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Editorial
April 1, 1818
The Rhode Island Republican
Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
Editorial quotes Rhode Island legislator Elisha R. Potter claiming the General Assembly holds unlimited, omnipotent powers without a constitution, then satirically critiques his power-hungry ambitions if elected governor.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
"I am not afraid of exercising the powers of this House: I am not afraid to declare my views of the powers of the General Assembly. The powers of this House are unlimited: they being without a written Constitution, are omnipotent: they have as much right to govern the affairs of this State and the citizens, as the Supreme Ruler of the Universe has to manage his own affairs."
ELISHA R. POTTER'S SPEECH.
Now if the General Assembly of this state have as much power as Mr. Potter appears to think it has, we can readily conceive--why a man, as fond of power as he is known to be, is desirous of being at the head of that General Assembly. Truly, if he should be elected governor, we ought to be extremely anxious to propitiate his kind feelings, otherwise our situation would be truly alarming--as not only life and death, and all our happiness or misery would depend on his caprice and that of the body over which he presides.
ELISHA R. POTTER'S SPEECH.
Now if the General Assembly of this state have as much power as Mr. Potter appears to think it has, we can readily conceive--why a man, as fond of power as he is known to be, is desirous of being at the head of that General Assembly. Truly, if he should be elected governor, we ought to be extremely anxious to propitiate his kind feelings, otherwise our situation would be truly alarming--as not only life and death, and all our happiness or misery would depend on his caprice and that of the body over which he presides.
What sub-type of article is it?
Constitutional
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
General Assembly Powers
Elisha Potter
Unlimited Authority
Governor Election
Constitutional Limits
What entities or persons were involved?
Elisha R. Potter
General Assembly
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Elisha R. Potter's Assertion Of Unlimited Powers For The General Assembly
Stance / Tone
Critical And Mocking Of Potter's Power Ambitions
Key Figures
Elisha R. Potter
General Assembly
Key Arguments
The Powers Of This House Are Unlimited Without A Written Constitution
The General Assembly Is Omnipotent Like The Supreme Ruler
Potter's Fondness For Power Explains His Desire To Lead The Assembly
If Elected Governor, Citizens' Fates Would Depend On His Caprice