The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1841-10-26

vision in the constitution which authorizes him
to nominate ''and by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate, to appoint ALI Of
ficers.
The President and Senate are jointly made
the appointing power, and, in the absence OF al,
other provisions on the subject, one would
have supposed they must also be jointly the
removing mower But the Presdeat claims to
exercise it alone, and more frequently excr-
cises it without any Sause, except Tor the poll
t;cal ouinions of those removed, than from an
impartial regard to the faithful performance OF
the public service, which forms tho sole argu-
m.nt in favor Of its existence. For if the
Constitution designed to give such power to
the President, it must have been for the pur-
pose of enabling him to mako removals re-
ouired by the public good. But it has been
perverted to totally different purpose that of
enabling him to reward his supporters, strength
en- his influence, and secure bis own re-elec-
ton.
Another similar subject, to which would
Invite your particular attention, is the power
of the President TO veto bills which have been
passed by both Houses of Congress. This is
the only monarchicel feature in our form of
government, and it is difficult TO understand
how it should ever have been engrafted upon
republican institutions. 1t was probably taken
without much reflection as to its consequences,
from the British constitution, which vests a
similar power in the king; but only to protect
his own prerogative from encroacement
Even for this purp ose, however, it has not
been exercised by him for more than two GEN.
turtles. The carly settlers of Vermont were
too Jealous of liberty TO allow such power any
place in our constitution.
To form a just notion of the magnitude of
the veto power, as it may be exercised by
the President, we must keep constantly in
view, that TO prevent the passage of wholesome
and necessary laws, is as bad as to pass those
which are mischievous. The power to make
all laws, might be as properly entrusted to the
President, as the power TO prevent all laws.
The history Of all legislation proves that a
majority of two thirds can seldom be obtained
On disputed questions; and TO allow the Presi-
dent to resist the enactment of such laws as
he pleases, unless passed by so large a majority
is, in effect, to repose in one man almost the
entire power oflegislation. But the President
power whenever he pleases, but to exercise it
as he understands the constitution, without any
regard to the decisions of the Supreme Court,
or TO the precedents established by his prede-
ccssors. He appears to be uncontrolled in its
exercises, either by law or precedent, and to
have nothing to consult but hi. own con-
science, and nothing TO regard but his own
character for consistency.
If he is right, we may bid farewell to all
stability in our institutions. Every four years
the laws of the country may be changed, and
its business embarrassed and destroyed by the
constitutional scruples of a new President.
The tariff,-the bank-the distribution of the
revenue from the public lands,-internal i'm
provements,--all the great measures for the
welfare of the country, will be constitutional
or unco Institutional, Just as the President may
happen to be selected from one part of the
Union or the other.
submit to your consideration whether it is
not expedient TO propose an amendment of the
constitution, which shall render the President
ineligible to a reelection, and which shall
modify his powers of removal from office, and
OF preventing the passage Of laws by Con-
gross.
For myself, confess that cannot doubt
that if such amendment should be adopted by
the requisite number of states, ii would greatly
contribute to perpetuate our free govern
ment.
have thus expressed my views on these
important subjects, freely and frankly. They
are, however, opinions on matters of opinion,
on which we are all at liberty to differ The
discussions of delberatiye assembly are
likely TO lead to more Just conclusions than the
reflections of an individual, unaided by the re-
sonings Of others and | shall rather yield to
your Judgment, than wish you to be governed
by mine.
Greatful for the manifestations of your con.
fidence and regard, which has summoned me
from the business of private life to station SO
conspicuous as that to which have just been
called, l commend all your deliberations to
that Omniscient Power, whose purpose we
have fondy hoped it might be, to build up in.
situations in this county, which would be
favorable to human liberty and the improve
ment of mankind.
CHARLES PAINE.
Montpelier, October Is, 1841.
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