle, let them suffer it 10 rema n as 1t is.
But if there is determination to alter it, Which
he feared was the case, he hoped no great
err alteration would BE- made than was neccs.
sary to secure tie end gentlemen profesScd 10
have in view. The greater the number OF can
didates, the greater III his opinion, would be the
influence of the smaller states. Nor could there
be any danger fran rePosng discretion in sne
House of Representatives, as they were ele6ted
by the people as well as theelectofs; and when
it was known by the people that on them devols,
ed the eventual election, they would be chosen
in reference to the discharge Of this dusy, aswei
as other duties constitutlonaly imposed upon
them.
Mr. Alison was opposed to the amendment
offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania Mr.
SMILEY to the amendment Ct the select COMMITTEES
because in bis opinion it would have tendency
to bring the election CT president of the Uait>
ed States more frequently into the House of Re-
presentati7es than otherwise il would be
brought; h. was as mech disposed to guard
against the influence Of the large states as aay
member upon that floor.
The gentleman from ConnsGl cul last .ap Mr..
Gnddardl was IN favorr Of the amenlnent be