The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-10-16
ron THE MApisosiAs.
THE ONE TERM PRESIDENCY question.

THE ONE-TERM PRESIDENCY QUESTION.
Whatever may be your opinion, Mr. Editor, or that
of the President himsefand Of both, am ignorant
there be valid reason why you should not allow
this question to be fairly discussed II, then, you
will permit me, will show, first, that the question
does not apply to a President coming into power as
did the present incumbent; and secondly that il is
safer and conducive to the public welfare TO leave
the Constitution as il formed by its wise trainers
than alter it in this great provision and
prohibit reelection, though the people should
desire it. Will you open your paper to the discus
sion 2 say, then, that the reasoning, whatever il
may be, against second election does NOT apply 10
the present ineumbent-for, so far from his having
been elected as President of the United States he
has never been candidate for that office The peo-
pie have never passed judgment upon him in that re-
spect He il there by the providence of God and
let me ask whether, coming thus by accident into
power, it is better for the public that he should
else that power without any fear of account
ability whether il is better that he should do il un-
der the anticipation and consciousness that the people
will pass judgment upon him, and either condemn
him to that retirement from which he was drawn, by
the death of his predecessor or whether their jude-
ment on view of his administration, shall be, well
done, good and faithful servant" Experience, that
best of all tests has proved you to possess wisdom
and patriotism. "a bird in the hand is worth two in
the bush" We will call you again to rule over
US.
The argument raised against my position goes on
the superstition that the People corrupt and incom
petent to the understanding an guardianship of their
own concerns Ii strikes at the loot of our repub-
SYSTEM which is founded on the doctrine that the
People the best judges Of their interest Much
more reasonable, much more republican would it be to
maintain that the People should be left entirely free to
elect and re-elect often they, in their sovereign
capacity and judgment, think loW best comport Uih
the public lDeLfare. But this view of the applies
my second DIVISION laid down for this discussion
The question in hand is whether, supposng it to b
admitted that term is the safest, incumbent who
comes into power by accident and by the choice of
the People, comes within that category contend that
he does not. The man who il put up a candidate
for goes through the ordeal of severe examination.
His qualities, service, and character undergo strict
scrutiny and history may pronounce that, after serv-
ing in subordinate stations, he adjudged by the
People to be toorthy of the highest in their gin. But
where he gets be President who elected to an
inferior and very different Office, 1t is questona
BILE whether he ought not to be held bound 10 stand
the test of popular sentence. Might not his refusal
in advance to do so be considered act of political
cowardice Would it not evince consciousness that
he had by accident gained elevation to which he
could not climb his merits? Would not many of
those who recommend his declenson be among the
first say All tie glapes were hey ond your reach
and therefore you said they 1oere sour !" would they
not dictate to the Muse of History TO say of such a
man-What Providence threw in his way, he lost by
his 1oeakness. | am wiring in reference to prin
cipics not ! know nothing of the sentiment of
the actual incumbent but if he should back out under
existing circumstances after being much abused, |
should no longer regard him as do now, of the
true old Virginian stock with leehe touch Of the
Eclipse blood which, you know, the il is lash
cd The more sure ii is to 1oin
WYTHE.