Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1839-02-13

ing 10 proclaim 10 the Worl0, that the
youthful nation which has attracted SO
much Gifts attention which il has 30 much
admired for its gigantic strength, its un-
daunted courage, its high a;tainments in
literature and the arts, and the external
beauty OF IFS Institutions, was within n
mass of msanness and corruption That
even the chosen servants Of the people,
were ever ready for paltry considera.
ton, to abandon their allegiance to their
lawful sovereigns, and to become the sor-
wants of q servant The alternative to
this degrading course, is to be found in
depriving tho Executive Of all motive for
acquiring an improper influence over the
Legislature. To effect this, nothing in
my opinion Unnecessary but 10 rc-estab-
fish the principles upon which the admin
istration was once conducted, with sim
gle addition of limiting the service Of the
President to one term. A condensed O.
Enumeration Of what conceive these prin-
ciples to have been, is given above. And
think no one can doubt, that, If faithful.
" carried out, they would be efiectual in
securing the independence Of tho Legisla.
ture, and combining the connection be-
tween it and the Executive, to that alone
which is warranted by fair construction
OF the Constitution. can conceive Of
but two motives which could induce a
President OF the United States to ondeav.
or to procure controlling influence over
the Legislative body, viz ito perpetuate
his power, by passing laws 10 increase his
patronage-or CRAFTY his vanity, by oh
tanning their sanction 10 This scheme, and
projects for the governm mt Of the coun.
try: and thus assimilating his situation to
that OF the limited monarchs Of Europe.
The principles above suggesiei would
eflectually destroy any disposition of the
person elected by tho combined votes OF
the opposition to place hlmselfin either
attitude. Retiring at the end OF four
years to private life, with no wish or pros
poets of .any son Of his succeeding" le-
climate or adopted, he would leave the
Government as prosperous and pure in its
administration, as when II passed from
the hands of the great " Apostle of De
mocracy," 10 the Father OF our Constitu-
ton.
To the duties which have enumera-
ted, so proper in my opinion 10 be per-
formed by President, elected by tho OPP
position to the present administration,
(and which are, as | believe. of consiltu-
tiona' obligation will mention another
which believe also 10 be Of much mpor-
lance; | mean the observance ofthe most
concllIatory course OF conduct towards
our political opponents. A fter tho CEN
sure which our friends have so freely and
SO justly bestowed upon the present Chief
Magistrate, for having, in no inconsider.
aba degree, dis(ranchls tho whole boz
dy OF his political opponents, am Ger.
tam that no opposjtonIsts, true to the prin-
cipIes he processes. would approve smi.
lar course OF conduct in the person whom
his vote has contributed 10 elect. In a
Republic, one of the snresl tests oil a heal.
thy state of lis institutions, is the immuni-
ty with which every citizen may upon
all occasions, express his political opinions
and particularly his preju ices, in the dis
charge of his duty as an eIec,or.
The question may perhaps be asked Of
me, what security have in my power to
otter, II the majority ofthe American peo-
pie should select me for thier Chief Mag.
'strate, that would adopt the principles
which have herein laid down, as those
upon which my Administration would be
conducted. could only answer, by re-.
ferring to nay conduct, aud the DISPOSE
ton manifested in the discharge of the
duties OF several important offices, which
have heretofore been conferred upon me.
II tho power placed IL nay hands, has,
on even single OCCASION, been used for
any purpose than that for which il was
gwen, or retained longer than was neces
sary to accomplish the objects designated
by those from whom the trusts were re-
eelved. | will acknowledge that either
MIL constitute sufficient reason for dis
cred'tlng any promise may make under
the circumstances in which am now
placed
am, dear sir, truly yours,
w. IL. HARRISON.
To The Hon. Hamar DENIM.