Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1860-04-11

have thought proper to invest him with the
most honorable, responsible. and dignlfed
office in the world; and the individual, how
ever unworthy, now holding this exalted po-
sition, will take care so fa- as in him lies,
that their rights and prerogatiyes shall never
be violated in his person, bat shall pass to
his successors unimpaired by the adoption of
dangerous precedent. He will defend them
to the last extremity against any unconstitu-
tional attempt, come from what quarter II
may, to abridge the constitutional rights OF
the Executive, and render him subservient to
| any human power except themselves.
The people have not confined the President
to the exercise of executive duties. They
have also conferred upon him a large mea-
sure of legislative discretion. No bill can
become law without his approval repre-
senting the people Of the United States,
less it shall pass after his veto by majority
of two thirds of both houses. In this legis-
lative capacity, he might, in common with
the Senate and House of Representatives, iu-
| stitute an inquiry to ascertain any facts which
ought to influence his judgment i'll approving
| the performance of legislative duties between
the co ordinate branches of the Government,
| ought. to inspire the conduct of all of them,
| in their relations towards each other, with
mutual forbearance and respect. At least,
each has right to demand justice from the
| other. The cause of complaint is that the
constitutional rights and immunities of the
Executive have been violated In the person n
of the President The trial OF an impeac b.
ment of the President before the Senate on
charges preferred and prosecuted against him
| by the House of Representatives, would be
an imposing spectacle to the world. In the
! result, not only his removal from the Presi-
Dental Office would be involved, but what is
| of infinitely of greater Importance to himself,
| his character, both in the eyes of the present
and of future generations, might possibly be
tarnished. The disgrace cast upon him,
would in some degree be reflected upon the
character of the American people who cleo
ted him. Hence the precautions adopted by
| the Constitution to secure a fair trial. On
such a trial it declares that the chief Justice
shall preside. This was doubtless because
the trainers Of the constitution believed it to
be possible that the Vice President might be
biased by the fact that ''in case of the reno
val of the President from Office" the same
shall devolve on the Vice President"
The arguments contained in the above ex-
tract, are clear and convincing. 1t will be
an evil day for our country, when few dem
agogues in Congress shall have it in their
power to degrade the chief magistrate of the
| Republic, by making with impunity vague
, charges against his official conduct, and car
rying on investigations in the desperate hope
: of discovering that he has done something
worthy of censure. The President does not
fear an investigation, but he feels it 20 be his
| 1,tr 70 n g
| If any act or acts Of his administration are to
be investigated, lie demands that he shall be
proceeded against in the manner the Consti-
tuition directs His record as President i:
| without stain and he is willing that it shall
| be submitted to the closest possible scrutiny,
e and investigation, if his enemies desire it, bu
| he demands that it sha II be done in a Lawful
manner. He says.
5 again declare emphatically, that make
this protest for no reason personal to myself,
and do 1t with perfect respect for the House
of Representatives, in which had the honor
i of serving for FIVE successive terms. L have
| lived long in this goodly land, aud have en-
. joyed all the Offices and honors which my cour
4 try could bestOw. Amid all the politica
storms through which have passed, the pre-
: ent is the first attempt which has ever beer
made, to my knowledge, to assail my person
o al or official integrity and this when the time
e approaching when | shall voluntarily r4tir,
g from the service of my country. feel proud
ly conscious that there is no public act of my
: life which will not bear the strictest scrutiny =
u [ defy all investig cation. Nothing but the ba
n sest purjury can sully my good name. Dc
d not fear even this because L cherish an hum
o bic confidence that the gracious Being VIII
has hitherto defended and protected IN,
Z against the shafts of falsehood and malic
) will not desert me now, when 1 have becom
l. old an gray-headed.
v This charge of fraud and corruption agaiDs
1t the President, has been started by the Blacl
IS Republican | eaders, for the purpose of get
e ting up new humbug for the campai gn.-
is They have discovered that the slavery questio,
l. is now dead and that bleeding Kansas stock i
is below par. We are glad however that tn
n prominent leaders of the party had too mucl
manhood to consent to become openly respon
il sible for the movement. They left the dis
IT graceful responsibility with John Covode
/ who is mean enough and ignorant enough t
n glory iu his shame.
@The recent heavy rains have doubt
'' less enabled our river friends to get off wit
! their RATS. We understand an unusual
large amount of timber was taken on
= last winter. We hope our raftsmen friend