Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1841-03-13
northumberland Go. Pa. Saturday, March I3, ISL

increase ltSclf, particularly when eXcr-
cised by single individual, predictions
were made that, at no very remote pc
riod, the Government would terminate
in virtual monarchy. 1t would not be-
come me to say that the fears of these
patriots have been already realized.
But, as | sincerely believe, that the ten
dency of measures, and Of mems opin-
ions, for some years past, has been in
that direction, it is, conceive, strictly
proper, that should take this occasion
to repeat the assurances have hereto
fore given ofmy determination to arrest
the progress of that tendency if it real
ly exists, and restore the Government
TO its pristine health and vigor, as far
as this can be effected by any legitimate
exercise of the power placed in my
hands.
Iproceed 10 state, in as summary a
manner as | can, my opinions of the
sources of the evils which have been so
extensively complained of, and the cor
receives which may be applied. Some
of the former are unquestionably 10 be
found in the defects of the Constitution !;
others, in my judgment, are attributa-
bic 10 misconstruction of some of its
provisions. Of the former is the elegi-
blility of the same individual to a second
term Of the Presidency. The saga
cious mind of Mr.. Jefferson early saw
and lamented this error, and attempts
have been made, hitherto without sue
cess, TO apply the amendatory power of
the States TO its correction.
As, however, one mode of correction is in the
power Of every President, and consequently in mine,
it would be useless, and perhaps invidous, TO emu
merate the evils of which, in the opinion of many
of our fellow citizens, this of the sagcs who
framed the Constitution may have been the source
and the hitter fruits which we are still to gather
from it, if it continues 10 dsfgure our system. 1t
may be observed, however, as n general remark,
that Republics can commit no greater error than to
adopt or continue any feature in their systems Of
government which may be calculated 10 create or
increase the love Of power, in the hosoms of those
TO whom necessity obliges them to comm; the
management Of their affairs. And, surrey, nothing
is more likely to produce such state of mind than
the long continuance of an office of high trust No
thing can be more corup,ing, nothing more de-
struclive Of all those noble feelings which belong to
the character of a devoted republican patriot When
this corruptng passion takes possession Of the
human mind, like the love of go it becomes in
saliabe.-I, is the neyer-dying worm in his bosom
grows with his growth, AMI strengthens with the
declining years Of its victim. II this is true it i,
the part of wisdom for republic to limi. the service
of that officer, a, least TO whom she has entrusted
the management of her foreign rela ions, the execu
ton Of her laws, ami the command of her armies
and navi,s, 10 a period short as TO prevent hi
forgetting that he is the accountable Ogent, not th
prncipal-the servant, not the master. Until al
amendment Of the Constitution can be effected, pub
lie opinion may secure the desired object. | Civ
my aid to it, by renewing the pledge heretofore 81
ven, that unde, no circumstances will consent I
serve a second term.
Upwards of half century has elapsed since tn
adoption of our present form Of government.
would be an ohIect more highly desirable than th
qualification of the curiosity OF speculative states
men, if its precise situation could he ascertainCd,
fair exhibit made Of the operations Of each OF II
Departments, of the powers which they respectivel
claim and exercise, of the collisions which have o'
cured between them, or the whole Governmer
and those Of the States, or either of them. w
could then compare our system with what it wa
| -. ia of ite nneratinps onI sca
tain whether the productions of the patriots WI
opposed its adoption, or the confident hopes of
advoc atcs have been hes, realized. The great dre'
Of the former seems to have been, that the reserve
powers of the states would be absorbed by those
the Federal Government, and consolidated pow
established, leaving the States the shadow, onl
= of that independent action for which they had
e zeaously coniended, and on the presentation
\ which they relied as the last hopes Of liberty VIII
{ out denying that the result to which they look
!. with so much apprehension is in the way of bel
{ realized il is obvious they did not clearly see
n mode Of its accomplishment The General Cover
c men, has seized upon none Of the reserved rights
n the States. As far as any open warfare may hu
gone, the State authorities have amply ma'ntall
their rights, TO a casual observer, our system ?
e sents no appearance of discord between the diff
IF ont members which compose il. Even the addlt
e of many new ones has produced no jarrng. II
,r move in their respective orbits in perfect harmC
al with the central head, and with each other.
OF there is still an under current at work, by which
I'd not sessonably checked, the worst apprehension
re our anti-federal patriots will be realized And
be only will the State authorities he overshadowed