Year: 1872

if furnished with the truth and correct in
formation, they will have it in the end, and
appreciate those who are instrumental in
giving IL to them.


The "Youug Mems jackson Association"
can, if they will, lay the basis OF an orgsni-
zation, upon which the genuine Jefferson
and jackson Democracy of the nation can


be united and rallied to its support.


Let the great cardinals of their creed be
set forth in a clear, cogent and concise


manner, in the shape of propositions, or re-
solutions, that all can read and compre-
bend. A party to be successful, and of long
duration, whose existence is dependent on
popular will, must have something to do;
measures to be accomplisaed-it must be a
party of honesty, principle and progress.
Its chief business should be the support of
fundamental principles, and the accomplish.
ment Of great measures.


Office and the emoluments of Office
should be the mere incidents TO the carry
ing out of great principles and resources.
The converse of the proposition is the pol
icy pursued by the party now in power-of-
fee and the emOluments of office, and the
corruption of Government, are the great
objects with them, and the interest and hap
piness of the nation, the mere incidents. /
should feel proud, indeed, if ] could contri-
butte anything towards bringing the Gov
ernment back within the pale Of the consti-
tuition as designed by its faunders, and then
for 1t to progress in accordance with its pro-
visions. If the constitution needs amend
ment, as many think it does, let it be done
in the manner designated in the constitu-
ton, never assuming or venturiDg to act
outside Of its prescribed limits.


have forwarded to your address, by to-
days mail, copy of message which was
transmitted to Congress, recommending
three amendments to the constitution,
which hope you will do NE the favor to
read with much care.


1. The election of a President for one
term, and by the people, would in all prob
ability be very acceptable at this time, with
the unpopularity of conventions, and
Grants determination to force himself up
on the country for second term, they Of
course would take ground against it, which
would place them in the attitude of being
afraid to trust the people with the election
of President and Vice President.


2. The election of Senators ought to be
taken away from the Legislatures of the
States, and given to the people. The Leg
islatures of the several States have proved
to be as unreliable, and corrupt as the Con-
gress of the United States, and ought not
longer to be trusted with the election of
Senators to the Senate of the United States.


3. The alteration proposed by the amend
ments in the appointment of the Judges of
the Supreme Court would be a great and
salutary improvement on the present mode,
and in few years regenerate the court by
a gradual Incorporation of wiser, purer and
abler men than a majority of those who
now occupy the Supreme bench.


The adoption of these three amendments
to the constitution, or something like them |
in form and substance, would be very fit
ting and important work to be accomplish
ed by the followers of Andrew jackson. l !
also enclose you a series of resolutions
which were made the platform of two Con- |
gressional districts in this State during the
last canvass for members of Congress. Most |
of those resolutions are national, and are
sound in principle, and have popularizing
tendency in regard to all of our institutions,
and place the Democracy where it ought to
be-on the side of the people. Also send
you my annual messages, in which all the
leading propositions contained in the series
of resolutions can be found, together with
my various veto messages. Also find
copy of my address to the people of the
United States, which was issued on the
4Lh of March, 1859, the last public act be-
fore retiring from the Executive Mansion.


If anything suggested in letter, messages,
ETC., will do to incorporate as
tenet or tenets in your creed when made !
out, shall feel amply compensated for any
thing have done, or can do to promote the |
good work in which you and your Associa-
tiou are engaged. l have the honor to be, etc.


ANDREW JOHNSON