The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-06-23

demonstrating the rapid tendency Of our Co
vernment to an elective monarchy of the most
exceptionable Character self elected oas-
likely 10 be brought about by the impercepli-
BILE gradaiions first, Of official interference
in popular elections since their appropriate
interdict by Mr.. Jefferson--then, the direct
personal interference OF the late executive
and his subordinate officers in the local cleo
tions-and next, the consequent election Of
his. successor, under the nomination and
patronage Of the predecessor, finally leaving
but one more step TO insure the establishment
and permanency Of a self elected monarchy
| unexpectedly, and greatly to my astonish-
ment, found the whole train of evidence
had collected, in measure antiquated, if not
superseded by great confession Of an honor
able member of Congress in debate, while
that body was devising proper provisions to
suppress duelling among the members. His
declaration is strictly 10 the point which /
have been endeavoring to prove, and to this
effect That we, members Of Congress, are
all candidates for Office, and expect sooner or
later, to receive some appointment; the adj
vocates Of the administration from the pre-
vailing dynasty, and those Of the opposition
from that which is sought to be built up upon
its ruins, and, therefore, recommended that
members engaging in duels be disqualified
for appointments This avowal, viewed in
connection with the incipient, and the final
Legislation of the President, and the elegibili-
ty Of the members of the two houses of Con-
gress to executive appointments, shows that
the entire Legislation, equally with appoint
ments, is in the breast Of the President, in
defiance Of the corrective congressional
action, which, under these bearings of execu-
tive power, of recent discovery, have become
merely nominal
By the delegated powers the constitution,
the President may, if he list, recommend the
most ultra experiment upon the body polite,
that the radical anarchist Fanny Wright, or
her namesake could devise, and then insure
IFS passing into law, in defiance Of the ruin
and devastation it might threaten, or the wall
ings Of the people, in their circumstances
against it. Aye, insure its passage, by hold
ing in one hand the threat of veto against
any substitute that the wisdom Of Congress
could propose instead Of it, and offering with
the other hand, the reward of appointment to
those who will stand by his project thus
winning golden opinions" from far too great
number Of competitors for the prizes,
though he may have but few, at the time, to
distribute among them--for those who are dis
appointed to day, only become the sharper
set for tomorrow" and the more clamorous
in behalf of the next experiment. BY this
process, bill after bill will pass both Houses
of Congress, regardless Of the wishes or the
interests Of the country, until the Executive
patronage becomes so enormous, by the null
tfpifcanon OF revenue ana expcndituro, with
officers to administer in the receipts, safe
keeping, and disbursements whose licentious
interference in elections, sustained by the
connivance or direct encouragement of the
Executive, will at length render him self
elected monarch as inevitable as any other
great revolution in the physical world, is eff
fected by the insensible progression Of nature
and inevitable causes. For the impeaching
power itself, is rendered dead letter, and
incompetent to restrain him, while his pa
tronage can and does restrain the impeaching
power. By how much more would it advance
the interest ofthe nation, had that distinguish
cd and honorable member procured this ine-
Eligibility to Office to be applied to all The mem
bers unfortunately and without qualifca-
ton.
We need not make the application Of these
remarks to the possible success of the Sub
treasury bill now pending in the House Of
Representatives The immense increase Of
patronage involved in that bill. the increased
daring Of Executive influence in the cleo
tons of late, and the eligibility of Senators
and Representatives to Executive appoint
ments, sufficiently portend to every rejecting
mind, the consummation of the awful catas-
trophe above glanced at. Awful indeed is
the crisis which is pregnant with that evil
EXECUTIVE INFLUENCE--PARTY DIS
CIPLINE.
When Congress assembled at the extra
session, the members came together fresh
from the people. They bore with them the