The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-04-13
The Presidents Protest.

Several weeks since, Mr.. Covode Of Penn
sylyana offered resolutions, one Of which pro-
posed committee for the purpose ofinvestigat-
ing whether the president or other persons had
used improper means to secure the passage of
any law appertaining to the rights Of any state
or territory, &c. The resolutions were adopted
by yea and nay vote, ofll7 to As, and subse-
quently the special committee of five was ap
pointed by the speaker. Mr.. Coyode, the mov-
err, according to usage, was placed at its head.
The president finds these proceedings reported
in the Globe, and, without waiting, so far rs
appears, for any indication Of the mode or pro-
cedure on the part of the committee. sends
message to the house. which amounts to pro-
test against the appointment of the committee
as violation of his constitutional rights. His
main points are thus stated in the message:
The house of representatives possess no pow
er under the constitution over the first, or ac-
cusatory portion Of the resolution, except rs
an impeaching body, whilst over the last, in
common with the senate, their authority rs q
legislative body Is fully and checrfully admitted.
IL is solely in reference to the first, or impcach
ing power, that propose to make q few Obser-
vations.
Except in this single case, the constitution
has invested the house Representatives with no
power, no Jurisdiction, no supremacy whatever
over the president. In all other respects he Is
quite as independent Of them rs they are Of
him. As coordinate branch of the govern
ment, he is their equal. Indeed he is the only
representative Of the people of oil and each Of
the sovereign states. To them, and to them
Alone Is he responsible, whilst acting within the
sphere Of his constitutional duty, and not In
any manner to the house of representatives.
The people have thought proper to invest him
with the most honorable, resp Jnsible and dig
nifed Office in the world; and the individual,
however unworthy, now holding this exalted
position, will take care, 80 far rs in him lies,
that their rights and perogatives shall never be
violated in his person, but shall pass to his sue
cessvr unimpaired by the adoption OF danger
Gus precedent. He will defend them to the last
extremity against any unconstitutional attempt,
come from what quarter II may, To- abridge the
constitutional rights If the executive, and rem
der him subservient to any human power ex
cept themselves.
The message was dated March %. On itsre-
ceipt by ths House. amer some remarks from the
members Il was referred to the Judiciary Com
mittec. Mr.. Sherman said the perogatives
claimed by the President were similar to those
claimed by the Despots Of the old world and
for the asserting Of whichIC Charles the first lost
his head. The Boston Traveller commenting
on the protest we'll says:
There Il something cminently simple ana
childlike In the Presidents declaration that Mr..
Covode, chairman Of the COMMITTEES OF inquiry
has been made one Of his judges This is
strange assertion to come from man who
boasts in the very paper which contains II that
he has served ten years in the House Of Repre-.
sontatives, and who has served many years in