Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-08-13
Message Of the Gocernor to The Legislature IF
the .St,tie Of .NSlo York. ~

In the constitutional exercise OF n power de-
iegated to the executive, considered it duty
to convene the legislature for the purpose of
submitting to them subject of vital Importance
to the community.
A copy of the proclamation, under which you
were called accompanies this message, contain
ing brief summary of the causes which in
duced me to adopt the measure; and it is sub
nlitted to the legislature, under full convic-
ton that in couvening them, have performed
a duty required of me by the responsible situa-
ton in which was placed, and by the strong
and very decided sentiments of the people OF this
state: and confiding in the calm and disposition
ate consideration, which wise and patriotic
legislature will bcstOw upon the matters thus
submitted, 1 cheerfully repose myself upon the
intelligence aud virtue of the people and their
representatives, fully aware of the responsible
ty have assumed, and, be assured, gentlemen,
wholly indifferent TO personal consequences,
when performing sacred and impressive duty
TO the state.
There are certain fundamental truths in the
theory and practice of our government, which
cannot be altered or obscured by the passions
of man, and which, certainly, ought to bend to
their interest or convenience. BY ono of them
is incalculated principle, in the support of
which our forefathers fought and bled, and
which can never be lost sight Of, without the
loss of our rights and independence. 1t is, that
the people alone are the true and legitimate
source Of all power.
The trainers of our new constitution, fully a
ware of this, were Determined to secure to them
selves, aud posterity, the blessings of freedom,
by most sedulo,rsiy guarding every avenue to
corruption and Intrigue, by the enlargement OF
the right of suffrage, the pernanency and in
dependence of our judiciary, ;trstthe dependence
ofthe executive and Legislative branches OF our
state upon the will and pleasure Of their constt-
uents; and by thus balancing the different powers
nd to If ho
to the whole were communicated and secured.
A frequent recurrence, therefore, to first prin-
cip4es, however familiar, III times OF difficulty
and danger, the most certain safeguard OF our
freedom.
IT, then, as our bill of rights declares" ''no
authority shall, ON any pretence, be exercised
over the citizens of the state, hut such as shall
be derived from, and granted by the people OF
this state, how interesting TO us all To execute
our duty as good citizens and faithful oilcars,
by strict and undertaking adherence to the
public will, when clearly ascartained and fairly
= expressed. Regardless of the conflicts OF pas
sion, the resentnents of disappointed ambition,
and the corruptirg Influences of intrigue and
faction, should proceed to the exercise OF
those acts which will secure to us the approba-
ton of our own conscic1ces, and the approving
voice of impartial postcrity.
You will perceive from the proclamation by
which YOU are convened, that the subject in re- !
a very interesting part of our govcrnment-thc |
Choice of electors of President and Vice Presi |
dent of the United States.
When we look at the constitution of the &C.
neral government, and consider the exposition |
which vast majority of the union have given to
that part OF it which relates TO this important
subject, we cannot entertain a reasonable doubt
that the spirit and good sense of that instrument
is best consulted by giving to the people the
choice of those electors limo less than nine
teen states out of the twenty -tour the electors
are chosen by the people; and 1t IS rendered
highly probable, from recent events, that err
mont will be added to the number. A prnci-
pie, then, so congenial with the feelings of the
people, SO deeply interviewer i'll the very form
and structure OF our government, and so pecu-
larly adapted to the fair and legitimate exercise
cf the right ofsufrage secured to US by our state
constitution, can never tie at war with the no.
nor, peace, safety of our country. Advcr-
ting TO this principle in the message had the
honor to send you in January last, expressed
my full conviction, that it was ga desirable OBJ
ject of directing such choice to be made by the
peoples" and, ] am free to acknowledges, that
considered it important that it should be uniform
throughout the union, and that any interference
by the legislature, whilst the subject be-
fore Congress, would be premature--that rea-
son, however, by the recent adjournment of that
holy, has ceased to exist.
Although the number Of states in which the
legislature make the choice of electors is small
yet knew of no mode in which the object al
luded to GOULD be attained throughout the union
but by the Intervention of congress, hy the
Legislature Df constitutional majority of the
states and did entertain the belief that the in
cipient step would be taken by congress, and
that, when taken, it would furnish "A basis for the
legislature of this state TO act upon in passing
Jaw.
In this point of view, did not consider the
ultimate success of any proposed amendment
throughout the United States, Immediately ma
tcrial or important; as | was persuaded that a.
ny amendment proposed by congress would nj
all times be treated with Difference and respect,
and might have been adopted in principle BY
this state in season for the approaching election
Of president of the United States. was con
GrIned in the view thus taken Of the subject, by
the elaborate report Of the committee Of the Sc
nate Of this state, which, whilst it recommended
to that body not to pass law giving the people
the right to- choose the electors, stated, among
other reasons for its recommendation, that it
ought not TO pass, until at least the efforts ma
king in congress to amend the constitution of
the United States adopted rejected.
1t is true, that the senate of the United States
had indefinitely postponed the subject before
the adjournment of the Legislature Of this state
in April last but still it remained undisposcd
of in the house of representatives, and might
have been even called up aud re-con5idered in
the senate.
II was also known, that il was intended BY
those friendly to- the measure, to bring forward
the consideration of the subject in the