Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1839-02-14
NO 46.

ring an improper influence over the Legis-
lature.
70 effect this nothing in my opinion is
necessary hut to re-establish the principles
upon which the administration was once
conducted, with single addition of limiting
The service of the President TO one term.
A condensed enumeration of what | con-
celve these principles to have been, is given
/ above. And think no one can doubt,
that, if faithfully carried cut, they will be
eflectual in securing the independence of
the Legislature, and combining the connec-
lion between it and the Executive, to that
| alone which is warranted by a fair con-
struction Of the Constitution. l can con-
ceive- of but two motives which could in
dnce President of the United States to
| endeavor to procure a controlling influence
over the Legislative body, viz-to perpetuate
bis power, by passing laws to increase his
patronage--or CRAFTY his vanity,by obtain
ing their sanction to his schemes and pro-
jects for the government of the country;
and thus assimiating his station to that of
limited monarchs of Europe. The prin-
ciples above suggested, would effectualy
destroy any disposition ofthe person elect
ed by the combined vetes of the opposition
to place himself in either attitude. Retir-
ing at the end of four years to private life,
with no wish or prospect ofany 'sson of his
succeeding" Legitimate or adopted, he
would leave the government as prosperous
and pure in its administration, as when it
passed from the hands of the great "Apos-
tie of Democracy" to the father of our
Constitution.
To the duties which have enumerated,
so proper in my opinion to be performed
by President, elected by the opposition to
the present administration, land which are
as / believe, of constitutional obligation
| will mention another which I believe
also of much Importance. | mean the OBJ
servance of the most conciliatory course of
conduct toward our political opponents.
After the censure which our friends have
so freely and so Justly bestowed upon the
present Chief Magistrate, for having in no
inconsiderable degree, DISTINGUISHED the
whole body Of his political opponents, am
certain that no oppositionist, true to the
principles he processes, would approve
similar course of conduct in the person
whom his vote has contributed to elect. In
q OHt vi TUG suICot tSoto VI q
healthy state Of its institutions, in the i'm
munity with which every citizen may, up
on all occasions express his political opin-
ions and particularly his prejudices, in the
discharge of his duty as an elector. !
The question may perhaps be asked of
me, what security have in my power to
offer, if the majority of the American peo-
pie should select me for their Chief Mag
istrate, that would adopt the principles
which have herein laid down as those
upon which my Administration would be
conducted. I could only answer, by refer
ring to my conduct, and the disposition
manifested in the discharge of several i'm
portant Offices which have heretofore been
conferred upon me. If the power placed
in my hands, has. on even single occa-
sion, been used for any purpose than that
for which it was given, or retained longer
than was necessary to accomplish the OBJ
iects designed by those from whom the
trusts were received, vii! acknowledge
that either will constitute sufficient rea-
son for discredting lazy promise | may
make, under the circumstance in which
am now placed.
I am, dear sir, truly yours,
w. II. HARRISON.
To the Hon. HARMAR DENNY