The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-10-26

gives him no such power, but he has been allow ed
to take it by implication. 1t is difficult TO imagine
how il should over have been derived from that
provision in the constitution which authorizes him
to nominate "nnd by and with the advice and con
sent of tho Senate, to appoint all officers"
The President and Senate are jointly made the
appointing power, and, in the absence Of all other
provisions on the subject, ono would have suppos
cd they mus, also be jointly the removing power,
But the President claims TO exercise it alone, aud
more frequently exercises it without any cause, ex
cept for the political opinions Of those removed,
than from an impartial regard to the faithful per
lormance of the public service, which forms the
sole argument in favor Of its existence. For if the
Constitution designed to give such power TO the
President, it must have been for the purpose of en-
aiding him 10 make removals required by the pub
lie good. But it has been perverted to totally
different purpose; that orenabling him to reward
his supporters strengthen his influence, and secure
his own election.
Another similar subject, to which woul Id invite
your particular attention, is the power of tho Pres
o." TO veto bills which have been passed by both
l4ouses OF Congress- This is the only monarchica
feature in our form of Government, and it is diff
cult 10 understand how it should ever have been
probably taken, without much reflection as 10 its
Consequences from the British constitution, which
vests similar power in the king; but only 10 pro
tect his own prerogatire from cncroechment Even
for this purpose, however il has not been exercise
by him for more than two centuries. The early
settlers ofVermont were too jealous of liberty TO
allow such power any place in constitution.
10 form ust notion of the magnitude Of the
veto power as it may be exercised by the Presi
dent, we must keep constantly in view, that TO
prevent the passage of Wholesome and necessary
laws, is as bad to pass those which are mischiev
GUS The power 10 make all laws, might be ms
properly entrusted TO the President as the power
TO prevent all laws. The history of all legislation
proves that majority of two thirds can seldom be
obtained on disputed questions; and to allow the
President to resist the enactment OF such laws as
he Peases, unless passed by so large majority, is
IN effect, to repose in one man almost the entire
power of Legislation. But the President not only
claims the right to exercise the veto power when
ever he Pleases but to exercise it as he understands
the constitution, without any regard TO the decis
IONS the Supreme Court, or to the precodents es
tabshed by his predecessors. lie appears to be
uncontrolled IN its exercise, either by law or pre
cedeht, and TO have nothing 10 consult but his own
conscience, and nothing to regard but his own
character for consistency
| II be right may bid farewell to all stability
in our institutions. Every four years the laws OF
! the country may be changed, and its business en-,
barrassed and destroyed by the constitutional scru
pies of "a new President. The Tariff-the bank
the distribution of the revenue from the publ,
lands-internal improyement-alI The great mea.
for the walfure IF hao
tutional or unconstitutional, just as the Presiden
may happen to be selected from one part Of the ur
ion or the other.
submit to your consideration whether il is no
expedient to propose amendment of the copst
tuition, which shall render the President ineligib,
to a re election, and which shall modify his power
OF removal from Office, and of prove nting The pa
sage of laws by Congress.
For myself, confess that cannot doubt. that
if such amendment should be adopted by the r,
quisiie number ofstates it would greatly contrib
uto to perpetuate our free government.
have thus expressed my views on these impo
lant subjects, freely and frankly. They are, how
ever, opinions on meters of opinion, on which W,
are all at liberty to differ The discussions of ;
deliberatve assembly likely 10 lead to NOR,
just conclusions than the relec OF an individ,
al unaded by the reasonings of others and shall
rather yield to your judgement, than wish you tt
be governed by mine.
Grateful for the manifestation OF your confdenc,
and regard, which has summoned me from the bus
ness Of private life to station so conspicuous a
that to which have just been called, common,
all your deliberations to that Omnscent Power
whose purpose we have Gondly hoped it might be
10 build up Institutions in this county, wbic
would be favorable to human liberty and the ir
provement o mankind. CHARLES PAINE
Montpelier, Oct IS, 1871.
! HOUSE. Petitions referred.-Of James Vince
Ter and Others for alteration of the town of Coven
try, 10 General committee; ofSe,h Goodspeed jr
and others, and of select men of Holland 10 TIT
Land Tax committee.
! communication from the Governor, announ
cling the appointment of Henry Hale of Chelsea
to be Secretary Of civil and Military affairs, an
that he would communicate the an nual messag
at II O'Clock this morning, was received an
read
Bills inroduced,-By Mr. Cuts, for the relief {
the insane poor, appropriating not exceeding 800
lron the Siat he, J;r,,