The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1848-12-12

The. executive, legislative. and iu6icia
each constitute a separate coordinate de
partment OF The government; and each is
independent of the Others. In the perform
ance OF their respective duties under The
constitution, neither can. in its legitimate ac-
ton, control the other. They each act upon
their several responsibilities in their respec-
tive spheres ; but if the doctrines now mains
tanned be correct. the executive must become
practically subordinate 10 both the Ieeisla--
live and the executive and thus the whole
power Of the government would be merged
in single department.
| Whenever, if ever, this shall occur our
glorious system OF well-rcgaIaied selEoov.
ernment will erunble into ruins-to be suc-
ceeded, frs, by anarchy. and finally by mon
archy or despotism, am far from believ
ing mat this doctrine is the senIimen. Of The
american people; and during The shari peri-
Cd winch remains in which it will be nv do,y-
10 administer The executive department. il will
De my aim 10 maintain its independence and
dIscnarge It's duties, without infringing upon
the powers or duties OF either of the oIb.r.
departments of The government.
The power of the executive ygio Vas ~
ercisej by The first and most ilIustrTous of NV
predecessors, and by four of bis successors
who preceded me in the administration Of
inc government, and, il is believed in no in
stance preJudicially TO the public interest. IL
""s never been, and there is but Erle dan
ger mat II ever cen be abused. No Presi-
ue't VIII ever desire, unnecessarily, to place
MS ~ opinion IN opposition 10 that of Congress-.
ne must always exercise the power reIuct-
anily, and only In cases where his convic-
lions make 1t matter Of stern duty, which
ne cannot escape. Indeed, there is more
Danger that the President. from fhe repup-
nance he must always feel 10 come in coils
ION with Congress. may fail 10 exercise il in
cases where tie preservation of The consti>
tu'Ion from iniraciion, or the public good.
may demand it, than that he will ever exer<
cise II unnecessarily or wanionly.
During the period have administered the
executive department Of the government:
great and important questions of public roIi>
cy' iorelgn and domestic, have arisen npon
winch II was my duty 10 act. II NAV indeed
ne truly SAID that my administration has fall
en- upon even;ful times. | have felt most
sensibly The weight of the high respobsIbili-
hes devolved npon me. With no other obs
Ject than the public good, the enduring fame.
and permanent prosperity of nv country, I
nave pursued the convictions of my own
nest judgment. The impartial aIhftras
ment OF enlightened public opinion, present
and and future, will determine how far the
pa0lic policy | have maintained. and the
measures have from time 10 time reeornS
mended, may have tended to advance or res
lard The public prosperity at home, and to-
elevate or depress the estimate OF our nations
al character abroad.
Invoking the blessings of The Almighty
upon your deliberations at your present inn
p6riani session, my ardent hope is, that in
splrit OF harmony and concord, you may he
guided 10 wise results, and such as may re-
dound 10 the happiness. the honor, and the
glory Of our beloved country.
JAMES K. POLK.
WASHINGTON, December 5, 1913.