Western Sun & General Advertiser, Volume 17, Number 2, Vincennes, Knox County, 25 February 1826 — Page 2

To prevent corruption : 1. Multiply the voters. 2. Keep the candidates from among

them.

3. Avoid pre-existing bodies of elec

tors.

To prevent violence and avoid coali

tions :

1. Separate the voters. The plan of election in the Commit

tee s amendment, both for the first and

As the state desires W. tf the majorities hiles of action, rlpenfcd n6 axioms, to in all the districts are of the same opini- Ihe test of which every election of a first on, they will create the unity by giving officer of a Republic should be brought. r I . " ill mi

the same vote : it tney are not, u is neia i nese axioms are

to be a violation of the rights of so many districts as would have voted differently,

to impress their votes into the service of

the dominant party in the general assenv

bly of the state. In the general ticket mode of election, the vote of the state is

directed by the majority of the state le

gislature ; the majoritv itself influenced

by some leading members ; and the ticket thus arranged, is often made to triumph

over the whole state, bv the mere effect

of discipline, and in open violation of the second election, has been brought to the

will of the actual sovereigns, the fair ma- test of each of these axioms, and found jority of the qualified voters. It is capa- to abide them. The voters will consist of

ble of demonstration, that the general tic- millions, and canot be corrupted : they 1 . I II 1 I.... . - J

K election, especially over a large sur- will be scattered over the territory ot the

face, is otten no election at all by the peo- whole confederation, and cannot hold an pie. A small and organized body supply intercourse with the candidates ; ihsy will

the place ot numbers, by unity ol design, vote at several thousand dift'erent places,

anu energy ot action, want ot concert

in the body of the people, will render su

perior numbers of no avail. Division will

destroy their strength, by . scattering their

votes; and anticipation of defeat will en

sure it; by preventing numbers from go ing to the polls.

3. The last branch of the objection is

in the supposed tendency to confolidau

on, which is seen by some in the abolition of electors, and the substitution of the di

rect of the people. This is completely

and fully answered in a foregoing part of

this report ; to which it may be added,

that, when analyzed, it turns out to be no

on the same hours of the same day, and can neither fight, nor coalesce ; they are not a pre-existing body, in the sense of the objection, for that term only applies to small selected bodies. Tried by the tent of these axioms, the House of Representatives, as an electoral college, stands condemned upon every one of them. 1. It is a small body, therefore capable of being corrupted. 2. It is a pre-existing body, therefore, capable of being tampered with. 3. It His in the presence of the can

didatcs, therefore is subject to be influ-

thing more nor less than an o!d objection enced by an intercourse with them.

in a new form, to the district system itself. For the purposes of consolidation, it is

perfectly immaterial whether the people vote by districts, in their own persons, or through the agency of electors; and, if this system is established, it is unknown to the committee for what object the institution of electors can be supposed to be wanting. Finally, there is a point of view from which to look at the several branches of all these objections, which exhibit them in the light of anomalous, if not very equivocal, pretensions to the character of state rights. It is this : that they present, as contending parties, not the federal government on one side, and the people of a state on the other; but the Legislature of a State against the People ol the same state : the servants against their masters; the leading men against the mass ; the few complaining that they will lose the privilege of controling and directing the votes of the many I The Committee have based their plan of amendment upon the proposition, that the plnn of the Constitu'ion had f died in

the election of President and v ico President of the United States. The points of failure were indicated in its two leading features the institution of Electors, and the ultimate election, by States, in the House of Representatives. That tho first branch of this proposition hts been fully demonstrated, and the best substitute proposed which the case admits of, Is respectfully submitted to the decision of the Senate. The establishment of the second branch, and the demonstration of the fitness of the proposed substitute, remain to be attempted. That it was the intention of the Constitution, in giving to the States, in tbe II of Representatives, an equality of votes for President, to increase the weight and respectability of the House, and to give to the small states a chance to act an efficient part in the election, is equally clear from the Constitution itself, and from all the contemporaneous expositions of that instrument Upon these grounds the power in question his often been defend ed ; but if the intention ol the Constitu tiort has failed ; if the small states have riot realized the chance which was intended for them ; if the House of Representatives has derived no addiiiotfal weight or respectability from acting as umpire between Presidential candidates'; a. ove all, if real evH, both to the lioiibj and to the people of the States, have been found to result from tins contingent power of election ; then there can be no reason for p-cserving a part of the Constitution which has failed of its" object, Sc produces evil instead of gocd. The Committee believe that this failure has been complete, and that the principles which should govern the election of a Chief Magistrate, in a free country, require that the choice of President of these United States should Ho' longer be permitted to devolve upon the House of representatives. These principles have been stated; and enforced, in the course of this Report. They 6pring from the dangers to which such electiors are liable. The dangers arc 1. Of corruption among the voters. 2. Of violence, in the heat of the elections. 3. O f coalitions, to elect or defeat a particular candidate. Opposed to these dangers arc certain

4. It votes in a body, therefore is sub

ject to violence, and capable of coalitions In addition to these objections, to which the House of Representatives is subjec, in common with all small bodies, it is yci liable to others, pecuhnr to itself, as a legislative department, viz 1. The anomaly of a Legislature creating the Executive. 2. The interruption of its regular business. . 3 The introduction of a new test in elections of members. 4. The application of a new influence to these elections. 5 The creation of opposition and administration paitiesin Congress. 6. The effect of all this upon fair legislation. 7. The effect of ? ill's upon the mmds of the people, the character ol the government, and the stability of our republican institutions.

There is one pon, however

and the

Committee a rex proud to state it, in wiiich

the House of Retr csen'atives. is an

eVc-

be entitled to

other cf equal

Extract tF a letter from a member of Vongressj to the editor of the Trenton (A. J.J Emporium, dated " WASHINGTON, DEC. 27. " Mr. King's nomination, you perceive, has been confirmed by tbe Senate, without a division but not without a strong although silent expression of disapprobation, from a most respectable part of thai body. In fact, I have but little doubt, had it not been for the apparent seventy of the measure, and an apprehension that such a course would be regaided as an ungenerous act of opposition to the administiatiou, this offensive nomination would have been rejected. It should not have been made. Mr. King's atc in. fits him for the situation ; and his indiscretions, to speak forbearingly, when fcimvrly a minister at the same court, are still fresh in the recollection of the public.

' I have observed that, many pcisons

at a distance Irom Washington, believe

that a strong party has been organized

herei to assail the administrate ), whomever opportunities offer ; or, in other words, to oppose it, after the manner ol the English oppositions, right or wr ng Nothing is further fiorh the truth. The friends of Gem. Jackson and Mr. Crawfmd, protest against such oi-any opposition, and will doubtless give the administration a fair and honest support tt;.ughr out its constitutional period ; but will, J take it for gt anted, make use of aU just and honorable means to prevent its u establishment. Such a course, t h v y con "lder themselves not only justifiable in pursuing, but ihcy further believe it to be their imperative duly to affix, at the earliest moment ihc constitution will al low, the seal of public reprobation, to the DANGEROUS PRECEDENT. & the exiraoy dinar y combination, (to use the mildest language. ) which brought the present administration inio power. They believe lhat the will of a large majority of the American people, was disregarded Sc defeated at the late Presidential election And surely none but the ultras of the administration can object to the only method offered, of tesiing the opinion I mean another contested election; an experi-

j ment, which Mr. Adams himself, seemed

to regret, coum not oe maae at me very moment he was about accepting his appoint mert

fiheaper 5 Cheaper Still.

AM GRAKTEB.

os market, between 2d & 3d streets

AS just received from Philadelphia and Baltimore, and now for sale, an

ant assortment of

RICH &C FASHIONABLE BEY GOODS ? Comprising nearly every article needed by the Farmer, or the Mechanic. A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF

HARDWARE & CUTLERY ALSO QUEENS & GLASSWARE In' very great variety.

1.V

ele

toral college, miu.t fvirve a preference over any

numbers, which can be constituted : it si in he elevation of its chaiacter ; in the talents which distinguish, cc the integrity which ennobles h, and which the prhle, virtue, and intelligence of the people must be forever anxious to preserve and exalr. The objections which have been stated against bringing the election into this House, ate of such a character, inthe opinion of the committee, as to merit the most serious consideration ; anif, when their weight and importance arc duly estimated, it can hardly be believed th:;t the framers of our constitution, if they could have foreseen the frequent crcilrrcnre of that event, would have consented to endanger the purity of our government, h the stability of our institutions, bv conscnting to carry the election before that body, in any contingency whatsoever. It is obvious, ftom the whore theory aid spirit of the constitution, that the President ws intended to be chosen by electors fresh from the people, tx. thai it wa never contemplated that the election

should devdlve on the House of Representatives, except in ah extraordinary Sc r.irr rnntiturrcir.v. Rut. from no pvk n.

sion in territory, which could not have! as low as an' in l,lc PIace-

' ' . . . . . .

been iorcseen, and an incrcrse m wealth and population beyond alTcxpcctation, the pursuits of our citizens have become so diversified, and so many local interests have sprung up among them, that it is almost a vain hope that the election cf President can ever again be effected on the first trial, whether the people vote direct, or through the agency of intermedial clectors ; and it seems to be no longer doubtful, that, under ordinary circumstances, the choice must, hereafter, devolve upon the House of Representatives. The provision ot the constitution, intended only for an emergency, thus becoming one of ordinary application, and that which the wisdom of our fathers designed as the " medicine of the state" (to be resorted to only in a dangerous crisis) is to become " our duily bread "

(To be continued )

BOOTS &

f SHOES.

LADIES, GENTLEMEN, Sc CHILD R ENS

A very complete assortment of GROCERIES. Alt of which will be sold on the most accommodating terms, for cash 1 6-tf Vincennes, June 1825. Cheap It ' holesale'ty Retail Hat 8 (ore.

P. PRICE, On MARKET STREET,

vincennes, has constantly on

Printing neatlv this office.

executed at

hand, a handsome assortment of hats cf

every description, which he is enabled to

HE NOW MANUFACTURES THE Cortes, & Oval Water Proof HATS,

Which arc ascertained to be the latest fashions. CPOrdcrr's from a distance

thankfully received, and speedily filled. 43-lv November. 182:?.

7J) the People of the county ? of Knox.

-f-nriEREAs complaints have been

V V made, that in the collection of the

Xcven-ue, lor the state and county, for the

year 1825, errors were committed by me, and my deputies. Being well assured,

tnat rt errors were matte, they were not

intentior.at, and wishing to rectify them,

snouia tney exist, l now cail upon all

persons who mar think themselves in a

ny manner injure, or aggrieve d. to enmp

forward and the'roost ample satisfaction

snail oe maue them. Wm. l. withers. February 9, 1326. 52-tf

"INFORMS the publ'.c that he contin3 ues to carry on the Saddlery Harness y making business, at his shop on (water stuekt vincennes.) He also, will keep on hand a regular supply cf LEATHER, of every description, which will be sold on reasonable terms. He also manufactures, and will sell at the lowest prices, ,g Bool a 4; Shoes, of every discriplion ;md quality. February 19, 1825. -tf FIlisT Sl'HIXG S.1LE.

BY MU1U & OKMSBV, (Late M' Donald k Co.) Qti Monday, Ijtesday, l'tdnt.sday and Thursday , the 13 A, Alh, i5th CT 16th Alurch nex 79 packages of wV assorted nay goods, On consilium nt, Um aw York and Pni udelphia, cuiisiing, in puit, ot ihe following articles, ?. : Super blue, brown, b.ack, mixed and drab ctjtbs and casimeics Superfine satinets, ca-,sinets and plains, 4 4 anil 6 4 cambrics, 5 4 and 5 4 jaconet, book, Ieno, mull ard medium mu.sbns, 4 4, 5-4. and 6-4 figured, book and fancy muslins, Black ki!k, bird eye, and low priced flag handkerchiefs, Splendid silk shaw ls, all patterns Sc sizes, Very superior French English prints,

bupcr cambuc ginghams, muslin rcbes,

striped rioientints, Wilmington and Washingion stripes, Blue, black, and drab cotton cassimcres, Linen and cotton diillings, 7 8 and 4-4 Iiish linen, Superior Gros de Naples and Grosdete silks, all pat'eri, Elegant colored Sc white Marseilles vestings. French c E ghsh farcy vestir.gs, White Sc maiblc cotiun hose Sc hall hose, Cotton and worsted suspenders, Brcwn and black Hollands, Coxs, packs and pound pins, 3 4, 4-4 and 5 4 brown and bleached dc mesiic shii tings and sheetings, 3-4 and 4 4 piaicis and stripes, 3-4 and 4-4 checks, indigo blue.

Furniture checks, of all widths'

- - j Bed tickings, Ladies' Morocco and seal skin shoes. al.o-28 casks Hardware Cutlery, 6? Knives and forks, all qualities, Pen and pocket knives, Tea and table spoons, Rczoss, screws, hinges, spades, shovel:, axes, sadirons, Gilt and plated, coat, vest and suspender butions, Anvils, vices, handsaws and files, Mill and cross cut saws, Claw and shoe hammers, Shoe and butcher knives. LiKEWisEa veiy general assortment of nnnr.FJiixs:

18 hogsheads ai.d 47 barrels New-Orleans sugar, 32 barrels Baltimore refined loaf sugar, 41 bags St. Domingo Sc Havana coiile, 20 qr. chests gun powder tea, 20 qr. chests imperial tea, 10 chests young hyson tea, 20 barrels chalk and whiting, 73 barrels No. 2 and 3 Mackerel, Glauber salts, Indigo, Madder, Pepper and Alspice, 2 pipes Cognac Sc 1 pipe Spanish brandy, 14 qr. casks Madeira, Tenneiifle, Lisbon and Malaga wine. To the above sale, zi'ill be added, 170 kegs Boston, and 110 kegs Pittsburgh Nails, 18 tons Juialta arid Swedes Iron. 3t February 4, 1826. Pubiic Notice. 1S1X7E sna,I (by our attorney) apply to V V the ensuing Circuit court, in and for the county of Knox upon the ihiid day of the term, for the appointment oi Com

missioners to divide the real estate o

Charles Dudevoir, (called Lachine,) deceased, between his several heirs and legal representatives, according to the statute in such case made and provided. AMBROISE CORNOYER, in right of his viife, formerly Gene vieve Dudevcir, MARIE DUDEVOIR. February 10. 1826. 52-4t TWO CKXTS per tKumd, will bc given for any quantity ot clean Linnen or Cotton KsiGS at the wesntern suij office, in cash receipts, against good accounts.