Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-07-11
RIGHT OF INSTRUCTION.
From the Trenton True american.

mr.. Editor-TIiE course of events at
Washington during the last session of Con-
gress, and the principles that were advoca-
ted, In Misunderstanding conflict about the bank,
which terminated in the restoration of health
to the constitution have arrested the serious
attention of at least portion of the people.
Many of these principles deserve aninadver-
sion; but shall, at present, notice but one,
and that is, the monstrous perversion of re-
publican principles, which denies the Yight
OF electors TO adUise and instruct the eject
ed. The wishes Of constituents, unequivocal-
ly expressed, have been boldly set at noueht
by some, and contemptuousy Knocked at by
others This appears to me palpablc he
rosy, striking at the root of the representa-
tive system, and, if generally adopted, threa-
tening consequences fatal to, free govern
ment.
Oar SYSTEM is modification of Democra-
cy, which means neither more nor less than
government OF the people where the SUI
preme power is lodged in the people at large,
and exercised by them, or by persons chosen
from among then. Init, the people are the
fountain from which issue the streams of au-
tnority and the ability Of action, IN those who
perform the various functions of government.
athey are the only true source; and, if VIC
attempt to derive them from any oti1tr, we
become bewidered in the gross absnrdities
springing from our doctrines; we fail back
20 the exploded notions of divine right, of
darker days and despotc periods. 1t is ,ruc.
we have not the Democracy of ancient times
but, because we have not the turbulence of
Athens, is the will fthe people therefore less
free and powerful Because we have less of
the tumults of popular assemblies, are the
people therefore less the posscssors of all
powers Because they do not hersonaily e,x-
ercise that power in all cases, does it there
tore not exist Bccauee they deputize an a.
gent are they 10 longer the principals
From the wide extent OF territory and o.
thcr impedinents in tsc way Of what is
strangely termed fNTe Democracy, 1t was
the necessary dictate of reason, to establish
what would supply its place, without tres
passing on The peoples rights they there
tore choose those IN whom they confide, to act
Tor them, and to carry their will and iuten-
lions into execution. This is the sole object
Of choice. II IS not that the will cf others,
BIZ their own, NAV be executed. When they
appoint deputies, 1t is understood that they
are @ act by certain principles and under
Certain restraints, according TO the preva-
snt sentiments Of the electors: In other
words, be their Tchresenfaiives.
Inc great volume Of their instructions lies
ID 'hS CNiSeitutoh' but Wnen GiECulty, OF |
;XPediency or consiruction, arises, are they !
y oppose the wall winch created them, the |
Les 81 for YbiCh caiosge they were comsnissi-
med to act VIZ. 70 carry the VIII of their
principals ato effect If 50, deputising others !
iepr.ycs us of all right ia the management /
4 CDR af,irs, gives up aud renouBces for q !
imctSse native uba,ienabse nights with /
which we are clothed, and yields 70 our a.
ems temporary unlimited power, a tyran-
y whose restraint is found only in the viii /
4 The tyrant, and that feeble hid which !
'c2e OF reelection possesses. We Annually
I'D oienn' ~ eject Gen 10 play the petty
'tris OF sipri-,ived Despots, and cxh.oit the !
heals' v .aclr 'br.cf Aasn.sitY.' {