American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1826-02-03

IN trusted with the choice Of the Chief Magistrate
Of this great and growing Republic not as an event
which in series of years may happen but when
in the ordinary course OF affairs must nesliaoy sne
frequently occur. The first objection and the one
which cannot fail to suggest itself TO every mno'
the incompatible nature OF the duties Which oe,o"s
70 Legislative Assembly and to an Electoral Col
eee. No principle ought, in the opinion OF the
committee TO be held more sacred, as none, certain
y. is more plainly recognized in the whole struc'
tire oil our government than that which keeps the
Executive and Legislative Departments separate
and distinct. There seems, indeed, 70 DC ihiuseu
into the different branches of our Government,
doubtless tor the wisest purposes jealous spirit
which, generously cherished and property directed
may be fruitful Of the greatest bench s. iha' inc
Legislature should elect the Executive, is an AROMA
ly it is altogether inconsistent with the most
cherished principles of our system and, in P aetice,
may be found equally fatal TO the purity OF one
b anch of the Government, and the independence OF
the other. - !,
The reference OF this question. which VIII cah
into action the strongest, and some OF the WORST
passions of our nature, to A pRE-ExIsTINe BODY
or MEN, assembled at the seat OF Government ana,
from their character and situation, brough into al
most daily contact with the candidate, on whom they
can confer the f st Office in the Republic, and who
10 turn, can bestoW upon them brilliant hoHors ana
rlCh rewards must TOIn Tue very HatuiS " n'h -
explse them to the various influences, by which
power and patronage have, in every age, seduced
msn from the path of duty, and tempted them to
betray the most sacred trusts When we lake INTO
view the great and increasing patronage OF the Exc
utive, and Of the vatlous Departments under his
ontrol. and perceive how completely i IS IN ais
power 70 cause the influence OF his office TO be let,
we must shut our eyes to the lights of wisdom aud
experience. if do not perceive, that the period IS
rot ia dis ant, when The office OF President VIII be
Icon te red the reward oil open intrigue and the
deepest corruption Butt is not alone against acts
taf oren and p-ipabIe corruption, that it becomes
nec essary to guard. A aody, even OF high minded
men, srdenty engaged in tuaning the race oil homo
rable AMBITION will always be liable TO be deluded
by the destinations OF Office and, though they may
no, be seduced from their course by the treasures
which nay be thrown 10 their way, will be induced
swerse from heir duty 10y temptations more
cnneenisl to homo able nds aud that ready Ca
.ulsuy, by which nutcians easily deceive them
selves will fur1sh an apology for course Of con
uct which, in private lille, such men would scorH 10
aursue All experience demonstrates that the best
security nf virtue found avoiding all temptations
But even it the danger Of corruption in the House
q Representatives was less alarming in ITS magnl.
tude, and less certain in its occurrence, The Com
mitee would still apprehend that the preservation
! of the character both IT the Legislature AID me
| Executive and securing to them that place IN the
public confidence and esteem without which theil
Strength will be but weakness, and their wisdom
Jolly, would require that hey should be tar removed
even from unjust suspicion In country like ours
governed by public opinion, it Of the last impor
&c, y at those Who appointed TO make and exc
cute the laws and who must always give tone TO oul
| National character should concliate the confidence
| oil the People or at least Stand, before them unim
| Preached: That successful candidate, exalted tc
The Chef Mag istracy by the Members OF Congress
should feel deep OF gratitude towards those
10 whom he is indebted for his elevation. is neither
strange nor the subject OF Just exception. In the
distribution of the numerous Offices within his gilt
il would be impossible for him so TO act otherwise
| than to exclude altogether from the range OF hi:
choice, men, in other respects, we'll qualified Tor the
hiehes, Offices, or to subject himself, however un
Justly. to the impu,aton Of being influenced By
personal and unworthy motives.
But, if the election in the House Of Representa-
lives liable TO none OF these objections, STILL tn,
interruption it will give to the calm and regular pro
e ess of legislation, would, it-elf. be an evil of ths
Nest alarming nature Iht mixing up OF party
feeling personal snimp>es and local interests witt
o. dina acts Of legislation, would, unquesiionably
We ot the Creates taamities to which the coun
try could be exposed. Unless those who create TIT
laws like the Judges VINO expound them are fre
from prejudice and passion, II is Impossible tia
they can fulfil their high duties with purity ant
wisdom. That the acrimonious feelings, and bite
anmnsi,ies excited, in contested election n h
House of Representatives, would not subsde at II
close but would, for long OF lime. exert al
influence On the dellbera,ons and perhaps contro
the decisions Of the Legislature, by disturbing tn
tranquility of its course. and tngng every eglsa
tive act wi h party views and feelings, is too certain
70 admit c. doubt. We ray, indeed, tremble 70
= A..
graded into mere Electoral College, and the hg
duties OF the Legislature shall be conhded to the ot
posing factions, known only as he enemies Q
parsans of the Administration. Bui this is not al
The People themselves. IN such state of things
will be tempted to contribute to this evil, BY sendin