The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1841-03-13
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY H. WEBB.

But the great caDger 10 our institutions
ioes not appear TO me to be in a usurpallon,
by the Government, of power not granted
by the people, but by the accumulation, in {
one OF the departments, of that which was
assigned to others. Limited as are the
powers which have been granted, still e.
nough have been granted to constitute a des-
polsm, if concentrated in one of the de-
partments. This danger is greatly height
eEed, as i. has been always observable that
men are less jealous of encroachments of
one department upon another, than upon
their own reserved rights.
When the Constitution of the United
States first came from the hand OF the Con-
vention which formed it, many of the ster-
nest republicans of the day were alarmed
at the extentfof the power which had been
granted to ihe Federal Government, and
more particularly of that portion which had
been assigned TO the Executive branch.-
There were in it features which appeared
no, to be in harmony with their ideas of
simple representative Democracy, or Re-
public. And knowing the tendency OF
power to increase itself, particularly when
exercised by single individual, predictions
were made that, al no very remote period,
The Government would terminate in virtual
monarchy. 1t would not become me to say
that the fears of these patriots have been al
ready realized. But as sincerely believe,
that the tendency of measures, and of
mems opinions, for some years past, has
been in that direction, il is, conceive,
strictly proper that | should take this occa-
sion to repea. The assurances have he--,'- =.
fore given of my .dafStasncv dfStssn; if !, reaJIv e
~ and restore the Government to its prs-
tine health and vigor, as far as this can be
effected by any legitimate exercise of the
power placed in my hands.
proceed 10 state, in as summary man.
ner as csn, my opinion of the sources of
the evils which have been SO extensively
| complained of, and the correctves which
may be applied. Some Of the former are
unqueslionably TO be found in the defects of
the Constitutions; others, in my Judgment,
are attributable to q misconstruction of some
of iis prnvisinns. Of tho e. l. 49, IL!
giblity Of the same individual to a second
term of the presidency. The sagacous
mind of MIR. Jefferson early saw and lament
! ed this error, and attempts have been made,
hitherto without success, to apply the amen
datory power of the States to its correction.
AS, however. one mode of correction is
in ihe power OF every President, and conse-
| quently in mine, ii would be useless, and
perhaps invldious TO enumera!e the evils Of
which, in the opinions of many of our (el-
llow-citiZens, this error of the sages who
| framed the Constitution may have been the
source; and the bitter fruits which we are
still 10 gather from it, il ii continues 10 dis
figure our system. 1t may be observed,
however, as general remark, that Repub-
lies can commit no greater error than to
adopt or continue any feature in their sys-
TENS of government which may be caiculat-
ed 10 create or increase the love Of power
in the bosoms of those to whom necessity
obliges them TO commit the management Of
their affairs. And, surely, nothing is more
likely 10 produce such state of mind than
The long continuance Of an officer Of high
trust. Nothing can be more corrupting,
nothing more destructive Of all those noble
feelings which belong to The character Of
devoted republican patriot.
When this corrupting passion once takes
possession of the human mind like the love
vi SOiu " oSbpMCS iuodidoles ~ 10 hhO
never-dying worm in his bosom, grows with
his growth, and strengthens with the de-
cling years of its victim. If this be true, it
is ,he part Of wisdom for republic to limit
the service Of that officer at least to whom
she has entrusted the management of her
foreign relations, the execution other laws,
and the command Of her armies and navies,
10 period so short as to prevent his for
getting that he is the accountable agent, not
the principal--the servant, not the master.
Until an amendment to the constitution can
be affected, public opinion may secure the
desired object. give my aid 10 it, by re-
newing The pledge heretofore given, that,
under no circumstances, will l consent TO
serve second term.
But if there is danger TO public liberty
from the acknowledged defects of the Con-
slilution, in the want of limit TO the contn-
uance Of the Executive power in the same
hands, there is, apprehend, not much less
from misconstruclion of that instrument,
as it regards the powers actually given. l
cannot conceive that, by fair construction,
any or either OF its provisions would be
found 10 constitute the President part of
the legislative power. 1t cannot be claimed
from the power to recommend, since. al
though enjoined as duty upon him, it is
Driyilege which he holds in common with