The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-12-04
The New French Democratic Constitution
Critics,

We recur again to tie features OF the new French
constitution, which we published in detail the
other day. our columns, and to the consideration
OF the Interesting and important reflections which
spring out Of this prolific subject. We are Induced
10 do this, more especially from the many and
somewhat singular criticisms which have appeared
in the English and American journals upon this
important document, and which display, we think,
rather narrow and contracted views upon so great
a question.
In according the need of praise to the decision
the French people have arrived at, of having only
one representative body for the whole nation, and
showing that there are, IN fact, in every republic,
ultimately but two antagonistc principles which
assume the gulse, form and denomination of two
great absorbing parties, we pointed TO the example
of history in several instances, by which it Is de-
monstreted that when these elements are brought
into action IN a single chamber or body, the adj
yantages of simplicity, energy, celebrity of move
ment. and decision of purpose, are UNNECESSARILY
secured above what they can be, or ever have
been, when these powers are divided and difused
among variety OF Legislative chambers. or other
creations, under the name of checks and balances.
We might indeed, have plunged deeper than we
did into the past records of history 10 establish the
proof Of this position We might have referred to the
examples of the ancient Grecian republics, especial
~ to that of Athens, TO show what energy, what
vitality, what unity of purpose, what power wha {
iective results, flow from unity and sngleness
Legislative action But need not stray far from
home TO illustrate and maintain this palpabe posi-
Ion Who carried on so successfully, and brought
O such triumphant issue, our own American war
Of independence Who was 1t that took in hand
al If fbe neonlo acted m their adj
mlnIstered their powers, directed their energies,
and conducted all the difficult and complicated
affairs Of new people, then first emerging into
life a nation, but divided into different and con-
fllcting sections and divisions Who amaga.
mated the whole discordant mass into body
and confederation, forming the people and the con.
stitution, since so hon orably known as the people
and constitution Of the United States Who was
1t, but one august noble body OF representatives,
one single house, one individual Congress7 And,
IL may well be asked, could this body ever have
accomplished what 1t did had 1t been subjected to
tie supenntendence Of another and upper house,
10 control its movements, impede its actions, and
cIiticise and delay It's measures! We think not ;
and, besides, we think that this great historical
argument lie conclusive as TO the soundness and
correctness OF cur principle. This single body 1t
was, winch, acting with single arm and single
energy-composed, indeed, Of two parties, yet not
injured, but quite sufficiently checked and ba-
lanceu by these two forces acting within Its own
bosom--began, continued, and successfully con-
cluded, the great struggle Of American Indepen-
dence
This hrst United States Congress under the old
confederation, carried on, alone, all the war OF In
dependence, during the space OF eight years Of
difficulty and trial-without the aid, check, or
balance Of any other power, or OF any senate or
upper house. Does no, this, with the many other
corroborsung examples, prove the superior advan'
isge OF single House OF Representatives, IN
which oil the people one nation, are represented