Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1836-01-12
REMARKS OF MR.. WISE OF VIRGINIA.


Ia he House Of Representatives, on 7hureday.
Mr. WISE said, that he was utterly opposed to
this resolution on the score OF economy, but 10
another and much more important point of view,
such resolution was actually abhorrent to the
principles OF our Government and to the indepen-
dence Of the legislation Of this House. Sir, in
stead Of being what we are By the Constitution
an independent branch of the National Legsla-
ture, this resolution would resolve US into MERE
COMMITTEE 10 r,pon proceedings Of the Legislature
department 10 The Erccutirei Gentlemen may not
intend such effect, but this resolution does, in
sembtdnee and in substance recognise responsible
~ on the part of this House to the Executive for
its legislative acts and proceedings. What, Sir !!
has 1t come to this, that shall daily carry TO
the foot OF the throne report Of our proceedings
In order TO show-not to the President, but TO his
very neutrality-suspicious. far have we gonc' in or
der that they may say, "thus far shalt thou 60 and
no farther" The Executive Department, sir, in-
termeddles already too much with the performance
Of our Legislative duties and functions and do
solemnly protest against resolving upon this writ
ten invitation TO superniend and interfere with our
action here, more than it has already done.
wish to preserve our own independence and the
checks and balances of our Government
Here Mr.. ANTHONY (of Pa.) made some re-
marks which lie concluded by saying that "he
Ereentire Departments had right 10 kaow ,ctaf
ice ,cere doing in this House
MIR. WISE again and said that he was as
tonshed to hear such right admitted or claimed
for the Executive on that floor. He would only
coil The attention of the IIoueo country
this claim for the Executive as a right,
Mr.. JOHNSON of Kentucky 10 reply to the
gentleman from Virginia challenged him to put
his finger upon any one act of Executive ueurpa-
tion remarking at the same time, that it was
easy to deal in general denuncia,ions and de-
carations but more difficult TO support them by
facts. lie, Mr.. j. looked TO the voice of the peo-
pie as bis guide, aud he doubted not that the Pres
ident did. The President had been supported, in
ell his acts, by large majority of the people, and
could, therefore, with reason, complain OF
the course of the gentleman, than the gentleman
could of his.
Nj. WISE said in reioinder that The gentle.
man from Kentucky (Col. JoHNsos) had called up.
on him to do that which it was the easiest thing
/ ina ginable 10 do. He would give him and the
country the information asked for with the greatest
pleasure; was happy to have the opportunity to
give the gentleman a satisfactory and direct reUly
and was ready and willing to put his finger upor
some acts of Executive interference with the leg
slation Of that House. When speak, however
J
of the President alone, and let me be so under
stood, but the acts Of the whole Of the Depart
ments. Is it possible. sir, that the gentleman
means TO be understood by his making this call
and by his manner Of making it, that he himself
docs no, suppose specifications of active informed
ding with business of legislation can Be
made Why, sir, the gentleman trips No
specify acts Of Executive Interference, Surel,
| the gentleman knows that the Constitution makes
1t the duty Of the President TO communicate tc
Congress, by his Message, his, the Executiyei
views, Of all DOR relations, and on all subjects o
| legislation. lie is constitu,onally bound to civ,
Js officially has opinion on what should do an,
should not do as Legislators.
But let not the gentleman understand me a
pointing 10 thus constitutional duty MS one of ia,
specifications Of Executive Interference. To sent
US his message is no act of intermodiiag-it is al
act Of duty and obligation. Sir, | do not intent
TO eysde the gentleman's call. ! never will evad
any responsibility on any occasion. slluce u
this constitutional duty. to contrast it expressly
with other acts which the Presidents or the Tx
eeutIye's duty forbids. allude TO it for the pur
pose Of reminding the gentleman that the Consii
tuition fixes the measure and mode Of Executive m
terposli'on IA acts Of legislation. The Constitu
ton intends that the President shall. by publi
message, call attention 70 all subjects of legs
la.lse action and that then the Executive function
shall cease until We have performed our acts. AM
referred them 10 him for his constitutional sanction
or veto. And the Constitution intends, most eau
ioosy and leulously intends that willis, discussing
whilst deciding upon laws 10 be passed or rejected
~e shall be free and independent Of Executive 10
huence. And now. sir, what have said, mean
to cay and mean to repeat, is, that VIC are no
thus free and independent. that the Executive doe
'"ieTHodAf, Improperly. Dangerously and ffequenll
with our legislative seton! The gentleman ssk
for me TO point 10 The instances. and viii specf
some Of them.
Was 1t 90, admitted the other day on this foo
by member Of 'the party" and the ChAirrna
Of Committee. (Mr. sUTHERLAspl that our Com
nitises DO not make Their oWu reports VII
does make them not trtte them, ear, make thea