Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-08-28


the lowest" And yet, where would this lead
us?. Is not the Constitution our own-made
BY ourselvesl Is it not delicate complex
piece Of work, compounded Of Democratic, or
Of popular principles-and also Of Federal, or
principles Of State Sovereignty and indepen,,
dence? Is not Pennsylvania a sovereign aud
independent commonwealth, except so far as
she has yielded up portion Of her power Tor
national purposes to the general government
And will we, in pursuit Of one object or prin>
ciple, give up an io,a Of the sovereignty and
indie pendence Of Pennsylvania All will say
No!-and say so wisely. We will not What
then? The question is 10 be decided by states
NOT by numbers. That is: each state is to
have one vote in the election. Delaware, with
one member, is 10 have as much weight as New
York, with thirty four members! What! one
to have as much weight as thirty four? Is this
so? Is this right? Ought not that one to give
up his opinion? Ought not Delaware and
Rhode Island to yield up their opinion to Penn>
syvania and New York? Shall three represen-
la,ives balance sixty? !say, take the Cons'ltu'
ton, as the people in their sovereign pleasure
have formed it, for they weighed all the tonsl-
derations which could have any bearing on the
matter If we leave the Constitution, and UNI
dertake to set up principle OF construction
foreign TO that instrument, under some square
rule of right, however fair 1t may seem by itself,
and IN the abstract, you push to sea without
compass or chart-you introduce rule which
the people have not introduced, unknown to the
Constitution, 10 goverR he Constitution. You
take away power which the people have conhd-
ed 10 their Representatives freely 10 exercise,
according to their judgments, and you set up
an authority superior 70 the will of the people
and the Constitution, and that is principle oil
Dsspoiism.
1t is in vain to say, Representatives are not
to be trusted II not, with whom can we con-
fde? If persons chosen by the people are not
honest and vrtuous enough TO be entrusted
with power, put the question solemny, is
there any hope of the Republic? If the peo>
pie are viriuous and intelligent, will they not
choose in the main, vrtuous and intelligent
agents? II is libel on Republican govern
ment to say tina, you may not repose confidence
in the Representatives. Of the people Such is
the diclum Of despo,s, and those who urge that
man Is not capable Of self-government We
ought 10 be cautious how we impair the respect
and force Of Republican institutions, by admit
ting a position so reproachful to the people.
My purpose has been to show, briefly
That the Constitution is compounded OF Fe>
derai ard popular principles.
That it is complex in its construction and
yet+excellent as il is.
That no sor, Of obligation is imposed by it
on the House, in the choice Of President, 10 take
one more than another Of the three returned to
il, the choice being free, whatever may be
the numer Of electoral votes.
And that, for the preservation Of the Consu
tuition, and OF consequence, our liberties, no
principle, not recognized by that instrument,
ought TO be set up 10 govern the Constitution.
And Therefore, that the Representatives are,
and ought 10 be free to vote for such candidate
as they shall think will best promote The public
good
Knight, think, safely leave the argument
here. All those who revere the Constitution,
am persuaded, would be satisfied with this view
Of The subject But choose to pursue it step
further.
Let US suppose case.
Suppose the South, Slave holding States,
having had the President, for thirtytwo, OFT
of thirty six years, should still inss, on having
a Slave> holder, and nobody but a slave holder,
for President, and should, as usual, unite upon
one.
Suppose the North, thinking it iair, some
times to have man who was from the free
states, should support TWO men for President,
unfortunately divided, as they generally are,
respecting men. One man from the free states
has we will suppose, 70 votes. Another 90
votes. The Southern Slave. holder lol votes
When il is manifest the Slave>holdlng States
combine and firmly unite on the ground Of
their peculiar interests and insist on continuing
the presidency in Slave holder; will ii be said
that the members from Free states, shall not
unite to elect man from the free states?
As we are very much divided in respect to
men, and the Slave States always united on
that principle, in Shareholder, the contrary
doctrine would always place us at their feet, x
make them our rulsr rs and masters indeed.
would give them their full share but not all.
would allow them 10 be our brothers our e.
quas. Not our su2eriors, not our masters.
So that it would be dangerous TO adopt the
doctrine, that he who happens to have the high
es, vote has right or claim to be chosen.
Again. Some reason from the popular opin>
ion that as he who is highest on the return for
Sheriff, ought to have the commission, so he