Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1845-05-10
From tho Missouri Democrat.


nection with the approaching canvass for
our convention, for an expression OF their
opinions upon the various subjects which
have led to this contemplated revision oil
the constitution Of our state. Having seen
my maine mentioned with others in pre-
vlous number Of your paper, as one Of the
individuals, who might per chance do Tor n
candidate in this district, avail myself Of
the opening thus offered by your CORES.
pondent, Constitution, 10 say, that believ.
ing as do, this to be so grave and import
ant a duty the ablest and purest Of our cit.
lzens should be selected for its performance.
For one, therefore, ! have not thrust NY
self forward as candidate for so RESPONSE
BILE an office; but, on the contrary, have
sought to avoid the frequent solicitation OF
my friends. To say it would not afford
me the highest qualification to have this
honor conferred upon me by my lellow-cit,
liens Of this district, would be maniesting
AT least great want oi candor. should
be proud OF such an unequivoca evidence
OF their confidence; and should they think
proper 10 select me as the organ Of THEN
will, though confess | sincerely distrus'
my ability, yet they may rest assured OF
my willingness to serve them To the utmost
OF it
My opinions upon the subjects which
seem to be more intimately connected with
the coming canvass, are briefly, as follows:
list. The want Of a proper equalization OF
r representation, seems TO be defect most
complained Of in our present constitution,
in its bearing upon the older settled and
more populous counties; its injustice is too
5 apparent TO need any comment from me.
am decidedly in favor of basing representa-
t ton upon population, which is certainly not
S the case under the present system; but in
. so doing, caution should be used that the
number Of our legislature may not be too
Y much enlarged.
S Cd. The JUDICIARY question is one second
TO none in point Of importance, and claims
5 the maturest deliberations at the hands OF
, those whose duty it shall be 10 investigate
it. Shall our judges be appointed as here.
tofore, by the executive, or shall they be
elected by the people9 With due Difference
r 10 those much more competent to form and
: express an opinion than myself, must say
that am opposed TO the present mode Of
appointment, and not altogether in favor
OF the latter. 1t is and has always been
: my creed TO recognize the people as the
y source from whence emanates all power;
yet, for wise and sufficient reasons, instead
Of exercising this power directly them
: selves, they have delegated il 10 certain Of
y fcers in whose honesty and integrity they
J. have sufficient confidence. The legislative
;. branch enacts laws; the judiciary decides
upon those laws, aud the executive puts
= them in force. 10 nearly all the other
i states OF the union, experience has shown
j. | am convinced, that when the people have
= Ioregone the right of elec,ing their own ju
dietary and entrusted it into the hands Ell
Their Of the legislature or executive depart
r. ment, they have much ADLER and more eff
fcient sci Of officers. By thus removing
:, them from popular influences, a mole faith
u full and impartial performance Of duty is in
= sured. Make them dependent upon popu
J. ar favor for Office, and you immedatel
a convert the magistrate into contemplate
time serving demagogue. who will soil hi
ermine for The sake OF a reelection. 1t i
r. contrary 10 human nature for them 10 b.
"a otherwise. Men will consult their own in
terest instead Of their duty; and if this sys
- tenn OF popular appointment is adopted, in
IL stead OF body Of dgnified and faithful OF
J. icers, we shall have parcel of brawliul
L. politicians in their place, and the fountain
t public justice must become corrupted.
am more in favor of devoving the appoin,
lr ment Of the judiciary upon the legislator
r. than upon the executive, because | hav
more confidence in the wisdom and impa
TALLY OF a body of men. than OF one s,ngl
10 man. | am in favor Of limiting the judicii
IL tenure Of office--to what precise term
a. years, am not prepared to say. The pia
-, suggested, to Law the state of inlo tou
equal districts, and the Judges so rlasse
that one.fourth OF the whole number ma
" 20 gu, of office every SAY eight Years, :
DC the expiration Of some time agreed upon.
think a good one.
es 3D.. ! am in favor Of some slight change
n. in the executive department-to what e:
all tent am not prepared to say. ! do NJ
of think that officer ought to be clothed vii
IN too much power; neither do desire to Sc
:" him mere CIPHER in the government,
has been contemplated by some.
bo 4,h. | am opposed to the extension
~ banking privileges; neither am ! in favor
'o' the connection Of bank and state, unle
as upon some plan whereby tie communal
can be protected from the frauds whic
ar these institutions are enabled to practit
upon them. If the stockholders shall
made liable for its debts, precisely as Il
N individuals OF firm are liable for the deb
III of that firm, should have no objection
Use banks. But do not believe the charterir
of Of the present institution was contemplat,
nv The present constitution of our stat