Concord Register

FOR THE CONCORD REGISTER:

MR. EDITOR--

I perceive that you and I are at issue respecting the assumption of power, and the doctrine of fallibility and infallibility of our late venerable Senate. It strikes me, that they are not subject to the same kind of frailties and imperfections of other public bodies, and that their doings are not to be tested by the same rules which would apply to ordinary acts of Legislation: for if the maxim be indubitably established in a monarchical Government, that the king can do no wrong, does it not follow as a necessary consequence, and can it not be demonstrated with mathematical certainty, founded on the immutable principles of truth, that in a Republican Government, the Senate always do right? The Senate, it is true, is the Aristocratic branch of our Legislature, since it more immediately represents the property and wealth of the citizens, than the other branch. But the doctrines of right and wrong in Legislative proceedings, are in some measure relative terms; applicable to the form of government and manner of administering it; of the ends and objects to be accomplished, without regard to the paltry consideration of the means; and with all my prejudices against Senatorial prerogative founded on English Parliamentary rules and usages of the house of Lords, I fully coincide in the opinion of the Editor of the Patriot in approving of the course pursued by that honorable body by frowning indignantly on any one who should presumptuously attempt even to look into their faults or errors, in assuming to themselves the Royal Prerogative of Infallibility.