The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1886-08-05
THE RIGHT OF VETO.
A Constitutional Weapon Used to Check
Careless Observation-Disclosures Cleve-
lands Wise Use of 1t.

Constitutional Weapon Used to Check
Careless Observation-Disclosures Cleve-
lands Wise Use of It.
When the first constitution of Ohio
was formed no veto was given to the
Governor, and this is about the only
State where he does not sign bills
passed by the Legislature. In 1902 the
Jefferson party had majority in the
convention to form our organic law,
and, being jealous of executive en-
croachment, they denied him all par
ticipation in the business of legisla-
ton, and, after an experiment of fifty
years, the trainers of our present con-
stitution retained the old provision.
No serious consequences have resulted,
and the people are satisfied. The
qualified veto given to the President in
the Federal constitution has. as a rule,
been wisely and judiciously exercised.
1t enables the Executive to interpose to
prevent violations of the organic law,
check hasty and ill-advised legislation
and protect his prerogative from legis-
lative encroachment After returning
bill with his objections, majority Of
two-thirds in each branch of Congress
can make it law without his consent.
His power is not absolute, but quail
fed, and hence not dangerous.
President Jackson, and subsequently
President Tyler, vetoed acts of Con-
gress to establish national bank.
They were violently and vehemently
denounced at the time, but their inter
position of executive authority has
been accepted and approved by the
people. They were content to wait
for the sober second thought of the in
telligent patriotic masses to approve
their action. President Hayes vetoed
the bill remonetizing silver, and it was
very promptly passed over his veto.
In the last day of his official life he
vetoed the act providing for the re-
funding the national debt at lower
rate of interest. The next Congress re-
enacted the law, and i. was approved
by the President.
The greater virtue in the veto power
is that it gives the President authority to
check hasty and ill-advised legislation,
and our present Executive has popular
lied this constitutional provision as it
never has been before. He has been
styled the veto President. His brief
messages returning pension and appro-
priation bills to Congress without his
approval met with the warmest COM
mendation of the people. Presidents
heretofore have usually approved such
acts of Congress as matter of course.
President Cleveland signs nothing
without an examination. IF bill
does not challenge his approval, he re-
fuses his signature and briefly and
clearly gives his reasons. He is aware
of the fact that 'on ''private bill day.
in Congress only those attend who
have cases to be considered. and that
''you vote for mine and will vote for
yours is sufficient to secure the pass
age of both without regard to merit
While he wishes every person who is
determined to prevent dishonest raids
upon the treasury.
The objections to making appropria-
tions for constructing post-otfices
where convenient and suitable accom-
modations can be had at an expense
less than the cost of taking care of a
Government building after it is erected
will be warmly indorsed by the people.
Taxpayers feel that they have Presi-
dent who will do his duty without fear
or favor.
Many justify these appropriations in
order to empty the treasury of its large
surplus. The Democratic doctrine is
that there should be no surplus in the
treasury, that taxes should be reduced
so that only enough money be taken
from the pockets of the people for an
economical administration of the Gov
ernment. If public buildings are con-
structed in all places like Zansvilie
and Dayton the money required to
keep them in order will make high tax
levies necessary in all future time.
President Cleveland is a Democrat,
and repudiates the Republican doctrine
that high taxes make the people pros
porous, and the larger the appropria-
tions the better for the country. He is
daily growing in favor with the people.
He will make the veto power very
popular if he continues his good work.
Cincinnati En0uir err