The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-07-09

I THE CRISIS AND THE ISSUE--No III.
| In the formation of all Governments, the usu-
al course has been to take as much power as
possible from the many and give the greater
quantity to the few. This has long been consi-
dered by political economists as one of the ne
cessary evils which pertain to the organization
| Of bodies of men, in order to secure the posses
sion of life, liberty, and knowledge, to the weak
and powerless, as well as to the strong and pow
| erful. We, in measure, submitted TO ii IN the
| formation of our Constitution, but it was the
aim of large majority of those who signed
that instrument, that nothing should be yielded
up of the direct power of the People but what
was barely sufficient to support union of
friendship-for it was contended in the spirit
of liberty, that it was better the bonds which
bound the States should be one of sand rather
than one of IRON To insure this object, the
checks and balances inserted in the Consttu-
lion, were deemed amply sufficient-and time
has proved that strict adherence to its letter
and spirit has always been regarded by the Re-
publicans of the Union as a safeguard against
danger o. usurpation from the States or the Fee
deral Government. The former as the creator,
and the latter the creature, held different pow
ers-or, according to the language of the Vir-
ginia and Kentucky resolutions, sail power not
delegated by the States to the General Govern
To insure stability also to that great paper of
the 18th century, two-thrds of the States were
required to alter or amend it.
Time passed on, and knots of petty polit-
clans, who had rendered themselves obnoxious
to the People, sought an opportunity to define
the Constitution as they understood it--or in
other words, to proclaim that articles having
special Specifications could, by implication, be
made to mean anything-reversng the Repub-
lican doctrine, and making the Congress Judge
of its own acts. Luckily, this was foreseen by
the trainers, and the check of VETo from the
President was formed, suspended by thread,
over any successful effort of demagogueism else
where. Hence, there has been but few attempts
made to infringe the sacred legacy bequeathed
us, most of them being frowned down by popu-
lar indignation. The fire. however was still
working beneath the surface-no fame was per-
ceptible, though many suspec ed its existence.
1t was clothed by its authors outwardly in the
garb of patriotism, and many thousands were
led away, by its false glare, into the hands of
the enemy.
All was now in the full tide of successful ex-
pertinent, and the enemies of Republicanism-
the lovers of wholesale swndling shops, char
tered monopolies, and all the beauties of Fede-
ralism and aristocracy-had reached the long
sought for gaol Sunk in despair, the Republi-
cans had but one hope-they knew that he, who
was expected to do the will of their enemies
even unto death, had by every act Of his life
opposed the dangerous measures proposed. His
history was examined from his boYhood-not
stain rested on his devotion TO principle. He
had already sacrificed years and honors at its
altar. Who could, then, doubt the safety of the
Constitution? None! Fooled in the effort, the
Federalist resumed his garb of hypocrisy, and
watched, tger-like, and crouching, his anticipated
prey. His plans, by the merest accident, were
discovered, and reused, like an angry lion, he
no longer sought concealment, but rushed upon
the mpenetrable barrier that became his deslruc-
ton. Every thing was yielded up blindly to
mad revenge and disappointed ambition and
the Goddess Of Liberty smiled in dersion at
the vain effort to crush her followers, and despo
tism shrunk abashed fro the contest Not so
her followers. The threat of impeachment
was next made TO intimidate the action of the
Executive on the Tariff bill. This could create
little but laughter from any one possessed of an
idea, especially when we consider the powerful
source whence the proposition emanated. The
"peacetul shades of Ashland" must be made
camp-ground for the court martial to be held
which is to try the President Of the People !
and his condemnation is certain enough, if we
in the box as Clay, Mangum, Botts Stanly, and
birds of similar feather The mere contem-
plation of such talesmen is positively funny
In sober seriousness, this attempt to overturn
the Constitution, at the expense of Mr.. Tyler,
is one which should rouse the dormant faculties
of every friend Of the Republic. Let them
grid on their armour for the fight, for the enemy
is in possession of the feId-and, Extensively and
under numerous disadvantages, must the attack
be made.
Throw aside party tranmels, fellow citizens.
Examine the questions submitted to you closely |
and candidly. Do not let the personal feelings
you may have entertained lead you to forget |
your sl0orm duty to the Constitution. Rather
perish beneath its tremendous ruins than suffer
one stain to rest on the virgin marble Of its
foundation.
PHOCION.
The Boston Atlas has thrown out its Federal
Wing coors. We trust it will keep them fly