The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-01-17
REVIEW OF MIR. MANGUMs SPEECH.

1t is conceded that political institutions may be
discussed-not only the conduct Of those who admin
er them, but the fitness of the institutions them
selves. But if there be any one of these nsttu-
TONS or those who administer them in the discus
sion of which a peculiar degree of freedom, and
even violence may be expected, ought to be per-
mted it is the Executive department of the Fede-
f. raj Government which, because it moves in large
circumference of authority-because it bears con-
nection with higher principles than any involved in
Federal legislation, for that very reason entwines
itself with deeper feelings in the affections of every
individual, and will be discussed if discussed at all
with more warmth of zeal than any other part Of
political system is fitted to call forth
In the speech under review, the Executive depart
ment has been violently assaed and strongly de-
nounced 1t is evident that the inhammatory re-
marks which characterized the effort under examine
ton proceeded, not so much from objections to the
EXchequer Board, as from hostile feeling which
the Senator entertained towards the individual at the
head of the Government
This hostile attitude has been assumed in conse-
quence of the action of Mr.. Tyler in relation to the
exercise of the Veto power during the extra ses-
sion.
sdent acted in rejecting the several bank bills, and
present full exposition of the motives which
prompted him thus to act, and interpose his conserv-
alive power to the Constitution from violation
Among the important prerogatives with which the
President is invested is the Veto power The exer-
else of this power by Mr.. Tyler during the extra
session. in rejecting the bank bills, produced high
state of excitement in the bosoms of many of the
Wing party, aud excited degree of hostility which
appears to be unappeasable. These bills contained
provisions directly at with the constitutional
views of the overwhelmingly at war with his OPT
mons as regards the reserved rights of the States
That he honestly entertains these opinions no man
will undertake to contradict Then when these bills
were presented to him for his signature and approval
what course of conduct was he to pursue in regard
10 them
He was bound by his honor and his conscience. by
his oath, to support the Constitution, as well as his
responsibility to the public opinion of the nation, to
act on his mature and unbiased judgment though
unfortunately, in direct contradiction to majority
of his political friends to call into full exercise the
Veto power and return the bills to Congress with his
objections. 1t was his sacred duty to act thus al
though he contravened the expressed wishes of his
political friends. We dsclaim the idea that Presi
dent shows want of fidelity to party, because he is
DESTROYS to sustain the provisions of the Constitution
We have no idea that chief magistrate should be
IKE the Gods OF Epcurus lolling upon their beds of
down, equally careless whether the requirements of
the Constitution observed or volated-nstead of
impartially discharging his duty The President as
s1med the regns of Government with the determ;-
nation to cherish the Constitution II was an honest
determination! lie might, it is certain under some
frivolous pretext have suffered the Bank bill 10 bc
come law by retaining the bill until the expiration
OF ten days-he might, by so doing, have escaped the
denunciaon which he has incurred by repdiatino II
By SO doing, he might have avoided the obloouy 10
which he has been exposed on account of this re;ec
ton, and the impeachment of his motives, as far as
It is founded thereon. But had he so done in orr
opinion he would have been guilty of cowardly
derelicton of duty.
The construction of the Constitution belongs to the |
resident as one amply qualified both from his perma
hency and independence as well as from constitl-
uonal learning, to exercise so important right |
Inc necessity of power existing some where
" Juuge oil The Constitution, and of the conformity or
"on-cohiormty oil the laws to its provisions results
from the very nature of written constitution II is
III VAIN we have an instrument paramount to ordinary
legislation, if there is authority TO check encroacb
'ents upon it and there is no department of govern
nent with which this power can be so safely lodged.
" one legislature, the very branch Of government I
most controlled by the Constitution and intended 10
oe 50, shall be permitted to assume wide and un