The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-11-09

preceden,s that could have arisen 10 the progress OF
this government, under our Constitution. Twas not
an influence that tended 20 bring the Executive pow
er in collision with The Representatives Of the peo-
pie; but the arbitrary act Of the Executive in
direct conflict with the win Of the people, and at
once effort to establish the will and power Of one
man above that Of the assembled delegates, fresh
from the people.
How worse than idle is II To reply that The Presi-
dent appealed to the people, and TO justify upon the
ground that they approved the act by the election
of the offender, thereby iusifying the usurpaiion.
This il Is, thai brings into view the point thai in
wolves danger to the republic II is an admitted
principle that The veto power should be rarely inter-
posed. Ii was power conferred with great hesita-
tion and in opposition to the arguments and votes of
such patriots as the immortal Patrick Henry, and
the whole party of the school of politicians who
were the early opponents Of the adoption Of the
Constitution, because II conferred too much power
uponthe Executive departments II was foreseen,
thai Executive influence would be too strong for The
people. And here is, indeed, most alarming in
stance verifying the sagacity and foresight of these
incredulous and cautious statesmen:-the practical
Democrats Of the age Of the Constitution. What
have we winessed7 Not the popular branch, in hot
haste passing important bill, deliberately vetoed
by the cooler judgment Of the President; but rather,
the deberative act Of the Legislative branch pass
ing wise and most important bill, which, with i'll
temper, angrily vetoed by the President follow
ed by an appeal to the people, under the most agiia-
ting excitement, while the press of the Executive
party was teeming with the most fulsome praise of
fhe President the hand, and the foulest SLAM
ders upon the Representatives of the people the
other; charging them with having been bought up
BY the Bank, and heaping upon them every accumu-
ation of opprobrium that might tend 10 bring them
into contempt with their Constituents, while all those
who supported the veto Presidential favorites
and il the people frowned upon their course, they
found sanctuary in the bosom Of the Executive,
and were consoled and rewarded for such disap-
pointmehl by lucrative Office, or foreign mis-
sion. Hitherto, public opinion has been poisoned
and misled in regard to true interests, and to
principles vitality affecting the Constitution and civil
liberty. II is time, for il must now be seen, that
something must be done for distressed and injured
people. But, Mr.. Van Buren,, as il there were no
safety in having himself open to the lights Of reason
and experience has put the seal Of Instability upon
the obstinate will Of his predecessor, and declared
his 4naiterable hostility 10 a National Bank. In
other words, no pecuniary ditresses Of the people
shall be mgated or assuaged by adopting mea-
sure, that implies doubt Of the wisdom, or admits
for moment the possibility of error in President
Jackson's course.
Has It come to tbs1 Shall the heroes and sages
Of an earlier and more virtuous period Of our his
tory pass in review before u.s. without consideration
regard for their opinions, while give place to
those of Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren,,
as the consummation Of human wisdom, and the Ut
most limit Of human improvement Forbid it pa
trioism- forbid gratude-forbid it. every genuine
principle that animates spirit of regard for the
Constitution and just for the recovery of
the lost prospcrityof our country.
FRANKLIN.