The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-07-16


it is all sufficient to demonstrate that, without
such restriction, the Executive could not sus-
tain that degree Of independence which was
contemplated, and absolutely necessary In thai
form of Government, Instituted by the trainers
of the Constitution. Another argument used,
shows as strongly the eIpediency of this p'ovf
sion, not only for the purpose of checking hasly
legislation, Gas the Intelligencer admIts,) but OF
staying the direlul effects of the enactments ola
corrupt faction who, constituting majority In
Congress. might pervert their legitimate pow
ers, and by tyrannIcal edcts, trample upon the
Liberties of the country, or, by pofiigate legsla
ton, incur an amount OF Indebtedness that
would be like an incubus upon the energy OF
the People, paralysng their industry and beg
CARING them by inordnate taxation.
The temptations to abuse this power were so
weak, and the penalties so severe, that when
compared, no fear was entertained of the abuse
of it by those who granted il. Nor has the his
tory of the past exercise of it authorized greater
apprehensions now than existed then, to be con-
jured up against it, In every instance, since
the formation and adoption of the Constitution,
without a solitary exception, in which it has
been exercised, although it may have excited
| the displeasure of majority of Congress and
drawn upon the Executive the excavations OF
| interested partisans and venal presses, it has
been sustained by majority of the People; and
after events have demonstrated the wisdom and
the prudence with which it has been used.
But even suppo,ing that some future Presl-
dent should abuse this power? When the ne
gative effects of this abuse are compared with
the positive evils which might result from the
abuse Of the unrestrained power of Congress-
no rejecting mind would consent to repeal the
former, to submit unconstitutonally to the latter
power An abuse of the Veto could, under any
probable circumstances, amount only to post
ponement of the contemplated measure until
the People had an opportunity of canvassing
its merits and deciding upon its expediency or
utility, while legislative abuses, if perpetra
ted, might produce evils which would endure
as long as the nation existed.
To limit this restriction in the manner pro-
posed by some Of the adherents of Mr.. Clay,
would virtually annul the powers, and leave the
majority of Congress totally without check or
restraint, to tasten upon the country any mea-
sures that within, caprice or corruption might
sug 5est, however absurd, inexpedient, or lyran
meal.
| 1t was net intended, when the Constitution
was formed, that any one branch OF this Govern
ment should be supreme, or entirely independent
of the 9th branches, in the exercise Of its
powers. Such salutary restraints and efficient
checks were vested in each, over each, as to
guard against abuses, without obstructing the
exercise of their legitimate powers. Years of
experience have proved the wisdom Of the theo
ry adopted by our forefathers. In no instance
upon record has there been an improper interfe-
/ romeo of one branch with another. Throw off
these necessary restrictions, and The balance OF
power is destroyed. The whole political sys
tenn loses its harmony of action, and Congress
sionaI usurpation, like Pharaoh's lean kline, will
swallow up all the coordinate branches of Gov
eminent The history of the Venetian republic
affords a fearful lesson of legislative tyranny,
which it " i'll be well for this country to profit
by, when such startling doctrines as those incul-
Gated by the lntellgencer are spread through
the land
In my next, will attempt to show that the
President, in the exercise of the Veto, has cot
abused, but wisely interposed it, under precisely
such circumstances as was intended when thus
salutary provision was adopted; that, instead
of censure, he merits and will receive the APP
probation Of large majority Of that tribunal TO
which he has appealed.
A DEMOCRAT.
ARRINA G n NOD EOI Il