The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-11-18
WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT

OF all the revolutions of parties, that which
has recently taken place surpasses any other
that has occurred in modern times. But Is
months ago, the Wing party came into power
with popular majority, which seemed to pro-
mise il a continuance in authority for years TO
come II was decree of Providence that a
new and untried experiment should be made upon
our institutions The great problem was to be
solved whether Vice President, succeeding to
the Administration by the demise of the Presi-
dent, could exercise the powers and duties of
the Chief Executive Office an independent
officer; or whether, for all time thereafter, it
should be recorded as fact, that upon the occur
ring of any such contingency, the Executive
power should be in allegiance, and the Legisla-
tive Department be regarded as the only De-
partmen, entitled to think, TO speak and to act.
So far, the experiment has proved eminently
successful. When an attempt has been made
to crush the Executive head by combina ton
the most extensive and powerful ever before
formed in any age or countryside People, this
great People, have risen in the majesty of their
strength, and rebukng the efforts thus made,
have rallied in support Of their institutions
State after State has come up to the rescue,
and babe the spirit of faction cease. We have
now to see whether this voice is to be obeyed,
or whether that baIeful spirit, in defiance of the
popular will, and forgetful of all that is due to
the country, will still continue to roam over
the land, seeking, like the evil one of yore, TO
sow dissensiou and dscord among free Peo-
pie The spirit OF great popular triumph is
ascending from almost every hill and vale, and
demanding, of one and all, who are engaged in
the administration of affairs, that they shall
cease their personal feuds, and go TO work
for the country. We trust that the Legislators
of The land, who are so shortly 10 meet
again in council will come up 10 the
Capitol with the patriotic purpose of consulting
solely for the public good. We invite them to
lay aside their personal griefs, if any they have
and no longer intent upon "heading" the Pre-
sident, that they will meet him upon the broad
platform Of the general interest, and in peace
aud harmony unite in the effort to administer to
the public wants. We appeal TO no party and
to no clique, but to all alke--to Democrat and
w nlS-We say cOtne, auu lay as!ue parry piCh-
erings for few short months, and let the only
rivalry be as to which shall do the most TO ad-
vance the interests of the People. Then shall
we be able TO answer The inquiry, Waterman,
what of the nisht?" by proclaiming that night
has passed away. for the sun breaks forth upon
the land with health sustaining beams and liv-
ing warmth. We may, then, in voice neither
feeble nor faint, declare that ALPS wel!' Why
should this not be2 What motive should ope
rate either with Wing or Democrat to desire a
postponement of those measures which are cal
cuated TO redeem the country from its present
endorsements Wo belide the men, or The
party, that shall be more intent on the future
than the presenter the elevation of this or that
man to Office Two years hence, than on the adop-
ton of wise, prudent, and constitutional course
of legislation. The spirit of inquiry is abroad,
and the People cannot be deceived by false pre-
fences.