The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-10-21

created by the same breath they sha
cease 10 feel that they represent the interests
bound by the responsible 10 IN
authority then is the day confusion and calam
ily come upon US and in the unrghteous struggle al
legitimate power will be lost. The Constitution can
not perform its proper funcons, unless this harmoDi
open alton between the different departments OF tn
Government exists. The veto power is one Of tn
high prerogaives Of the Executive, deemed essentially
necessary for the security and happiness of the peo
Pile oflhe United States In all tins, we perceive no
thing to perplex alarm US. Il exhibits well-dl
gested plan of Government, worthy OF the excellen
men by whom il was formed
But the principles adopted in the address, and advo
Gated we believe, by many OF the Wing party, APP
pears to US 10 have direct tendency 10 break down
every barrier between the Executive and National Lee
gature giving every thing the latter, and nothing
10 the former. We differ with them.
The authors OF the Manifesto contend that, as the
majority of the Representatives Of the People have
declared in favor OF the nstilu ion that m the exer
else of the Veto the President violated the will OF the
People That the President should be controlled by
the popular voice. No phrase IN our language Is
more abused OF misunderstood than the Sovereignty
of he People-that nothing in Republic should be
independent Of them. The just and Legitimate sove-
reignty of People is truly awful subject, full OF
power and commanding respect II consists IN full
acknowe dgment that all power originally emanates,
in way, from them; and that all responsibility Is
finally in some way due 10 them. But we contend
control or Interfere with the regular and legal opera
tions and functions OF The Executive branch OF the
Government at the tciH and pleasure Of the People
Having delegated their power having distributed II
for various purposes into various Channels and direct
ed its by certain limits, they have right 10
impede it while il flows in its intended directions
otherwise we have Government. Having parted
with their power under certain regulations and resrc-
tons, they done with III they are bound by the
Constitution In this instrument they have declared the
in yh w
Let the writer's of this Manifesto, before they estab-
ish this principle, recollect that the Veto power IS
two-edged sword. Let them remember that power
must often change hands IN popular government,
and that after every struggle, the victorious party
comes into power with resenmens 10 crafty BY the
destruction of their vanquished opponents; with u
thirst of vengeance to be saked IN their blood Let
them beware how they give their sanction to prin-
clples, which may soon be turned against them
selves how they forge bolts which may be hurl-
ed on their heads. In popular Government,
where power huctuang, where constitutional
principles therefore SO Important Tor the protection
OF the weaker party against the violence the stronger
above all things behooves the party actually IN pow
er to adhere strictly and faithfully to the principles OF
the Constitution; lest, by departing from them, they
furnish at the provocatlon and the weapons for
their destruction.
In a Republic constituted like ours, in which all
power emanates from the people, need not enter
lain any fears that President Tyler will ever attempt
TO WELD this negative power, with the view OF impair
ing the weight and influence of the Federal Legisla-
ture
When we consider the nature of ambition-when
we reflect that il DESTROYS OF performing those ac-
,ions only which history cords with the brightest
and most enduring coIors, must come TO the con-
cuson that all apprehensions In relation to the exer
OF this prerogase Of power, with the view to the
formation of new combinations, spnnging from
this source, must be unfounded.
And W Ii President Tyler exercise this power to
such an extent as to endanger the liberties of the coun
nv Ills habits and modes of thinking have been
formed in the Republican school, which recognizes
prudential restraints in the exercise OF consiu
powers His capacity has been asceralned, and his
character and probed for series oyears by
press which knows Of the restraints OF European
policy He has acted in the full view Of his constu
ens and under the consciousness that, account OF
the sngleness of his station, all eyes upon hn he
knows too well the temper and intelligence OF those
for whom he acts and to whom he Is amenable lie
cannot expect that they will be blind the vices of his
administration of subjects Of high concernmen and
vital interests an IN proportion as he acts upon his
own responsibility, unaided and undiluted by the in
fusion OF that of any other political body is the danger
of ill-advsed conduct likely to be present his mind
OFFS the powers which have been entrusted to his
hands, there to which the temptations to abuse
belong as little the qualified negative none which
boast OF such mighty safeguards. lie have
conceivable motive TO parayze the prosperity Of his
country. Laying aside the obligations Of honor and
PATRIOTISM which prominently characterize the acts OF
pu lie men, in nation blessed with free institutions,
could he do so without rendering himself liable, a
member of the community, to the and the deri
sion of an enlightened constituency The dread OF
shame and the love Of glory here the guaran
Of vrtuous and patriotic discharge Of every pub
lie duty devolvng on the President.
JEFFERSON