Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1804-01-13

great nc pdttAiiShso, u "tAiSht ~ -.
sarily CONSIST, should be distinct and as far
as possible, independent of each other
the difficulty was IN the detail, and more
especially inrespectto the quantum OF state
sovereignty, which was to be Welded to the
union, and the degree of influence, which
was to berespectively given up Or retained
by the large and small states. Both were
at that time, independent Of each other,
and perfectly equal In their rights and So
verign powers; though very unequal in
size, strength, wealth and population
The basis Of republican government how
ever, is no doubt the will of the people,
and that will could only be expressed and
brought into action in a country as extern
siye as ours, by representation and electi-
ons. How then was thai epresentationto
be apportioned AID those elections orga-.
nized. Te adopt the most common. and.
simple prlnciplein the abstract; and allow
the representation to depend entirely on
numbers, and the elections to be made IN
Discriminatory and without modification by
the people atlarge, would have been to put
an end at once, and at one blow. to all state
sovereignty, to amalgamate the inhabitants
Of thirteen free and independent Republics
into one common mass, and to place the
smaller and more feeble completely and
forever at the mercy of the more powerful
and larger states. But was this done, was
such aresult desirable; would the states at
that day have acquiesed in any similar ar
rangement? Mostcerainiy not, and conse-
quently totally different modification and
compromise took place.
The legs atye depaiemeat Of the government
was divided into two dista6 braaches--a Senate
aid house of Representatives. II she latter il is
true, the Princlpe OF numbers AID of population
was TO certain degree adopted, yer still under
very important notifications aud with evident
deviation from the 1bstrata principle. Ia the
hrst place. Certain class OF people, who unforu-
natciy existed none portion Of the Union, though
NOT allowed any immediate interest themselves in
the government, and REGARDED rather as property
than as beings entitled to any civil or pel;tical
rights, were iacIuded at certain ratio, il the
calculator of The nunber OF representatives who
were 10 have seat IN this house. This difficult
and knoty point happily settled, it was 10 the Sc
cond place determined, that toe membes Of this
body, though understood to be the immediate re.
preSen;ativcs of the people, should not be elected
BY the United States at large, as one people bur
It's share of the whole representation according to
the ratio and in conformity 10 the compromise a.
bove specified, was apportoned 10 each respective
crate and is to be exclusively elected by the peo-
pie ofthat state. Notwithstanding every nedif-
cation however, WHICH could be devised it was evi-
dent ard perfectly understood, thar although the
smaller states would have a voice aud proportion
vote, yet the interest and the vii of the lasg
er must virtually prevail in the house of repre-
sen;atives and that they would in fact dispose Of
this bo5y at their will. As partial check,
theefore, as some little safeguard against this
over weening power on their part--the tedefatiye
principle was completely retained ints utmost pu.
rtly ard without III smallest modiG arion in the
other Branch of the legislatu the Senate and
not only an equal vote and representation is given
II all tie states, however large 0. however small
bu; the members who compose the Senate, are
lot even TO be elected by he people of the seye
raj states, but are to be chosen by, and imnedi
ately repiesant the government OF each individual
s,ate. The difficulties which presented then
selves in organizing the Legislative department. Of
the government b4in8 thus sarmeunted and com
promised, anoths quc,tion no less embarrassing
and difficult to solve arose, VIZ. ~ what manner
the executive power ought to be disposed Of.
Before proceed 10 invefigate this part Of the
conatution--it may rot be ANTS Nj. Speaker,
to obfefve-t that in the formation Of any political
aGociat,on upon free principles, i has ever bsen
deemed The gordian.knosy the great defderatuIn,
to find out and to aicertain The bef mode of OF
poGng OF and organizing the executive branch Of
The government, nor is the experiments, which Z!
iheie lstes are now traa facceisiuly) lnakiqg
of the praeticabiIity Of uniting % vaa territory,
is is complied ia Tie American conFederacy,