, 1923-10-09
Government By Law or Force

The American people have two alternatives,
either a government of law based on the consti-
tuition, or a government of force. Such is the
opinion of President Coolidge as expressed in n
letter in connection with the celebration of the
one hundred thirty.sixth anniversary of the sign
ing of the constitution.
"The constitution is not self-perpetuating," said
the presidents letter. "f it will survive it will
be because it has public support. 1t means max
ing adequate sacrifice to maintain what is of
public benefit.
1.-THE constitution of the United States is the
final refuge of every right that is enjoyed by
any American citizen. So long as it is observed,
those rights will be secure. Whenever it falls into
disrespect or disrepute, the end of orderly organ
lied government, as we have known it for more
than 125 years will be at hand. The constitution
represents a government of law. There is only
one other form of authority, and that is a govern
ment of force. Americans must make their choice
between these two. One signifies justice and lib
frty; the other tyranny and oppression. To live
under the American. constitution is the greatest
privilege accorded TO the human race"
President Coolidge is one of the best students
of the American constitution in public life to-
day. His devotion to that fundamental instru-
ment of our government has been constant and
his support of it upon all occasions has been Wig
orous and unequlvocal. In an address to the
Massachusetts general court on January s, 1920,
Mr.. Coolidge said:
"Our government belongs to the people. Our
property belongs to the people. 1t is distributed.
They own il. The taxes are paid by the people.
They bear the burdens. The benefits of govern.
ment must accrue to the people; not one class
but to all classes, to all the people. The func
tions, the power, the sovereignty of the gov.
eminent must be kept where they have been plac-
ed by the constitution and laws of the people,
In his capacity as governor, he vetoed a bill
passed by the Massachusetts legislature provid-
ing for the manufacture and sale of beer. In his
veto message he said:
"By the solemn adoption Of an amendment to
the fundamental law of the land jurisdiction of
this subject has been placed in congress. 1t ought
to be left there until it is declared with equal
%solemnity by the supreme court that such amend
ment is void y y y That which the court h~esitates
to decide, 1 shall not hasten to declare. My oath
was not to take n chance on the constitution. 1t
was to support it. -
1--WE have had too much legislating by clamor,
by tumult, by pressure. Representative govern
ment ceases when outside influence of any kind
is substituted. This does not mean that the opin.
ion of constituents is to be ignored. 1t is to be
weighed most carefully, for the representative
must represent, but his oath provides that it
must be faithfully and inpartially according to
the best of his abilities and understanding,
agreeably to the rules and regulations of the
constitution and laws Opinions and instructions
do not out1natch the constitution. Against it they
are void 1t is an insult to any Massachusetts
constituency to suggest that they were so in.
tended. instructions are not given unless given
constitutionally. Instructions are not carried out
unless carried out constitutionally. There can be
no constitutional instruction TO do an uncon.
stitutional act"