Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-12-26

tho sake o! opposition, as it is glorious that
vicious administration should be hurled from the exer-
else Of power they abused. Were the calamity limited
to the present time, il would deserve the interpo-
siiion OF the people, but is obviously destined in
crease, with the increase Of the numbers who as
pre to the FIRST Office of the Government. As these
multiply, as multiply they must, with the increased
population OF the country. itbecomes more and more
Impossible that they all achieve what is the final
aim ofall Suppose for example, that the U. States
contained twelve Cintons and Calhouns-each DOS
sessing great talents, numerous and devoted friends
extensive infiuence-and each with his eye unchange.
ably fixed on the Presidency, directing his influence in
the public councils and his popularity in the nation
exclusively to the attainment cf his ambitious views
could less be expected than that the sword would be
appealed toe And yet is any thing more probable
than snch an event and lis rearnessa
There were many who foresaw that the Presidency
was the apple of dscord. the struggle for which as
70 dissolve the union of the American States Every
days experience, every thing know of human ma
tnre confirms tho probability of the prediction. The
herceness OF the present contest but prepar ing the
people Tor one still fercer. Whether MIR. Adams or
Gen. jackson be elected, the President will hardly
be Installed before those who aspire to succeed him
land we may reckon upon four FIVE candidates. will
marshall their forces for the ensuing contest In short
The sruggieor the Presidency is destined TO be sever
beginning never endiugn and one concs. and the ex.
element II produces, only terminated to give room
for another contest and for still higher excitement-
II the violence of no single shock overthrow the Gov
eminent land the representation oa single state onIy
has to Withdraw to discover the union yet the constant
succession of shocks must undermine the fabric al last
Party rage, like individual passion when passes GER
tam bounds, must seek relief in violence and action.
These truths strike all who look with an attentive
eye, at the progress of the National Government
The wish is general to find and apply a remedy in
fine Few are SO saDguine TO think that things can
go on as they are. There must be change in the
Constitution, the constantly recurring disturbances
accustomed BY the election of Presdentlbe bitterness
it infuses into the national councils and into the rela
ans Of the several states and even society itself and
MS fatal influence over public measures must lead to
deliberate separation of the States as preferable to
sh eternal state of confusion and disagreement or
20 violent ACKNOWLEDGMENT. But what change is the
question, Ambitious men will aspire to the Presden
cy. No modification of the Constitution can regulate
their ambition within patriotic limits Ambition will
he ambition, aud seek the first Distinction whether il
hs accompanied by The powers of first Consul or an
tonnage and wealth, yet fAe first place. it will be
earnestly desired and eagerl. pursued
The question is surrounded by difficulties and has
given birth to many suggestions. We observe with
pleasure, that propositions amend the constitution
touching the article of the Presidency, have already
been submitted to the House of Representatives by Mr.
McDufie and Gen. Smytb of this State One a
mendment proposed By the latter gentlemen receives
mnch favor in public opinion, far know it--yet
coming from Virginia, it is little extraordinary.
It is to make the president ineligible after the first
term Had this been proposed in the time Jefferson
Madison and Monroe Virginia would certainly have
considered j, highly offensive; but her line presidents
being exhausted, it has become right and expedient
and some think republican TO limit The eligible ty of a
President to term! As Virginia proposition,
Gen. Smys amendment lie obnoxious TO this reproach
Of illibera!ity. IntTnscally it is entitled as we con-
ceiye TO the appreciation of the country. If adopted
il will deprive tie President for the time being of all
motive 10 dispense his patronage TO secure his
second eleciion--a charge which is sure to be made
whether justly not. 1t will increase the chance of
each asprant TO succeed to the Presidency in his turn
and soothe him into awaiting tina, term more PATIENTLY
Lastly, and above all; it will prevent causeIess and
Unjusabe opposition administration; for as the
President will retire of necessity after his first term
be the interest of to tbwart his Administrations
and render him odons to the people. What is Gen.
Smyths amendment, but an ackDowl Judgement that Mr.
Adams has been opposed merely for the purpose of
preventing bis second election, and that The quiet and
good of the country renders desirable to the
Inducements to that species of opposition to Ad-
ministration-
These would certainly be valuable results reason
ably to be expected from Gen. Smyth's amendment.
But they leave the disease but half cured. Factious
aud Ambitious men, wonld no longer have motive TO
down President TO prevent his election second
time, but there is nothing in the amendment to restian
them from contsuding among Themselves FOR the
cession and io6aming the county by their
ftcting professions