Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-05-03

less The opinion thei eiore the author OF the sinh
stiiute that should experience serious "pract
cal eyiln before undertake alter existing nstu
tons, only inconsistent with the clear anu oyious
deductions Of general reasoning, bat directly contra
dicted by the history of the whole American nation
But have practical evil, no serious "praccA
oppression" to complain of Let an impartial people
! hear and determine
II is unnecessary waste moment in the enquiry
whether the present generation enlightened than
Hhat of ancestors Tie wisdom of past aresn has
been the theme which the enemies of reform have
Iln all ages and in all countries dwe with delight and
enthusiasm. No improvement in the moral religious
intellectual and political condition of iran, would ey err
have taken place, If this grossly absurd and ridiculous
argument had had any weight. Despotism would still
have brOoded over the desnieS OF maubecause IL was
sanctioned by the ''wsdom" of antiquity; and
1T is the very objection which was used with triumphant
success, by Corn Planter, in assembly of Indian
Chiefs against the introduction Uf the Christian Rcli-
gon, and the arts and reinemcns of civilized life
Whatever Difference be due TO forefathcrs we
should blush to admit that the people of the present day
had degeneraed. 1t should not be forgotten that the
present constitution framed and operation
under circumstances that precluded full and fair dis
cussion OF ITS mers-at the most trying hour--a the
most nomentous era in the history Of man-whcn we
we're about 10 engage war-and that a revolutions
ry war, with the most powerful Kingdom earth-when
by the very act of dTaw such instrument they
were guilty othe crime oihgh treason when if it had not
been adopted, state of nature hitherto supposed TO be
the vision of the disordered fancy political theorists,
would have actually existed. The courts of Justice
would have been closed, since the lawful authority of
the land was not only set al defance, but Frustrated
and trampled under foot At tsne perilous-so
pregnant h danger, any government better than
none, but appeal TO history and to the revolutionary
patriots who still living, to prove that never was
solemnly ratified by the people af Virginia. 1t should
be recoeced also that only the nforna-
ton which ancestors had, but the light which has
since been shed on the subject Of government by the
constant discussion of political questions for the last
half century in free press.
The authority which the people of this state have de-
egated to their representatives, has been wisely dstr
buted 10 three departments, executive, judicial, and lie |
gislatve. that each might be restrained within proper
sphere But In the organization Of all these ordinate
branches OF the government great and radical defects
are to be found.
shall commence my structures upon the constitu.
ton by an examination of the Executive Department.
and instead of considering the executive council, as
some would induce to believe the perfect, which
1.-THE wisdom of man could have devised "we struck
18th establishment, that feature decidedly arstocrat
&c should have been ingralted in the constitution of
Republic, and still more surprised that feature
oious should have been long retained. 1t is GER
fanny political anonae that in any representative |
government, man should hold Office pro-
TIT, and he at the time, completely virtually
Irresponsible 20 the people, from whom his authority is
derivedS In the second article vi lie bill of RIG hts il
expressly declared that soil magistrates the trustees
and servants OF the people, and should ut all times he
agncnabe to hem.n In the 5tb article it is explicitly
asserted, that 1.-The members ofhe Executive and Legs-
lave branches may be restrained from nppression by
feeling and participating the burthens of the people
they should at fixed periods be reduced to a private
station return to the body from which they were orei-
naIy taken, and the vacancies supplied by reauent
certain and regular eectioasn the FecraIist ace
$50, 1t Is sad tat the Frequency of elections is The
store OF all free governments; aid e strange ard extra
ornary may SEEM matter how gIsring may be
tie deIeiccn ofdnty the part OF the councillors
matter what charges may be preferred against Them
unless by positive testimony impeachment can be
sustained, III defiance of the sacred principle of
republican government the frequency OF etections and
consequent direct responsibility the people, or their
representatives they entitled retain their seats
IN this anrePubcan chamber, for onl} ttco be
moved every third year. ad although all may be equal
y guilty equai obnoxious 9cire years aiapse
before they be compelled return 10 THAI BODY fo.n
which they originally TAKEN 10 feel and partic;
pate the bur!hens Of the people. 1t has always viii
reason been supposed IN tins country, that ne. es
sary that the guilt OF any pubic officer should be eslab
lshed by the ucontrovcrble evidence to authorize
justify hs removal; it is sufficient if his purity and
integrity bc suspected While the chief magistrae
OF the state, who, in effect nothing than the pre-
sideut Oi lie ccuivcCOrrCii without whose advice he
perform official act is, he ought to oe an
nnaily responsible to the representatives the people
the members Ofths pryy council completely shield
ed from the aGimaGversiOn and resentment of the pub
lie, by the constitutional tenure of their office. If tins
constitution had been fully and fairly canyassed te
clause creating this branch of the government would
never have received the sanction of tue people.
This is not the only objection to the executive coun-
Gil. It'll admitted by the opponents of a conventions that
THIS branch OF the government never was intended to
possess any other participation in administrations than
ne performance, of those acts which being mercl, min
ist@ria would incroach too much upon the time and at
tention of the legislature. In word lis powers are
fOnhned to commissioning heri, coroners justices of
the peace, and officers OF the militia under tie grade of
brgader generals, oho recommended BY the county
courts They also grant reprievcs and supply vacancies
in Office during the of the legislature, but their
appointments may be confirmed or annued by the e-
gisature This is most ''wOnderfui PATRONAGE well
calculated, pretended if skfully managed TO cor
rup tue yiruous aud republican citizens of Virginia
If this be the fci, it furnishes strong argument agans
the constitution; for The members Of the council can
alone be benefited, since the governor is annually
detected, aud must retire from Office at the ex-
praon of three years. But if the whole of this
patronage vested exclusively in the governor, il
cannot seriously be believed when we reflect on the
tenure OF his office that it could be employed in
any detrimental to the public interest, especial
~ when recol!ected that all his official acts excent
in granting reprieye5, must be performed pursuance
of recommendations from the courts of the countless or
] h. 10, OF