Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-01-27


If there be any amongst who deny that the pco-
pie the only proper fountain of power, they
will not openly the doctrine. If there be
any who think the minority should rule, they are
alike silent. Ii there be any Who think the peo-
pie incapable of choosing their own servants, they
also dare not the doctrine. Yet we most So
lemny the facts, that, the late election for
chief agistrate, the will of decided and clearly
expressed majority of you has been tranpled on
aud tlespised. We deem it unnecessary to de-
scend to particulars in this matter: the fact is
torious, and will not be denied! That it may not
again occur, place it thus solenlnly before you.
1t is for you apply the remedy, and this is to be
done by vigilance and scrutiny in the choice Of
your represent ,tiyes. The depravity and passions
of men tie, d rapidly to despotsm. Liberty be
preserved 10y vigilance alone; and that govern
ment is Fastening to aristocracy, where the n,ino
rty rule. Think, then, fellow-citizens, whether
the late election may not be the hrst step in
dangerous departure from the purity of republican
principles.
The evils attending our present mode Of choos-
ing governor, call loudly for redress. The facts
we have witnessed, deua nd of this declaration;
but the history Of our state is perpetual afgu-
meut. The governor o pursues an independent
course, is overtaen by swift desti uct:on. Ilc who
would retain his place, stand silently, and see
your rights invaded, your interests trampled on,
end your will dcspsed. In the mean time, the le-
gislature, forgetting the limited powers with which
you have clothed them, boldly identity themselves
with the people, and declare they are Judges of the
people S will. But the time approaches when it is
hoped we shall behold these things no more. An
alteration of the constitution needs but the sanction
of the next legislature to place the choice of GO
vernon in our own hands. Mark well the men for
whom you vote. Recollect the fate of this measure
year ago ;choose men to represent you t;uly and
he not again deceived. BY vigilance ut this time,
and on this occasion, your State VIII not fail 10
improve in character; your legislative body will be
freed from faction and treachery, and your will
be obeyeG.
We cannot close this address without adverting
to another subject OF equal Importance. ard per-
haps, al this time, superior interest. We mean
the choice Of electors of President and Vice Presi-
dent. The journals of our proceedings will evince
the desire had to throw this power into those
hands to whom it properly belongs. But wish
es were disappointed by the power of overriding
majority. We that the choice of electors, ac-
cordng to the constitution of the United States, be-
longs properly TO the people only.
That it should have bccu thus far withheld from
the people of Georgia, it would is sufficiently
humatirg of itself But could you have been
present, and heard.ti,e arguments adduced prove
your incompetence to the choice of electors at this
time the question of legislative supremacy would
have been placed at rest. To have heard abso-
lutte democracy denounced, what termsd
the gratuitous extension of this power declared
with all their energy the democratic principles of
Georgia. But who is it who withholds from the
people of this state, the right of choosing electors OF
President, when the interest taken i'll the question
is ardent Are these the men who deny to 9TH
| ers the title of republican, and claim to be- only
genuine republicans amongst Us ? If there be u
republicanism which teaches that democracy
should be limited that election by the people
is decision by blind chance that the elective
franchise ought not to be extended, and that the
majority ought not to rule then cai,n 10 be OF
different school. We claim the title of republic
cans by holding the reverse of these. We hold
that the people at ali times best qualified to
choose their that the elective franchise
ought, in this state, to be instantly extended, so
as to give the people the right of elcctng COVER
nor and electors of President that the first princ-
Pile of e yernment is that the will of the ma
| jority should govern, and whatever tends to the
subversion of these doctrines is dangerous 10 the
liberties Of the people.
Fellow Citizens: Consider :aese things. They
are laid before you as a standard by which we are
willing acts shall be rried. The power to rem
der them eiectuai is with you. At tse polls where
you elect your representatives, these objects will
be lost or gained. Choose n n who .spurn the
base intrigue by which a minority strive to rule.
and we shall be content.
/