He acts without any
majority in either of the legislative houses.
He must state reasons
for his conduct, but he is not responsible for those reasons. His
own judgment is his sole guide. No desire of the people can turn
him out; nor need he fear any clamor from the press. If an officer
so high in power be needed, at any rate the choice of such an
officer should be made with the greatest care. The Constitution has
decreed how such care should be exercised, but the Constitution has
not been able to maintain its own decree. The constituted electors
of the President have become a mere name; and that officer is chosen
by popular election, in opposition to the intention of those who
framed the Constitution. The effect of this may be seen in the
characters of the men so chosen. Washington, Jefferson, Madison,
the two Adamses, and Jackson were the owners of names that have
become known in history. They were men who have left their marks
behind them. Those in Europe who have read of anything, have read
of them. Americans, whether as Republicans they admire Washington
and the Adamses, or as Democrats hold by Jefferson, Madison, and
Jackson, do not at any rate blush for their old Presidents. But who
has heard of Polk, of Pierce, of Buchanan? What American is proud
of them? In the old days the name of a future President might be
surmised. He would probably be a man honored in the nation; but who
now can make a guess as to the next President?
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