The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-01-07
INELlGIBILITY OF THE PRESIDENT

INELlGIBILITY OF THE PRESIDENT.
The Van Buren, federalists have resolved to
oppose one Of the leading and most important
principles decided by the late election. We al
Jude to the amendment Of the Constitution as to
the re-eligibility Of the President. We Judge
this fact to be so, from the almost simultaneous
appearance in the Globe Of Report adopted by
the South Carolina Legislature against the pro-
posed amendment, and Of another copied from
the Cincinnati Advertiser, introducing letter
of Mr.. Benton's. approving the denomination Of
Mr.. Van Buren,.
The South Carolina Report, endorsed as
every able" by the Globe, is, in our opinion,
fiimsy and indefensible production, having ex-
clusiyely for its object temporary restriction of
banished dynasty. II seems, however, as a
matter OF course, to settle one thing, and that
is, the indefinite postponement of the preten-
sions Of John G. Calhoun, while it involves in
similar fate, the claims Of Messrs. Buchanan,
Benton, and others Of the same party.
On this subject, as on nearly every other
South Carolina, and her federal allies, have
taken the extreme gauche. We know, therefore,
in advance, where they will be found, though it
seems to US South Carolina would have enacted
more dignifed part, if she had consented
TO await the Developments of the policy of the
new Administration, and proffered her aid to
such of its purposes as would appear to be pa
triotic, and designed to advance the general good
| ofthe country and the welfare of mankind. The
| contrary course, and especially the assumption
of tone of defiance, if not menace, towards the
whole Union, is not only unwise and illiberal,
but borders on the ridiculous and contemplate.
The sympathy expressed by the Richmond En-
quirer in the threats of that State to nulify such
laws passed by Harrison Congress they
| may construe into an '.encroachment upon their
constitutional rights" is worthy of that paragon
| of consistency, who, unlike any other man in
| the country, except Mr.. Calhoun, can boast Of
| having been on nearly every side Of every inn
| portant measure that has agitated the Union for
the last twenty years. 1t is becoming a poiti-
| clan who glories in swaying mass Of ignorance
Astounding more in Virginia than in any other
State in proportion to the population, and who
has contributed all in his power to make that
initiating example of faction and dsorganiza-
ton, and insult TO the Union, by refusing to dis
charge her constitutional duties in the election Of
Senator But if disorganization, notification,
and factious opposition to the fairly and clearly
expressed will Of the majority, are to suppant
every patriotic sensibility in the hearts Of the
Van Buren, federalists, we shall pity their in
e, l,,, 81 he
than nette-grass is 10 be regarded by the sweep
ing thunder storm.
The principal objection South Carolina makes
to the one term principle is, that it will render
the policy of the country unstable.
No Republican who looks TO the People,. and
not to the Executive, as the source Of policy,
can see any force in this objection, while many
strong reasons exist in favor of the proposed
amendment.
l. When President is re-eligble, he shapes
his measures rather to secure his reelection,
than the permanent welfare Of the country.
2. Intrigue and corruption rise to such height
as to compromise the very existence of the Re-
public.
3. In the language of De Tocquevile, at
tends to degrade the political morality Of the peo
pie, and to substitute adroitness for patriotism"
4. 1t tends TO enlarge the power Of the Execu-
tive.
5. The President becomes a tool in the hands
of his partizans, or else he purchases their sup
port to his dictates.
6. 1t transforms the Government into an cleo
pioneering machine.
7. II tends to cause neglect in all the branches
of the service
II is true that the Federal Convention which
framed the Constitution, rejected the PROPOSE
ton Of neligibliiy; Mr. Jefferson regretted that
il did so, and the late experience of the Govern
ment has shown that il would have been wise to
limit the Presidents eligibility. On the present
occasion, South Carolina occupies, on this sub
ject, position directly opposite to that taken by
her representatives in 49, In the Federal Con-
venton, the principle OF ineligibility was OPP
posed BY such men as Alexander Hamilton and
Rufus King but it was supported by such men
as Rutledge, of S. c., and Mason and Randolph,
of Va. In nearly all the resolutions embodying
forms of government, reported to the Conven-