Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-11-21
From the North American Review.


Gen Washington was in the habit OF redu-
cling to form, and expressing i'll his own Ian
guape. sucb information as he derived from his
correspondents. The following extracts are
interesting, both as curious specimens OF his
manner, and the sentiments they Contains
Mr.. JAY,
Does not think the giving any further power
to Congress will answer our purposes
Because some of The members will have par
tial and personal purposes in view, which, ana
ignorance, prejudice, and interested. views OF
others, will always cmbarrass those who are
well disposed.
Because secrecy and despatch will be too un-
common, and foreign rs well as local interests
will frequently oppose, and sometimes 'rus'
,ratc the wisest measures.
Because large assemblies often misunder-
stand or neglect the obligations of character
honor and dignity. and will collectively do, or
omit things which an indi,i dual gentlemen In
his private capacity would not approve
The executive business of sovereignty, de-
pending on so many wills, and these wills mo-
we'd by such variety Of contradictory motives
and inducements, will, in general, be but isebiy
done; and
II Il
responsible, cannot be efectually so in lis de-
partment and officers, without adequate Ju-
dicalories. He therefore,
Does no, promise himself any thing desira-
bic from any change, which does not divide
the sovereignty into its proper departments
Let Congress icgisiate, let others execute, let
others Judge. Proposes,
A Governor General limited in his preroga-
,ivcs and duration; that Congress should be
d;vi,ltd into an upper and lower house, the for
mer appointed for life, the later annually; that
The Governor General Ito preserve BALANCED
with the advice Of council, formed for that only
purpose, of the great judicial officers, have a
negative on their acts.
What power should be granted to the gov
ernment so constitute d, is a question which
deserves much thought he more powers
however hr thinks, the better; the states retain
ing ONLY so mu, h as may be necessary for do
mestc purposes and all their principal officers,
civil and military, being commissioned ana
removed by the national government.
Questions the policy Of the convention, be-
cause it ought to have originated with, and
the proceedings he confirmed by, the people,
the only source Of just authority.
GEN KNOX.
7, is out Of all ttues,ion that the foundation Of
the Governmentinusl be Of republican princi'
Dles but SO mod;ned and wrought together,
that whatever Shall be erected thereon should
Ne durable anil rfR lent. tir speaks entirely Of
the Federal government, or what would be bet
ter. one government, instead Of one associa-
ton f goyernm' nt,.
Were il possible TO EFFECT government Of
thi, kind, il might BE- constituted Of an assem-
blv, or lower house, chosen for one, TWO or three
wears; Senate chosen for FIVE years, SIX or
seven wears; and the executive under the title OF
Govern ,r General, chosen by the assembly and
Seoate for the term If seven years, but liable
to an impeac hmcnt e TIC lower house, and
trlabe bv the Senate.
judiciary to be appointed by the Governor
General, during good behavior. bu; impeach>
able by the lower house; and t:la5le by the Sen.
ate.
The laws passed by the General Government,
to be oSeyed by tie local governments, and ii
pecessary to be enforced hy body Of armed
MN
All national objects to he designed and exc
cuted by the General Government, without
any reference to the local governments.
This is considered government Of the least
possible powers, 10 preserve the conederacd
government. To a,temp, 20 establish less, will
be to hazard the existence Of reDubllcanlsm,
and to subject us either 10 division of the
European powers or 10 be a despotlsm arising
from high handed connexions.
MR.. MADISON.
Thinks an individual independence Of the
states utterly irreconcilable with their agsre-
gaze sovereignty, and that a consolidation OF
he whole INTO simple republic would be
as inexpedient as it is unatrainabe, He there
fore proposes middle ground, which may at
once support the supremacy Of the national
authority, and not exclude he local authorities
whencye, ey can b. subordipately useful
Us the ground work. he proposes that a
change be made in the principle of representa-
tcr and Kinks there would be no great diff
GUY In etfe u.g il.
| ,..lt ,. addi; on to the present federal pow
q re ma ona. government should be armed
7os i've AID comp etc authority III all
which requ res unfo mi'y: such as the
euor Of ira e, including the right of tax
toh rApor;s imports the fixing the
-s.-r AID 10 ms If naturalization, sc
, ..r.r'und shove I is positive power, neg
al o ar co~eS whatever on the legislative
ac,s he tss, as he etofort ex' rcised by