The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-11-06

N6otby s,prsss iaw-to be also removed at pleasure
and g. To the assistants allowed by law to very many
the principals included above which assistants are
generally called cierks-some of them deputies, aP
prasers weighers gaugers subinspectors Store Keep
ers, light house keepers &c. &c.-al appointed anu
subject TO removal, a. under the second head
Tam asked-Whether lin my poor op'nion) all lhose
functonaries amounting TO many thousands :" any
nal aproiniments7 If yes-Hhsn? And part
only Which,
We have seen that a great number OF Offices are
filled for a term of years and more without any nm.
taton as to term. l. however, can ora" no my -
lust distinction between the claims OF the TWO
upon the favor of country or Government
Promising that regular periodical changes In Tue
subordinate servants OF the country, merely LOT he
sake Of change, would necessarily swell pa
| tronage already too much swolen-l am Obliged 10
add, that more than doubt other grounds the po-
cy and justice of such changes Because, Tor the
able and prompt execution of public business much
official experience IN great number oil particular
stations is known TO be necessary; =. Because many
Office holders appointed under reckless admins
tratons (such have seen,) will always, aiier
time be found tried integrity and of equal industry
and abilities; s. Because, again, some may be founu
in state of honorable poverty, the result no less OF
integrity than of long and exclusive devotion
the interests OF the public; and Because, to re-
such servants not to re-appolnt them al the
end OF term would not only discourage successors IN
faithful discharge of duty, but could not fail to out
rage the moral sense of entire communities speak
on this head from what witnessed in lo29-3O, o. the
cruel experiments on large scale then made upon the
sensbities Of the country, and the mschefs 10 the
public interests which early ensued.
What would therefore, humbly advise is this TO
turn out, not only on change Of President, but IN
any and every week Of the year, all ofhce-holders
known be deficient in either honesty, capacity or
industry and to appoint in their stead men known TO
possess those qualities. Without anxious atten-
lion to this rule, Government of the people resting
virtue and intelligence, cannot long be successfully
maintained; for a blind vicious distribution of
enormous patronage would soon, by the force OF the
highest example, beat down all that is taught in the
church, the schoolhouse, and the college.
One Presidential term or the eight Chief Ma
gstrates that preceded General Harrison-whom
nation yet mourns-the first third, fourth, fifth, and
seventh presided over this Union. respe. lively two
successive terms the other three but fouryears each
and every of the eight, uhiist in office became
candidate for second term.
consider the sublime example, set by the father Of
his country in declining third election-which has
been duly followed by four popular Presidents, and
would, doubt have been observed with equal good
faith by the other three under like crcumstances-as
establishing barrier against third term, as lmpas
sable if il imboded in the Constitution ITSELF
But do not consider il respectful to the people, nor
otherwise proper in candidate to solicit favor on
pledge, that IL elected he will not accept second
nomination. II looks too much like bargain tender
ed to other asprants-yeid 10 nop; shall soon be
sometimes governs the Cardinals in the choice of a
Pope-many voting for themselves first and, If with
out success finally Tor the most superannuated In or
der that the election may the round again
l am, however in favor Of an amendment of the Con-
stitution in Of the forms notwithstanding
that no citizen shall be eligible to reelection to the
Presidency and also of an extension OF the terms
to that Of a Senator-a period of six years.
Agency Qfhe President in Legistation.--l. am
persuaded that this should be strictly limited To
the veto, qualified suggested above; s. To the
command vf the Constitution she shall from time to
time give 10 the Congress information Of the state of
the Union and recommend TO their consideration such
measures as he shall judge necessary and expedien;
and 4: To furnishing through the appropriate Exc
cutive Departments such details for bills any
mittee of either House of Congress may specially call
for
Leading measures ofae late extra session Of Con-
gress--li had had the honor of vote the occa-
sion 1t would have been given in favor Of the Land
Distribution bill, the Bankrupt bill, and the second
bill for creating Fiscal Corporotion-having long
been under conviction that in peace, as in war,
something efficient, in tho nature OF Bank Of the
United States is not only necessary and proper but
indispensable the successful operations of the Trea
sury, as well as 70 many Of the wants ofour commerce
and currency.
Secret, or oath bound Societies Il have not been
member of masonic lodge in thirty odd years. nor a
vsiter Of any lodge since, except once--now more
than sixteen years ago. There are, at many acade-
mics and colleges, as is we'll known, associations of
Students tutors and professors for purely literary pur
poses, and their meetings. generally for aught That
know, may be secret. Twenty eight years ago, was
once present with such association, and never since
and have within five years. received many fatter-
ing notices ofmy having been enrolled honorary
member OF as many such associations am sorry 10
be reminded that, by strange neglect, have fail
ed TO accept one of those honorable distinctions.
| Finally, am asked, If nominated candidate
for the Presidency, ,eouid you accept the nomination.
beg leave respectfully to reply, yes provided that
be not required to renounce any principle professed
above My principles are convictions.
| Hoping that you, who have done the honor to
invite this general reply may with the millions, be
enabled in year two to fix some other citizen
your candidate more worthy, and, therefore,
likely to conciate the majority Of popular sufrages
| remain gentlemen,
Your friend and fellow citizen.