Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1848-10-04

ing. If Congress had power to designate
one Of its own members as a yetoer. to
veto its laws, instead of the President
Polk. for insiance.) and would esienate
such man as Webster. Corwin. Benton.
or even Calhoun, it would be done. done
a, all, with more judgment. and less thro'
the influence OF party spirit. Those men
are not so muci, tet,ered by party shacaies
as James X. Polk.
The person who may happen 10 occupy
the executive chair. should act above par
ty considera,ions-he should have no
private purposes 10 accomplished party
projects to build up-no enemies to pun
ish-no,riny to serve bat his country -
| lie should BE- influence By no sectional
considerations. as North, South, East or
! West. and should act as a citizen Of the
United States without: regard TO the local.
! ~ Of his domicil.
| Party spiri, is 50 deeply seated, and the
! Veto power being regarded by one Of the
great parties as an effective party weapon:
/ they make their nominee for the Presiden-
cy pledge himself in advance to exercise
i, 10 effect party objects. Two Of the pres
ent cand dates for the Presidency have
pledged themselves to veto certain laws
that Congress might pass. One Of them
now stands pledged, should he be elected.
to veto certain laws if passed by Congress:
a.,i he ,tha Ia1v Cd
vance TO veto a certain law if Congress
should pass it. and al the same time ack.
nowlcdged that it had power TO pass such
a law. Thus Congress is inundated from
tlcgisla,.ng by the threats of the veto
The business. and commercial relations
of the country may undergo such materi-
al changes as TO render the passage Of
such law absolutely necessary; yet the
fiat Of the party has gone forth. the pledge
is still there, and must not be violated
Thus the caucus platform must be observ-
ed as the law Of the land, in spite of the
legislation Of Congress-in spite of the
will of the people and the welfare OF the
country.
Having thus briefly examined the abu-
ses of the Veto power, we shall now re-
vert TO sone some others of the above
mentioned, and proceed to notice their
abuses somewhat more in detail. that the
reader may see how they are used by the
President to accomplish his designs
When he wishes 10 bring about war be-
tween this and some other nation. for some
sccre! motive. such as conquest. annexa-
ton, DC, he can station our troops in a
hostile attitude on the frontiers of that
nation ard order our navy in front of its
ports. in such manner as 10 give offence
TO the inhabitants and government. Suc!.
an insult is generally resisted immediate
". and thus war is commenced by "shed-
ding American blood on American soil,''
But if this should fail to effect the de-
sired objcct-owing TO the nations love
of peace, its fear. or cowardce, then the
President can accomplish it through the
appointing power, and. by instructions to
his minister, in settling difficulties and ne
gotia,ing trea ties. TO observe the most rigid
rules and formularies and to take adyan-
tage of every little oversight. mistake and
error that may be committed by the TN
suspec'.ng nation, until she feels and re-
sents the wrongs and insults. by a resof;
to arms. The President magnities these
things TO his confding coun.rymen. into
the most horrible insults and outragcs.
and appeals 10 them to vindicate the ma
ton rights and honor, by ..demanding
indemnify for the past and security for the
future" Their patriotism is touched
) they rally to the standard and fight brave
ly to redress the supposed wrongs. When
and millions Of money have been eSpend-
ed. negotiations are resumcd-the diff
,cultics are settled. and peace is restored.
Thus war is begun and ended, by an
ambitious President.
In making treaties partizan President,
generally. arranges them SO as - enure
TO the benefit Of his party. and party mea-
sures; and he does not even hesitate 10
disgrace his own government. if possible
f in the character Of the administration of a
political opponent, in the eyes of a forcigi,
nation. if thereby he can accomplish a
par,izan object. VAN buren, was the tool
Of JACKSON who attempted to disgrace the
administration Of John c. Adams: and
was rejected by the Senate o. the United
States and called home from England on
account Of it.
Through the instrumentality Of the APP
pointing power, the Executive. for many
years past. has exercised undue and iniu-
rious influence upon the legislation OF
Congress. The appointing power is used
by parizan President. TO buy votes TO