Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1829-06-11
POWER OF RE MOyAL.

Mr.. MApIsoNs NOTIONS ON THIS SUBJEcr.
N the or an zation OF our government, one OF
The first subjects that came up for discussion ia
Congress-, was the power of the President, to
remove public officers The Constitution it,
sell which was specified in regard to appains-
msaa, was silent in regard to removals gener
V.-inasmuch as the concurrence of the Sc
ne was essentis, 20 the appointment OF the
more important officers many were Of opinion
| that the assent ct the same power was neces.
sry to their removal. Washington was the
President, and even under so pure an executive
the subject was regarded with great anxiety by
F The fist Congress. When the question of the
removal by The Erccutius alone, come directly
before Congress, the members We're nearly e.
quslly divided. 1t was contended, BY those
opposed to a broad construction of the power
OF removal that il was liable to great abuse:
that it would render officers entirely dependent
on the rpia, perhaps The rch,m and caprice Of
one man Whatever confidence might De plao-
ed in the Chief Magistrate then, at the head OF
the Government, equal confidence could not be
expected in his successors. and that the con.
currenCe of the senate was as necessary aud
proper in he remouG!, as in the APPOINTMENT Of
Officers, &c.
On the other hand. it was urged that, in ge.
to be eft With the Judiciary, bu, that. In this
case, It ought to be lett with the President
he-h stress WAS also laid upon the supposed
urine Of President, and it was admitted. that
4e were disposed to sbuse the power, evils
would grow out ofit The question was final
decided IN the House IN favor OF the Presl
O'l's sole power to remove, by a majority OF
'Ay ''geiUe. In the Senate, the vote was still
Vo'e'; that body was equally divided, and The
casting vote of the Vee President was in &C
'Oida1ce with the other House.
rtkn's History OF the United States, vol. ii.
? 329. says,
with respect to removals, from within, ca
'ce or any unworthy motives, il was alleged
vat Sdncient checks were provided against
slch "snton abuse OF this power. That the
rhc'Pal 'tnot the only inducement for the
,I"oVaI OF meritorious officer. would be, to
tA'e some fayorite in his room. The Pres
~" indeed, might remove, but he could moi
sYpy tue vacancy without the assent of the
us'e' The nomination of a successor would
eN inquiry IN that body. and produce re
fancy.
I,s was also stated by some members, particu
fY oy Mr.. Lawrence and Mr.. Madison, tina
bn"lIInn Wanion abuse ofpower, the Presiden
no'al from office.
h., the President" said Mr.. Lawrence, "a
sr my ms trust, will he escape the popular cen
WY. whea the period which terminates his ele
auon artivesl And would be not be liable /,
my mpeach nent for displscing worthy and abl
pltf' '"s so"'ioe"Se VI TUG pso
me danger, them" Mr.. Madison observed
L ,.Nst IN this, the President can displac
,Sa u,eince man whose merits require that h
.a'a DC continued in it. What will be tn
,E,,.. 'ss winch the President can feel for sue
49, " nls power, and the restraints 10 oper
imr..lL fe'enl ~ IL the FIRST place, he will b
taSu'ble by this House before the Senate
ia II an act OF NAL administration; for con
az nat the wsnton removal of meritoriou
rs, rs would subject him TO impeachment an,
AZ. from his own high trust.
s,s.. Hamilton was not member ofthat Con
- out his opinion was unequivocaIly op
rne. 70 The r'gh, Of the President alone &
3 49,, IN No. ~. PIP. Ala OF the Federalisl
fs t','he following:
& la, Is been mentioned as one of,he adyan
Fl" DC expected from the cooperation o