Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-08-18


dons it, if he makes himself, in that par
ticular, the president of the minority,
there is no remedy for the future, but to
change the president, and for the present,
but to alter the constitution, and subject
the veto to a further limitation.
That is proposed to be done by the
fourth resolution adopted at the public
meeting in Fayette. BY the constitution
Of the United States, as it now stands,
when bill has passed both houses Of
congress, it is submitted to the president
for his consideration Ifhe approves he
signs it; and ifhe disapproves he returns
it to the house, in which it originated,
with his objections. That house pro-
ceeds to reconsider it, and lift again pass
es it by majority Of t,co thirds, it is sent
to the other house, when if it be also
passed by like majority it becomes
law. No matter what is the subject, no
matter whether the objections ofthe pres
ident are founded upon the constitution
or expediency, no matter that majority
of all the members elected shall have
first passed the bill upon their deliberate
convictions, and shall again pass it, after
full and respectful consideration of the
presidents objections, the bill cannot be-
come law, unless the stern rule Of two
thirds is complied with.
1t is wonderful that this monarchial
feature was ever ingrafted in the consti-
tuition. 1t can only be accounted for up
on the historical fact, that there were
many members who framed it, that
were inclined to a strong executive if not
TO a monarchy. No such feature is be-
lieyed to exist in any one of the twenty
four constitutions of the states. In sew
eral of their constitutions, the governor Is
not allowed the smallest participation in
the legislative power. In that of Virgin
ia, the work of Madison, Marshall,
Monroe, and other eminent men, which
contains the last expression of public sem
tmcnt, on this subject, all Legislative
power is interdicted to the governor.
1t is irreconcilable with the nature Of
free representative government, that the
president should be competent to annul
l the acts of the representatives of the
people, and Of the states, after twice de-
liberating on the subject, with all the ad-
vantages ofthe lights of their own minds,
and those which he may have cast on
the particular question. The rule as
sunes superiority of wisdom on the part
of one man which is contrary to human
nature and to all experience. 1t places
in the power of SINGLE individual
the highest interests of the people, and
supposes that II + is more competent to
Judge of them than their immediate re-
representatives. familiar with all their wants,
and sympathising in and feeling all the
inconv eniences and sufTerings to which
they are exposed.
The contemplated alteration in the
constitution is well worthy Of the serious
consideration ofthe people. If it be not
made, and the president adheres to the
opinions which he has recently put forth,
we may bid adieu to all internal improve
ments during his administration. That
such will be the consequence is clear
from the unprecedented course taken by
the president in retaining the Louisville
canal bill. No former president is be-
licved ever to have pursued similar
course. Why was it done, but that the
president thought it was milder and
less shocking form of exercising power?
He was not ignorant of the benefits ex-
pected from that canal. He had seen
and examined it, He knew that con-
gress had previously made appropriations
to this identical work, all of which must
he lost if it be now discontinued. He
knew that although Kentucky is interest
ed in the work, that other states and ter
ritorics amounting to at least half the
union were deeply interested in it.-He
knew that it was emphatically great
western measure, although its benefits
are not limited to the west. He knew
that although its length is less than three
miles and its location is in Kentucky, it
is, ifany work can be, a national improve
ment And yet he has retained and
thereby rejected the bill, with conde-
scending to inform the people or their
Representative of his reasons.
If the amendment proposed shall be
adopted, objects of internal Improvement
can be fostcrcd and promoted, provided
they ultimately obtain the concurrence
of all the members elected to both BRAN
ches of congress ss, the presidents opinion
for the time being notwithstanding. And
surely the executive department will be
sufficiently protected by the condition re-
quired, that majority of all elected to
congress, whether all be present or not,
after hearing the president, concur in the
passage of bill to which he objects.
The seventh resolution adopted at the
Fayettc meeting relates to the Indians;
II asserts that this measure was wrested
from the government upon the dictauon
III ,,f Ean..,o That thIG q ffIIe. no ODb