Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-10-21
For the Staunion Spectator.
THE VETO POWER.

be, and are frequently invaded. BY direct -usur-
patton, by indirectly claiming powers not confer
red by the constitution-and by mal-administra-
tion, or the injudicious application Of constitution
al powers. The history Of mankind proves, that
the liberties Of people, can be destroyed, while
all the forms of the Government are preserved, as
well as by the destruction Of the Government it.
self. And it is not unfrequently the case, that
the very operations Of the government by the
want of proper checks and balances, will destroy
itself. Popular happiness depends as much on
the administration, as the form of the govern
ment.
The people Of this country have in turn, during
the last twelve years, suffered from all these sour
ces. Usurpation and DISQUALIFICATION. No
government, however perfect, can long survive
the shocks Of the evil passions, corruption,
treachery and ambition. But the operation ofthesc
causes, may, if properly viewed, result in good.
They serve TO show wrong tendencies, and to
point out weak and unguarded points. Govern
ments, like machines, must be tried; and il there
is disproportion, or lily constructed parts, they
must be removed or amended. will not be say
ing too much when assert that the wit Of man
never framed so excellent form Of government
as ours. But like all human productions, it is
not perfect, and the time has come when the re-
fecting must see some of its most obvious imper-
fections. A fair experiment has been made. In
its operations, under the guidance of virtuous
men, it has produced astonishing results in dis
pensing happiness and prosperity through our
wide spread country. So far it has moved proud
ly on, amidst the surges Of parties, and the whrl-
wind of ambition. But year after year the con-
viction is forced us, that however excellent
our constitution may be, it needs amendment
The best forms of Government are of gradual for
nation, by adding new features, and abolshing
old ones as time and experiment rendered it ne
cessary. Governments must be suited to the
times and character Of the people governed, and
the rulers. Happy is that people who effect
important changes, without revolution or blood
shed.
The prediction Of Patrick Henry, has in our
time been fully realized. For years our govern
ment has been rapidly and fearfully tending to
monarchy. During the reign of the Jackson dy-
nasty our government in its administration was a
monarchy, and from recent developments, not
withstanding the signal triumph of the Wing
party, we have reasons to believe that, We are in
the beginning of another reign. BY the capri
cious will and act of ONE MAN, we have seen
the clearly expressed will of MIGHTY PEG
PIE defeated their immediate representatives
Frustrated, and powerful and determined party
convulsed to its foundations, if not dismembered
and ruined; and all this is the result of SIN
GLE POWER, conferred by the constitution on
one man, THE KINGLY VETO. In whateve,
aspect we can view this power, it is dangerous in
| the extreme. In the hands Of vrtuous men, nc
harm might result but the vicious, corrupt and
ambitious, may make it an engine of incacula
BILE evil.
The immediate, earnest, and profound atten
ton Of every patriot should be turned to the con
sideration of this power. AS preliminary to tn
consideration of this subject, would take tn
following positions. which think cannot be con
troverted:
LIST. The abuse and unauthorized use of grant
ed power may be attended with as destructiv
consequences, as usurpation.
end. That, where from the weakness, selfish
{ ness, ambition and corruption of men in power
there is great danger of the misuse of granite
power, and its existence is not essential the wis
dom Of the existence of the power is doubtful.
f Sd. That when repeated uses have actually bee
t made Of power, which obviously never wer
contemplated in its grant, it should be abolished
or abridged.
: 4th. That the history Of mankind, and partic,
: larly our own history, proves that the greats
danger to liberty, arises from the power and e
croachments of the executive department.
e 9Th. That this department is most subject
C wrong influences from the powers he must nece
sarily exercise; the term of his Office; the desi
;. to perpetuate his power; his patronage; remot
e ness from popular influence; and secret, u
o known, irresponsible and designing advisers.
u u 9th. That in republican government, those
power are but the servants Of the people, a,
bound to obey their clearly expressed will, a,
e that disobedence is resistance to the popul
a will.
:. 7tt. That the executive is as much the scrva
n of the people as the representatives.
l.. 9th. That the Congress composed Of the il
y mediate representatives of the people, must
= cessarily be better acquainted with their wal
" and sciH, and that large majorities do gener
sr ly express their will.
E, 9th. That the elevation of a man to the Pre-
- dency, has no tendency TO give him wisdom
perior to those who were his superiors in low
Offices. That it is folly to suppose that as a q
~ era rule, the knowledge, judgment, honesty
g. wisdom of one man, should be superior to tn,
ur qualities, in large assembly of men, consult
49, F. ~