Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1866-10-24
nur QUESTION CLEARLY STATED
ny REV. THOMAS X. BEECHER.

mt remember to lave seen the point In con-
troversv between the People, as represented
in Congress, and the President OF the U
nited States, more lucidly or happily pre-
ssnted than iu the following paragraphs,
from the pen of Rev. Thomas X. Beecher.
We copy from Elmira IN. " Adrerttser :;
For the President to originate il policy
and use every influence at his command 10
carry it through, contrary 10 the Will OF Con-
grass ia unconstitutional, however custo-
mary and in a high degree dangerous IN
its tendency
The power of government are classed un-
der three heads-legislative, executive. and
judicial The duties and powers of each are
clearly defined by the Constitution. These
cannot clash, except by one or the other
werstepping Unconstitutional bounds. The
Pteident is the executor Of laws-the ma
Gon, right hand He is not law maker.
Congress- is the sole law maker. Shall the
hand say to the head, II hare Il Thought Of
RyO,cn p
The hand may send information to the
head, but the head directs the hand. 4
President may give information" to Con-
gress. He may recommend laws and
measures ito their consideration. But
surely he can sonstitutionally do no more
than this.
Shall Speaker CoIfax dictate decisions to
Judge Chase? Shall Judge Chase reverse
military orders issued by the President
May Congress NEEDLE with court, or court
with Congress? As little may the Presi
dent interfere with either court or Congress
The permanence of our government depends
upon each department respecting the digni
ty of the other two, and thus avoiding col
lision
What shall we say, then, when, Prcs-
dents policy seeks to preocccupy rhe
place of congressional policy? | reply
that the executive is not charged with the
duty of policy making. It's duty is to ex
ecute laws and measures, not originate them.
He may recommend this or that Ito the
consideration OF Congress-. But it is iul-
pertinent and unconstitutional for the Presi-
dent TO endeavor to carry his measures
through Congress.
know that it has been for many years
customary for Presidents to do so, | know
that, since Martin Van Buren, taught An
drew jackson how to use Presidential pa
tronage to intilnidate Congressman or buy
them, it has come to be thing of course
that the President should endeavor to mold
legislation and dictate laws in this unconsti-
tuuonal and indirect manner
But all this is wrong and dangerous. 1t
will eventuate sooner or later in a collision
between the nation head aud the nation
fand-leavlng government stunned as to
wisdom, and helpless as to strength.
President should not make DEGREES, di-
rectly or indirectly. And when, as now, a
President, during recess of Congress, deviscs
y nnltot- o{ .,l
nent moment, and next hastens to executeit,
without any advice or authority from Con-
greSs; and next imparts it to Congress as
my policy, working finely already; and
then, when Congress would examine thor
oushly and deliberate on the matter, is vex-
ed and angered by criticism and delay, and
At last undertakes to be himself tribune of
the people, and speak maledictions on the
people chosen representatives, and by ar
gument, threat, and patronage erdeavor to
carry out my policy rather than aid and
execute the laws and resolves of Congress
Is time for citizens to be startled, and by
asOber and respectful admonition declare
that legislative power belongs exclusively to
congress, and does not belong in any degree
to the Executive.
Congress msy err, no doubt The Presi-
Ient may be wise, and Congress foolish.
but temporary error of Congress does not
threaten such wide disaster as an overshad-
owing executive power prophesies. A con-
gresslonal error is but blunder. A law
making President is a revolution.
When IN 1861 the nation was cannonaded
At Charleston, and her very capital threat
gned by gathering rebels, the modest Presi-
ueht called for 1000 troops, to serve three
months and keep the peace against insur-
feetlCn And in the same proclamation he
called also for Congress. Come, come as
qaicS as You can, and gire me the ld,cs by
Seh Steh to raise an army and save the nation.
congress came. And in his first message
.ne President apologized for the vast re-
sponslbllty he had taken. pointing to the
CRISIS that compelled the act Congress
promptly legitimated all his proclamations
ss sno orders, and listened respectfully to his
recommendations. -
:, Dut IN 1865 another President startled
.ne nation by the haste he made on matters
profoundly intricate and momentous-the
Iseaalustment of whole nation, but yester-
uay conyulsed and sweating in the agony of
war. Wait oh wait for Congressl or at
ieaSt ask counsel.
But no. Whereas one President, when
uIuty was simplest and most emphatic, did
ane very least he dared do, and then apollo
sIled; the other, when duty was most COM
Piex and difficult, made haste to do all that
ne could do, hurrying lest Congress should
NEEDLE with the plan
thus Abraham Lincoln showed himself
institutional ruler, even amid W, r s explo-
sHon while Andrew johnson has shown
himself unconstitutional in the use of power
,1ust when peace was promising abundant
time for delberation.
bis intentions, | doubt not, have been
IIOhest and patriotic. But his Jealous haste
nas led him into very conspicuous and dan
gsrous irregularity. f9a7