Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1846-09-12
From the Harrisburg Argus.
THE ONE TERM PRINCIPLES.

we have repeatedly given proof that the
evils of the practice OF reelection to Offices Of
power and patronage, have for years attracted
the attention Of distinguished lenders Of the
Democratic party. Mr.. JEFFERSON, the father
o: the Republican school, always considered
its introduction into the constitution of the Uni.
ted Sta,ps, as an error fraught with bad conse.
quences to the due administration Of the affairs
of government. In the Reform Convention Of
Pennsylvania, the one term tenure for Governor
was most ably advocated BY Judge Gro. w.
WOODWARD and CHARLES BRowN, Esq, two
leading friends of the present Executive Of this
State. In subsequent Legislature, a propos.
ed amendment to the constitution limiting the
Governor to one term, received nearly the un.
snimous vote Of the Democratic portion Of that
body. During the canvass preceding the Assem-.
bling Of the Baltimore Convention, one term
resolutions were frequently adopted At Demo.
cratic meetings POLK, with proper sense Of
the principle, has authorized the publication Of
his determination not be a candidate for re.elec.
ton.
General JACKSON, than whom purer patriot
or frmer Democrat never breathed the breath
Of life, was most strenuous supporter Of the
one term principle. Deeply convinced Of the
evils likely to result from continuance Of the
practice of re.electing Chief Magistrate, he
strongly urged upon Congress, in six of his
eight annual messages, the necessity Of 30
amending the constitution as to render that Of.
icer ineligible after ono term Of service. His
arguments are a singing rebuke to the cry
which the office holders, in the very disinter.
ested hope ofholding on to the emoluments Of
their places. are sending forth over the Com.
inonweath, that the agitation Of this question
is factious as well as an Anti Democratic
movement. His reasoning. it will be seen. is
equally as applicable to the reelection Of Go.
vernon Of State as to the President Of the Uni
ted States.-With this view, we commend the
following extracts from his messages to the
calm consideration Of the Democracy Of Penn.
sylvanin. They arc strong and to the point; and
should be regarded as beacon lights TO guide the
party in this Commonwealth through the perils
by which it 10 menaccd.
From Gen. Jsckson's First Message.
"In connexion with such an amendment, j,
would seem advisable to limit the service oi
magistrate 10 single term of either four or six
years.
There are perhaps few men who can for any
length of time crjoy office and power, without
being more or less under the influence of feel
incs unfavorable to faithful discharge Of thei
public duties. Their integrity may be proc
against improper considerations Immediately
addressed to themselves; but they are apt t.
acquire habit of looking with Indifference upor
the public interests, and of tolcra,ing conduc
from which an unpracised man would revolt
Office is considered species OF property; ant
government rather asa means Of promoting in
dividual interest, :han ns an instrument Greater
solely for the service of the people. Corruption
in some, and in others perversion OF correc
feelings and principles. divert government fror
It's legitimate ends, and make it an engine 70
the support of the few at the expense Of tn
many. The duties Of all public officers are @
at least. admit Of being made so plain ard sim
pie, that men of intelligence may readily quail
fy themselves for their performance; and ca
not bnt believe that more is lost by the Ion
continuance of men in office, than is general
to be gained by their experience. | subm
therefore to your consideration whether the e
ficiency of the government would not be pre-
) mo.ed. and official industry and integrity bette
secured, by q genera extension Of the law whic
limits appointments to four years
, In country where officers are created sol'
ly Cor the benefit of the people, no one man ha
I any more intrinsic right to official station ,ha
e another. Offices were not established to gi,
l. support to particular men, At the public expen'
No individual wrong 10 therefore done by reno
al, since neither appointment to nor contn
ance in Office is matter Of right. The incnr
bent became an officer with view to publ
benef fits; and these require his removal, The
are no, to be sacrificed TO private interets. II
= the people, and they alone. who have TO cor
plain, when a bad officer Is substituted tor
. good one. He who 10 removed has the san
!. means Of obtaining that are enjoyed by u
). millions who never held Office. The Propos
G limitation would destroy the idea OF Proper'
- " now so generally connected with official static
70 and although individul distress may be som
70 times produced. ii would. BY promoting th
=; rotation which constitutes leading princiE
Of in the republican creed, give healthful acti
he to the system"