The Constitutional. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1860-1861, 1860-08-25
DEMOCRACYtAS 1T WAS AND
As IT. Is.

Soon after coming into power, Mr.. JET
ferson caused the following circular to b.
issued to all office holders of the Genera
Government
"The President of the United States
has seen with dissatisfaction officers Of th,
General Government taking, on variou:
occasions, active parts in elections of pub
lie functionaries, whether of the Genera
or Of the State Government. Freedom o.
election being essential TO the mutual indie
ent branches of the same government, SC
vitality cherished by most of our constitu
tons, it is deemed improper for officers
depending upon the Executive of the
Union TO attempt to control or influence
the free exercise of the elective right.
am instructed, therefor, to notify all oi6cers
within any department, holding their ap
pointments under the President directly
and to desire them to notify all subordi
nate to them. The right of any officer to
give his vote at elections as qualified
citizen is not meant to be- restrained, nor
however given, shall have any effect to
his prejudice, but it is expected that he
will not attempt to influence the votes OF
others, nor take any part in the business
of clcctioncering, that being deemed incon.
sistent with the spirit of the constitution
and his duties TO it,"
In one of his earlier political letters,
Gen. Jackson said, "the patronage of the
Federal Government should never be
brought in conflict with the freedom OF
elections"
In contrast with the above we present
our readers with the following resolutions
passed by the last Congress, by large
majoritics
Rcsolrcd, That the Secretary of the
Navy, with the sanction of the President,
abused his discretionary power in the
selection Of n coal agent, and in the pur-
chase of fuel for the Government.
Rcsoircd, That the contract made by
the Secretary with WmC.N n. Swift for the
delivery of live oak, was made in violation
of law, and in n manner unusual improper
and injurious TO the public service.
RcsoIrcd, That the distribution by the
Secretary of the Navy, of the patronage
in the navy yards among members of CON
grcss, was destructive of discipline, cor
rupting in its influence and highly iniu-
rious to the public service.
Rcs0ircd, That the President and Sec
Rotary of the Navy, by receiving and con-
sidering the party relations of bidders for
contracts with the United States, and the
effect of awarding contracts upon pending
elections, have set an example dangerous
to the public safety, and deserving the
reproof of the House.
Rc~ircd, That the appointment by the
Secretary Of the Navy, of Danl b. Mar
tin, chief engineer, as member of the
board of engineers, to report upon propo-
sails for constructing machinery for the
United States, the said Martin at the time
being prcuniarilv Interested in some of
said proposals, is hereby ccnsured by this
House.
Comment upon this is unncccssary---it
speaks for itself Jefferson and Jackson,
honorcd as the fathers of Democracy, are
seen here condcmning those very acts
which have become the very practice Of
the party; and it has so disgraccd all
principles of morality and Justice, so tram
Piled upon all private rights, so violated
the laws of the land, that the lower House
of Congress has been obliged to speak
out, and for the first time in the history of
our country, rcbukc the President of the
United States
1t is n truth in morals that wrongs com
mitted, whether by individuals OF parties,
will in time receive their just punishment;
that day of retribution for Democracy is
now fast approaching, and November next
will witness it cast beneath the sea of
oblivion by encouraged nation, who will at
the same time re-instate purity and justice
upon the throne Of power.