The Missouri herald., 1922-05-12


freedom to the scaffolds Of despotism.
1t is the course travelled by every civili-
zation which began in liberty and end
ed in chains.
One-man government is despOtism.
This is not One-man government.
1t is government by 100000,00O free
men whose representatives can only
lawfully act within the express limits
Of their powers as fixed by the Con-
stituton. Rome had Il oneman govern
ment--it ended in world ruin. France
had such governmental ended ut
the guilotine. Russia had such Il gov
ernment-it ended in the bloody cellar
of Siberia. England had such Il gov
ernment-it ended at the block. Prus-
sia had such government-itS despOt
is an exile-its people bear the burden
of his sins.
Our Fathers knew history. They had
suffered from tyranny. They did not
intend TO repeat the mistakes of other
nations. Accordingly, they divided the
Government into three independent
branches, each confined to it's partic-
ular duties, and each operating as a
check upon the others. The Legisla-
tive was authorized to enact; the
Judicial to cOnstrue, and the Executive
to enforce the law.
OUR GOVERNMENT WAS WISELY
CONCEIVED.
To the President, who was elected
at large. was granted only certain
executive powers. He was denied
the right to dictate single law
E.t,N IL "
the Constitution he Is permitted to
touch legislation at but two points. He
may recommend laws. but Congress Is
ut full liberty to disregard his sugges-
tions. He may veto bills, but the Con-
gress has power to overturn his vetos.
He is made Chief of
the Army and Navy, but the Constitu-
ton gives him neither Army nor Navy
to command. He must 90 to Congress
for both. And Congress may refuse
both or either.
The House Of Representatives has
the exclusive right to originate revenue
measures. That body, If it sees fit,
can completely paralyze the Executive
branch.
And finally, the Fathers gave to Con-
gress the right to impeach the Presi-
dent and the Justices Of the Courts.
Whence then comes the doctrine that
the President may dictate to Congress
what laws shall be passed, and that
the members Of Congress must tamely
bow to the Executive will? Establish
that doctrine and Congress will no
longer be a great and independent body
speaking for the people. 1t will have
degenerated into contemplate tool
to register, not the will of the people,
but the will of the President.
A Congress guilty Of such an act be-
trays the people, destroys the Con-
stitution and assassinates American
liberty.
The doctrine is an abomination in
tolerable in free country. Adopt 1t
and the President will have more
power than any king who ever wore
crown, for, by his own will. he can
govern the greatest nation on earth.
There may be those who are willing
to take place In the Senate upon
condition that after they have sworn
to uphold the Constitution and to faith
fully demean themselves in office, they
shall at once violate their oath by per-
hitting the President Of the United
States to dictate their votes; but, such
man is willing to betray his country
to obtain an office.
If we are to adopt the new policy ad-
vocated by some people why elect a
Congress-? Why pay the salaries of
435 Representatives and 90 SenatOrs7
Why have investigations and debates?
Why not abolish Congress-? Why not
let the President 'promulgate his de-
crees and call them laws?
The man who Is incapable Of think
ing for himself Is too great fool to
send to Congress.
The man who Is too indolent to think
for himself ls too lazy to send to Con-
gress.
Tho man who fears to think for HIM
self is too cowardly TO send to Com
oress.
The man who would take the office
of Congressman upon condition that
he should vote according to the dicta-
ton OF some other man Is too con-
temptfbIs to send TO Congress.
Phe structure of our Government
was laid by the wisest men who ever
assembled to create u naton. In that