Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-07-22
RICHMOND WING.
FRIDAY MORNING. JULY ~.

Ahc LoeoS ana theu Iylcr allies, thcy Woulu
consult their true interests had better be silent about
impeachment. Their talk may provoke that which
they would doubtless bitterly deplorc. The acting
President has been guilty OF offences. which, before
an impartial tribunal, would clearly subject him to
the heaviest penalties authorized by the Cous,itu-
ton Take but two ofth specifications OF MIR Bolts
Involving offences notorious to the whole eoun
try-undenied and undcniab!e.
First, the retaining in Office individuals, whose
nomination had been rejected by the Senate. This
is act in a,grant violation OF the whole genius Of
the Constitution, If not Of its letter. The Cons,itu
ton authorizes the Prcsiden, ito nominate, and by
and with the consen, of the Senate, appoai" all Of
feers. The appointment cannot take effect except
by the consent ofthe Senita-unless durins the re.
cess ofthat body-and then, If not confirmed, "the
commissions shall expire at the end Of their next ses
sion." This is the language OF the Constitution
and il admits Of no ambiguity. With this plain rule
before him, Mr. Tyler during the session of the Sc
nate, nominated George w. Tyson to a lucrative
pos, under the Government. The Senate withheld
their consent to tho nomina,on-not deeming the
nominee worthy OF the Office. The nomination,
thereupon, by the Constitution ITSELF was of ef-
feet. But the President, dsregsrdins the solemn
lNJuuCliOuS OF kuc inSUumcu1f WHICH hS huu SWIM
TO support, OF his own mere will, continued Tyson
in ofiee-and continues him there to this day. This,
you may say is trivia, of ence-it involves, to be
sure violation the constitution and false swearing
on the part of the Prcsident-but that's OF no mo
ment, Not so, however would be the verdict Of an
honest jury upon their oaths. They would be com
PEELED to eonvie,-they would have no alternative
no escape, except in perjury.
The usurpstion Of the taxing power is another
high crime and misdcmeanour on the the part Of this
Funetonary. The fact is not controverted. On all
sides it is conceded, that there is law the sta
tuie book which authorizes federal officer 10 exact
taxes OF the people. The President was himself
the instrument by which the law abrogated.-
He forthwith, 10y "Rules and Regulations OF his
own creation, undertook, and is now proceeding, on
his own authority to levy and collect taxes OF the
free people of this freest Government earth Is
this warranted by the Constitution Is il in accord
with the spirit Of our institutions So far from
IT, is i, not in gross violation OF the FIRST principles
of lbery, and at war with the whole genius OF free
Government One man, usurping the power OF
Congress, and laying and collecting taxes OF the
people, The bare enunciation OF the proposition is
enough TO siartle all who value freedom. IL was
for species Of despolsm far less gross than this
which drove our ancestors TO arms aud independence.
George Ill did withhold his sanction to wholesome
and necessary laws but he never assumed the right
oftaxng the people, either OF this country En-
gland. That was a stretch OF arbitrary power,
which has not been attempted since the days Of the
Stuarts. Ever since they paid the forfeit OF life
and crown for this aggression upon the Saxo spirit
the sembance at leAs, Of popular authority has been
Il F..sL 81 d.
the imposition Of a tax.
There may be those disposed to make light OF
his grave offence and 10 undertake its consequences
But there stands the fact OF the first officer Of the
Republic, claiming and exercising the power Of ia
king my property and yours, without the shadow
Of law. Can it be got Overt Does not the Func.
tionary, who assumes these high and royal powers.
Justly incur the ssverest penalties knoSn to the
Constitution Of a Free People7 II anaigned before
ble1 ''N''-'' """" MI conviction be ineva-
The personal insignifcance ofthe Executive incum.
mbeni may temporarily interposs TO screen him. and
convert the just Indignation Of betrayed people, into
seorn and eoniempt-or even the spirit Of resistance
to tyranny and misrule may not burn so brightly in
American bosoms now as in '76;-but these are
causes, upon the continued operation Of which, the
champions and dependents Of the President should
no, too confidently rely. Jus;er sentiments
may take possession Of the minds of the peo-
pie. They may be provoked 10 right them
selves, and to wreak vengeance on those who have
betrayed them. They may come to consider, thar
every offence against the public liberty by public
officer, should be visited with the severest punish
menIs known 10 the laws. This was the maxim Of
the Republicans in Hamplen's time. 1t lisa maxim
from which no free people, iealoas Of their freedom,
can ever, with safety, depart.