The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-10-02
LEGISLATIVE SANCTION.

1t is not our present intention to vindicate further
the Veto power because believe it to be planted
the Constitution, and in the good will of the People
as firm as a rock of adamant. ,:~,
But, say the paItsans of Mr.. Clay, we must pucl
this power from the Constitution" because it defeats
the will of the People. In attempting to make on
their case they jump at the following summary con
cluson.
The Representatives are supposed to think and
speak for the People, and when majority of Congress
pass BILL i, must be taken for granted that the ma
jory of the People are in its favor. The bill is then
in the nature of solemn adpies to the President, which
emanating from the People, ought not to be set aside
by any one man. This comprehends the whole argu-
ment. 49,. . n.,... ...a..."
Now, let US admit, for the sake of argument that,
at first blush, there is in this theory
There may be cases of so extraordinary character
as to deprive bills Of the moral and political weight
which usually attaches to solemn acts of legislation
and thus render them unworthy of the confidence Of
the Executive. l.' r ...'t
We contend that the second Fiscal Bank bill was
precisely and emphatcaly of this character. What
are the facts of the case National Bank, in any
shape is of doubtful expediency, because the minds
of the People are divided on the subject Many be-
ieve it to be unconstitutional Amid such state of
things very imperfect bill is passed at extra
sion called for other purposes Aside from the stand
ing objections of those who are opposed on general
principles to bank, the bill itself essentially de-
fectve in the estimation Of many who in favor of
a well regulated bank Under such circumstances,
the trst bill is sent back by the President with his OBJ
jeclions. .....
At this critical moment, portion of the Wing
Members of Congress bolt the course,-enter into a
separate combin ation and raise the standard of par-
san hostility against the President on the pretext
that he has opposed an essential measure" of the
party. They openly denounce him on this account.
But no sooner is the first bill disposed of, than ano-
ther Of the stamp, is got up under the influence
Of this er parte combination. On the heel Of the
extra session, amid party excitement, it is hurried
through both Houses with indecent haste, and sent
to the President But before the bill reaches the Ex
ecutive Mansion, a letter from Mr.. Botts leading
member of this combination, who took an active part
in preparing il, published which has the ontery
to avo that the real object of the second BILL is not
with any expectation of creating Bank for the be-
neft of the People, but for the express purpose of
" heading Capt. Tyler" In PLAIN English, one of
these leaders of faction openly declares the object Of
the bill to be- to circumvent the President of the Uni
ted States, and to place him in position inconsistent
with HIMSELF for the purp Of blasting his political
character and breaking down his Administration !
Can any thing be factous and unconstitutional
than for Members Of Congress to enter into such com
binaton7 Representatives of the people, undertake
ing to impose the President ITO head Capt.