Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1842-08-22

WIN absolute legislative authority? Let me us-
trate TINS proposition by single exampe.-Tbe
constitution authorizes TO impose taxes in three
different inodes-by mposs, excuses, and direct
,aAes' Ley US, then, suppose that the Legislature,
knowing the adherence which their cons,ituents
entertain OF the excise system and direct taxation.
on account OF their inquisitorial character, shall
prefer that the taxes be levied indirectly by duties
on foreign goods imported into the country, Let
us, ON the other hand, suppose that the President
entertaining strong feelings OF partially for par
ocular section Of the Union in which he WINS born,
or from which he has derived or expects to derive
inlure support in his ambitious aspirations, and
thinking that the interests Of that section of the
UNION would be promoted by direct taxation, in
Stead OF impos should therefore veto the bill of
me Representatives OF the People levying mposts
what would be the consequence You must Ell
Their adopt the mode of taxation which he indi-
rectly orders you 10 adopt, or you must refuse to
raise The revenue necessary to carry on the Gov
ernment and suffer i. TO tumble into twenty six
independent sovereigntes And is this an i'm
probable case? Suppose we were 10 have a Pres
,dent imhued with the notions of free trade and
the Partially for direct taxation which has been
repeatedly avowed from high quarters in this
House, ask is II unreasonable to suppose that the
veto power might I've exercised for the very pur-
pose which have indIcaed2 Thus the charac-
Ter oi the veto power would be entirely perverted
from It's legitimate purposes. Instead of being u
negative POWER ii would become positive power.
Instead OF being used to prevent hasy mischiev-
Gus Legislation, il would he employed to produce
legislative action, and o compel conformity 10 Ex-
ecullve dlctatloD Sir there are principles OF the
gravest character involved in this message OF the
neutrality-suspicious. in comparison with which
Inc Dill which has been returned by the President,
important as that is, sinks into nssnlicance.
The power anu the dignity, and tl,a most im
porant functions oil this House involved.--
The rights, and the interests aud the liberties Of
those who sent us here involved. The ques-
Ton now submitted To us is, will we maintain our
position ms becomes the Representatives OF free
men, or VIII we kneel at the footstool Of the Ex-
ccutlve, and betray The trust which has been con-
hded TO US! Sir, if we yield we had better dis.
perse ut once. II we stand here merely TO regis
ter Executive edicts, where is the necessity OF go
ing through the forms of consultation and deliber-
ation2 Why not suffer the laws 10 be promulga-
ted ut once from The Executive mansion, without
the Intervention of a cumbrous Legislative AS.
sembly? or why shall we not, when assembled
here IN obedience 10 the letter OF the Constitution,
at once make an address 10 his majesty the Pres-
dent, and beg that he will condescend, at his ear
Hest convenience TO inform US what laws are, in
his opinion, necessary and proper to promote the
interests and happiness OF the People, and in
what form they will be most likely to receive his
maIesty's appreciation Sir, is this the spirit
which animated our Anglo. Saxon ancestry in the
early struggle for freedom in England? Is this
the feeling which burned in the hearts of our iath-
ers when they proclaimed among the grievous
wrongs which impelled them to throw off their
allegiance TO The crown of George The Third, that
he had "reiused his assent TO laws the most whole
some aud necessary for the public good?" No,
sir. Nor is II the spirit which animates their de.
scendanls. Sir, have seen enough of this Con-
gress to know that it will do lis duty-I have
sufficient manifestations in its proceedings, OF NOR
al courage, of frmness OF purpose, OF devotion
10 the public veal of lofty heiosln OF character,
to know that, come what may, they at least will
be true to their country, and spare no effort TO
preserve sacred and invioate the rights and ber-
lies of that People whose Constitution they are
sworn to protect and defend.