Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-12-13

constitution, they work together harmoniousv for tho
public good Ii the Executive and the Judiciary shall be
deprived OF the constitutional powers invested them
and of their due proportions the equilibrium of tho sys
tenn must be destroyed and consolidation the most
perncious results, must cnsuea consolidation of
checked despotc power exercised by maortics of the
legislative branch.
The executive legislative. and judicial each consti-
tutes separate CO. ordinate department of the Govern
ment and each is independent of tho others In tho
performance their respective duties under const
tuition, neither cam III its legitimate action, control
others They each act upon their several responsible
ties in their respective Spheres but if the doctrines
now maintained be correct, the executive must become
practically subordinate to the legislative udicia
must become subordinate the and tho
executive and thus the whole power of the Government
would be merged in a single department Whenever,
if ever, this shall occur glorious system of wcre
gulated self government will crumblc runs-to be
or despotsm am far from believing that this doctiine
is the sentiment of the American people, and during
the short period which remains which il will be my du-
y TO admin lister the Executive DEPARTMENT il will DO
my aim TO maintain its independence discharge
duties without infringing upon the powers duties.
oil either oil the other departments of the Government
The power of the Executive veto was exercised by
the first and most ustrious of my and
TOUR oil his successors who preceded in the admins
tration of the Government and, is believed no
stance prcudicalIy to the public interests has new
been, aud there is but little danger that il ever can
be, abused No President will desire unncccssa-
ry to place his opinion in opposition that of Con
and only IN cases where his convictions make it
ter of stern duty, which he cannot escape Indeed,
there is more danger that the President, from the
Congress, may fail TO exercise it in where the
preservation of the constitution from nracton tho
public good may demand it, than that he will eyer
ercise il unnecessarily wantonly.
During the period have administered the Executive
department Of the Government, great and important
questions of public policy, foreign and domestic, have
risen upon which it was my duty 1t may indeed be
truly said that my administration has fallen evenul
times have lit most scnsibly the weight of the high
responsibilities dcyolvcd upon With other OBJ
ject than the public good the enduring fame and per-
manent prosperity of my country, have pursued the
Impa iat
arbrament of enlightened public opinion, present and
future will determine how far the public policy have
maintancd and the measures have from time TO timo
recommended, may have tended to advance retard
the public prosperity at homc and TO elevate dcprcss
the estimate of our national character abroad.
Invoking the blessings ofthe Almighty upon your de-
alterations at yonr present important session. my ardent
hope is, that, in spirit of harmony and concord, you
may be guided to wise results, and such may
dond to the happiness the honor, aud the glory ofour
beloved country. JAMES X. POLK.
WAsHISGToN, Dec. 5, 1913.