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Editorial
August 24, 1816
Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger
Norfolk, Virginia
What is this article about?
Editorial from August 24, 1816, accepts Monroe and Tompkins' caucus nomination for President and Vice-President but criticizes it as a usurpation of people's rights, predicting it will lead to Congress electing the executive, eroding constitutional separation of powers. Briefly notes deteriorating patriot situation in Spanish America amid cruel war.
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THE PUBLIC LEDGER
SATURDAY EVENING, AUGUST 24, 1816.
We understand from all parts of the Union that the caucus nomination, will be acquiesced in, and that Monroe and Tompkins will be President and Vice-President. In the state of public feeling now existing, it is very probable, better selections would not have been made, if there had been no nomination by the caucus.
We venture however to predict that this surrender of their rights by the people, will be brought home to them at no distant period. If the free spirit of freedom, which once animated the people of America; had not degenerated into party spirit—and faction, this usurpation of their rights, would have been resented in the rejection of this nomination.
History abounds with numerous instances of the arts which have been practised by designing men to raise themselves at the expense of a nation's rights: pretexts are never wanting; some imperious necessity can at all times be conjured up, to rally party, to encourage the bold, and alarm the weak. Men will tell us, that a measure they propose is essential to the safety of the best principles of our government, and in the same moment inflict a deadly wound, upon some of those very principles.
Experience has proved that what is precedent one day, becomes principle the next; the submission of the people in this instance, we regard as settling the principle, that henceforth, the majority of Senators and Representatives in Congress, will elect the President, and thus one of the best features of the constitution, which preserved the independence of the Legislative, and Executive departments is annihilated.
Some of the democratic papers, have expressed a desire that this practice may not again occur; they are probably sincere in what they say now, but if party is in danger, we know and have seen enough to tell us, that excuses will not be wanting to justify the practice.
We have various reports of the affairs of Spanish America, but from very recent information from Curacao, it would seem that the affairs of the Patriots are by no means, in a good situation; meantime the war is of the most cruel and distressing kind that can be imagined. In short it is too fierce to last long.
SATURDAY EVENING, AUGUST 24, 1816.
We understand from all parts of the Union that the caucus nomination, will be acquiesced in, and that Monroe and Tompkins will be President and Vice-President. In the state of public feeling now existing, it is very probable, better selections would not have been made, if there had been no nomination by the caucus.
We venture however to predict that this surrender of their rights by the people, will be brought home to them at no distant period. If the free spirit of freedom, which once animated the people of America; had not degenerated into party spirit—and faction, this usurpation of their rights, would have been resented in the rejection of this nomination.
History abounds with numerous instances of the arts which have been practised by designing men to raise themselves at the expense of a nation's rights: pretexts are never wanting; some imperious necessity can at all times be conjured up, to rally party, to encourage the bold, and alarm the weak. Men will tell us, that a measure they propose is essential to the safety of the best principles of our government, and in the same moment inflict a deadly wound, upon some of those very principles.
Experience has proved that what is precedent one day, becomes principle the next; the submission of the people in this instance, we regard as settling the principle, that henceforth, the majority of Senators and Representatives in Congress, will elect the President, and thus one of the best features of the constitution, which preserved the independence of the Legislative, and Executive departments is annihilated.
Some of the democratic papers, have expressed a desire that this practice may not again occur; they are probably sincere in what they say now, but if party is in danger, we know and have seen enough to tell us, that excuses will not be wanting to justify the practice.
We have various reports of the affairs of Spanish America, but from very recent information from Curacao, it would seem that the affairs of the Patriots are by no means, in a good situation; meantime the war is of the most cruel and distressing kind that can be imagined. In short it is too fierce to last long.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
Constitutional
Foreign Affairs
What keywords are associated?
Caucus Nomination
Presidential Election
People's Rights
Constitutional Principles
Party Spirit
Spanish America
Patriots War
What entities or persons were involved?
Monroe
Tompkins
Congress
Senators And Representatives
Democratic Papers
Patriots In Spanish America
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Criticism Of Congressional Caucus Nomination For President
Stance / Tone
Opposed To Caucus System As Usurpation Of Rights
Key Figures
Monroe
Tompkins
Congress
Senators And Representatives
Democratic Papers
Patriots In Spanish America
Key Arguments
Caucus Nomination Will Be Accepted, Leading To Monroe And Tompkins As President And Vice President
People's Surrender Of Rights Will Have Consequences Soon
Party Spirit Has Replaced Freedom, Allowing Usurpation
History Shows Designing Men Use Pretexts To Undermine Rights
Precedent Becomes Principle, Making Congress Elect The President
This Annihilates Constitutional Separation Of Legislative And Executive
Democratic Papers May Oppose But Will Justify If Party Needs It
Spanish American Patriots' Affairs Are Not Good, War Is Cruel And Unlikely To Last