Democratic banner., 1850-01-07
Ass. From the st. Louis Union.
stGive 70 the People Universal Suffrage
and Annual Elections, and I care not
HhefAer we have anY Constitutions -

Without vouching for the form Of words, as we
rely on memory, there is no mistake. we think,
in attributing the above sentiment, substantially
aswe have stated il, to Mr.. Jefferson. The great
reliance placed by Mr. Jefferson on frequent elec-
tions, as the prime and most efectual safeguard
Of nbsfty, was not however peculiar to him. Of
this doctrine he was neither The originator nor
the monopolist. It was Of the essence of politi-
cal law, as defined and treated and taught by ap-
proved writers, whose works were regarded as
authority; and as acknowledged by the common
judgment of men and nations. BY both and all,
long official tenure was regarded as the most eff
fectual prop Of power. And the men who have
colonized :heir names in the hearts of our coun-
trymen, as the most powerful and inhexible ad-
vocates Of liberty, in the days of the revolution,
whether in Virginia or Maryland, Pennsylvania
or New York, or Massachusetts, agreed in this,
If they agreed in any one sentiment, that frequent
elections constituted the grand bulwark Of our
political safety, andindeed the only impreguahle
whose natural tendency is from the many to the
few. The sentiment that the perpetuity Of our
free institutions depended on frequent elections,
was as pervading at the period oftheir establish
ment. as the hatred of tyranny; as deep settled
and abiding with our fathers as their determine
tion to he free; as well understood as the doc
srine thai sovereignty belonged to the people
1t was not confined to the breast of Mr. Jeffer-
sOnin Virginia, but was equally acknowledged by
thousands Of patriotic hearts in the Old Domin-
ion. It was familiar as household words, not in
the mouths Of Luther Martin only, in Maryland,
and Of Franklin, in Pennsylvania, but the farm
ers on The open shores Of the bays, and in ti,e
recesses of the hills, in those States, knew its
bearings and effect as one knew the fog and the
other the frost. Samuel Adams and James Otis
were not the only depositories.of this truth in
Massachusetts,, but wherever in that State love
Of liberty snd intelligence was TO be found and
neither liberty nor intelligence were rare in that
day in that State-there was this principle cher
ished. In her constitution, annual election has
been engrafted among many ari'tOcratic provis-
ions, end there it stands, a monument Of democ-
raCy and a homage to right, in close association
with structures reared to pride and enactments
made for oppression.
The vigilance on which depends our liberty,
consists in watch over our own households
Jealousy of our rulers; and that jealousy is only
satisfied by short terms and frequent rotation in
sGce. The constitutions provide short terms ;
It 10 left to the virtue and discretion Of the peo-
PIE, to enforce in their practice frequent rota-
tion, as their wisdom and good sense, guided by
the above precepts, and Of republican principles
may dictate. Our fathers knew, as all men, ex-
pert in political law, and mindful Of the teach
iRgs Of histry, know, that the vice Of republics
is practical arstocracy, and that there is in the
nature Of man, q strong and constant tendency to
this vice, both BY the grasping desires and am
bitiOn of one part, and by the readiness of the
other part to pay homage to wealth, power, and
STATEN. Jealousy of rulers was inculcsted by
them ss an sntagOnistic principle, to this danger
ous vice. This Is not an uneasy jealousy of the
heart.iiH is not anything inconsistent with a
generous regard and fair confidence. The jeal-
susy which they inculcated, was constitutional
Jealousy. 1t prescribed that the repositories Of
power should hold their trust but for short term,
and return it again to the people. It provides
guards against the seductions of ambition, and
the abuse Of power, by short official tenures, and
frequent elections. But while the provisions in
astohstituticb, limiting the tenure Of Office to
snOrt periods, ase so effective in preserving a