Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1841-07-14
John Banks and One Term-.A Wan-
ly Letter.

In the following letter from Judge Banks to
a committee of the citizens of Allegheny coun-
ty he comes up to the point in frank, nequiv-
ocal manner.-There is no shuflng-no at
tempt to evade the question, but it is met fully
fairly. With honest John Banks and one
term for our waichword, Porter, the Borough
Shinplaster, Winnebago Cameron Candidate
will be left as far in the rear as was little Van
by old Tip, if we 60 TO work with our coats off,
resolved 10 conquer. Resolution is all that is
asked.--Log Cabin Rife
GENTLEMEN Ireceived your letter on Sat
urday evening, in which resolutions of,he Dem
ocra,c citizens of Allegheny County were en-.
closed. By those resolutions my opinions and
views in relation to the One Term principle
are required, and 20 this demand | now give a
hasty and brief reply.
That our State Executive should be limited
to One Term, is an opinion which have long
entertained. In observing the operations of our
system of Government, the necessity of this
principle was suggested to my mind, and has
become more apparent by the practice of every
day So fully was | convinced of its practical
utility, that l urged its introduction, and adop-
ton, TO more than one member of the late Con-
NSHtIOH W tfl0 SOHStltullOH VI OuI
Although this amendment was not then made,
the public demonstrations in It's favor are now
so strong that there remains no doubt of its
adoption, as part Of our Constitution, as speed
lily as the necessary forms will permit
As regards the Presidency of the United
States, look upon the One Term principle as
having been firmly settled by the election of
Gen. Harrison; and that in the opinion of the
Democracy of the country, it is now as sacred
and Interchangeable, as if it formed part Of the
written Constitution itself
Whether we regard the welfare and happi-
ness of the State, or the purity of our elections,
the propre,y of the One Term principle is equal
ly urgent.
When an individual has been placed in the
highest Executive office in the State, this salu-
tary limit should be placed to his ambition.
Then there will be nothing left him to do, but
the discharge of the duties of his high station
for the public good. His own. fair fame. the
lasting esteem of his fellow citizens, and the
happiness and prosperity of the country will
then receive his undivided attention. His de-
liberations will be no longer disturbed, or his
honest purposes and judgmen, distracted or sup
pressed by anxious reflections whether meas.
ure will increase or diminish his vote at the
next election. These considerations are al
ways exceedingly annoying to the individual
and prejudicial to the public interests.
This one term principle will do much to re-
lieve the Executive from all undue party obli-
cations, and the power of every improper Sec
tional influence. 1t will put a termination tc
the too frequent, and often violent contests be.
tween the office holder and the people, by which
states and even whole countries are sometimes
most deeply convulsed. 1t accords also, with
the principle of rotation in office, which gives
to our well digested system of democracy the
most valuable advantages over every other form
/ of government.
This one term doctrine has my most decided
appreciation, have laid it down as a fit rule fol
the government of others, and under all circum,
stances will be willing to conform to it myself
Yours, &c.
JOHN BANKS.