The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1853-12-27

matter as cccting the highest officers.
Give the people the power to act, and
the privilege Of thinking for themselves
and demagogucs will lose their posi-
ton. lie denied that the people, un-
der existing circumstance, govern,
either i'll the State or national govern
mcnt, and favored the extension of
popular rights and privileges.
MIR. Iillinghast, rs author Of one of
the bills pending, congratulated him
self upon what he had listened to in
its favor. Tho gentleman who had
just taken his scat he regarded as clio
qucnt in style, but too fair rcprcsen-
tativc OF ;'4cung America" in scnti-
ment, to meet his full appreciation.
lIc contcnded that the people could
not express amy opinion, as aStatc, but
through The Legislature SO long as
The present Constitution and laws
remain. The constitution leaves the
States sovereign. The President COM
bincs the elements of State and popu-
lar power rs i'll the event Ola failure to
elect by the popular vote, Congress
chooses; i'll which event each State
large and small, alike gives but one
vote.
The Legislature Of q State is the
true representative Of the State; and he
spoke ut length in favor of his par
llclllar measure.
Mr.. McGowcn favored giving the
election to the people. He believed
some change necessary; that no better
scheme had been presented; and that
the Legislature could not be properly
regarded asa fair exponent Of the will
of lI:c people.
Mr.. Thomson had no idea Of dancing
attendance upon the mere whim OF
Congress; It's recruitment suggestive
Of Il change Of the States past couIsc,
might be followed 10y other like move
mcnts. He was for adhering to the
policy Of the State.
MIR. Mullins concurrcd entirely in
that feeling which opposed changing
any long tried system, unless it had
been found 10 work gross evil but yet
he thought it could not be denied that
change is inevitable. The popular
mind demanding it, it became ncccs-
sary to endcavor to select some plan
which shall he less liable to objection.
One of these bills seemed based upon
such fair principles as TO recommend
itself to his Judgment. 1t tends to
create no excitement, no jealousy, no
wrong, and less liable to demands for
being again changed. He had no de-
sire to see any thing done to bcget cx-
citcmclit, but the measure forced itself
upon him, and he thought it prudent
to give now what the people demand,
rather than put Off action, thereby be,
getting and continuing excitement.
Mr. Gadbcrry regarded it as con
ccded that the Legislature has The
power Of election, and believing it
t,e$mpctcnt for the Legislature to give
tShat power to the people without
Touching tie Constitution, hc was for
transferring it. he would 90 thus far
although he did not believe the pco-
PIE wanted this transfer of power 1t
may do to talk Of managing scgrcgat-
cd portions OF the peopie, but he had
no fear from the great political parties
into which the country will ever be
divided, whig and democrat, Of thcir
attempting any serious injury to the
country. He should oppose cIcc,in@
the Governor and the Judges by the
popular vote; but when You come to
elect an officer out ,f the State, purely
federal the people If right should cx-
ercisc an individual franchise. lie oh
jcctcd to the bill Immediately under
consideration, from the fact ofits Civ
ing TOO great influence 10 the property
in slaves. iic concluded by Offering
an addional section, requiring the bill
to be put to il vote Of The people at
the next election.
Mr.. ThornwcIl thought there was no
difference rs to the general question Of
4 change. and therefore proposed that
the committee rise and report the bill
to the House for its adoption, but sub
scquelIlly Withdrew the motion.
On the motion of Mr.. Mullins. The
section proposed by Mr.. McGowan
was laid on the table.
Mr.. MciiaIy wanted to know if q
single majority of one vote was to
govern the whole will Of every man.
woman, child, and three. iourths Of the
slaves Of i district, however p"pulous.
Such could not be called the popular
will. lfany thing could come near
the expression Of John g. Adams, Of
ones voting for his slaves, such a
state of affairs would be presented.
lie had proposed plan allowing the
people to vote directly for President
and Vice President, and preferred that
mode, if amy change is to be made; and
which he pressed for adoption.
MIR. Elliot said that IN displacing