The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-09-03
"THE ONE MAN POWER %

dition which we have OF late witnessed aud de-
plored. The power to which we alluded, though
II may be very justly styled the some man pow
er," is not to be found in the Federal Constitu-
ton: 1t does not make part of that harmoni-
Gus system OF checks and balances, conuived
and perfected by the exalted intellect and pure
patriotism of our fathers, to secure to us and our
children the blessings of freedom and good gov
eminent. Mo- So far from introducing into
that instrument the ''one man power" referred
to, the sages of that day foresaw that, at some
period when the times should be out of joint,
and demagogusm should sit in high places, this
lawless power might arise, and, cherished by
the worst passions OF excited and reckless parti-
sans, il might be used by them TO obslruct the
will ofthe People, and to poison the sources Ollie
gislation, rendering the law-making power mere
INSTRUMENT for perpetuating their own mischiev-
Gus influence over the destinies of the nation.
To guard against this contingency, among other
reasons, the qualified negative was conferred on
the Executive. The clause Of the Constitution
which gives the pOwer to return bill for recon-
sideration, does not leave it optional with the
President 10 sign or return ii, as he may deem
most polite or convenient but, on the contra
ry, points out his duty clearly and nperativey,
requiring that if he do not approve the bill he
shdH return il, &C., except in case OF immedi-
ate adjournment. 1t would seem that this quail
fled negative sparingly granted, and carefully
guarded as ii is-was Incorporated with the other
powers and duties Of the Executive, with the
express view of holding in check that DANCE
rous zone man power which, without cons,i-
tutional restraint authority of law, is some
times seen to invade Legislative bodies as if by
storm, blending them to its own despotc will,
welding their authority to enact UNJUST laws,
and sometimes to rivet their own letters. Such
was the authority which Napoleon exercised
over the Constituent Assemblies of France long
before the days of the Empire, and history is
full Of examples of its exercise among the diff
terent nations, and at various periods of the
world. In declaring that to this Zone man
power might be distinctly traced many Of the
evils which embarrass and distress the nation
placi ng the Legislative power of the Govern
ment in an attitude of hostility to the Execu-
tive, and finally compelling the President to ap-
ply the conservative power vested in him by
the Constitution, we did not speak unadvis-
edy, aud can adduce abundant testimony in
support of cur declaration.
CHANGING backward upon the chain Of events
which Immediately led to, and were connected
with, Mr.. Tyler's accession to the Presidency, il
will be seen that the Wing party-having been
for twelve years shut out from participation in
the government of the country-was newly es-
| tablished in power after struggle of unexam-
pied activity and excitement, in which Mr.. Clay
had borne prominent and influential part. The
extra session of Congress had been called, in
pursuance of his advice, in opposition to the
opinions and wishes of the more moderate
Wings, by whom it was then clearly seen and
understood that the immediate friends and par
| tisans OF Mr. Clay were impatient for him to as
sumo substantially the administration of the
Government, and the distribution of its patron
| age. Strange as this declaration may appear
it is nevertheless true; and it is perfectly well
known to the leaders of the present majority in
Congress that so little regard or reference was
had TO the opinions or wishes. of General Har-
rison in respect to important changes in the Elk
ecutive Departments and the adoption of a gen
eral system OF policy for the administration of
the Government, that it was deemed unneces-
sary to consult him, except to ask that concur
renee which was expected to be given mat
ter of course, to every act or recommendation,
originating in that "one man power" which had
sprung into full strength and maturity-already
overlapping the executive chair. How much
modification and anguish was suffered by Pre-
sident Harrison from this encroachment upon
the power and dignity of his official station, or
how far these causes tended to produce and ag-
gravate that disease which so soon laid the great
anG good old man in his grave, can never be
known. Time was scarcely given for the per-
lormance of the last solemn rites over the grave
of the departed patriot, before it was attempted
to renew the system of dictation with increased
vigor-but it loas attempted IN cain. At this
period commenced that system of unrelenting
hostility which has pursued Mr.. Tyler at every
step, and through every acl of his admnstra-
ton.
Called suddenly and unexpectedly to assume
the authority and Obligations of the highest sta
ton in the Government, under new and untried
crcumsta noes, Mr. Tyler had the strongest mo-
tives for conciliating the able and influential men
by whom he was surrounded. His feelings, too,
and past associations, all led him earnestly to
desire to secure the support and appreciation of
the party in power; and to this end he at once
evinced willingness to conform TO the wishe :
Of the majority in all cases where he could do
so without sacrificing important principles, with
! which his character and fame had been ldenli
fed through course of public life neither short
nor obscure. But this was not sufficient. Upon
the very threshold of his administration he was