10th. It will remove a direct, powerful, and dangerous influence of the General Government on the individual States.
11th. It will prevent the influence of a Presidential election on our domestic concerns and foreign relations. And,
12th. It will secure the United States against the usurpation of power, and every attempt, through fear, interest, or corruption, to sacrifice their interest, honor, or independence; for one year is too short a time in which to contrive and execute any extensive and dangerous plan of unprincipled ambition; and the same person cannot be President during two successive terms.
Reducing the Presidential term of service to one year, will remove the necessity of attaching to the office the splendor of a palace. The simplicity of ancient Republics would better suit the nature of our Government. The instances of persons called from the plough to command armies, or to preside over the public councils, show that in a Republic pomp and splendor are not necessary to real dignity. Cincinnatus, who was content with the scanty support derived from tilling, with his own hands, his four-acre farm, has been as celebrated in history as the most splendid monarchs. By these remarks I would not be understood to object against giving adequate salaries to all public functionaries. In the case of subordinate officers, it may be left to Legislative discretion. But the President having such great power and extensive influence, his compensation ought to have a constitutional limit, and not exceed fifteen thousand dollars.
Friday, April 15.
Death of the Representative, Jacob Crowninshield.
A message from the House of Representatives notified the Senate of the death of Jacob Crowninshield, Esq., late a member of that House, and that his funeral will take place to-morrow morning, at 10 o’clock.
On motion, by Mr. Gilman,
Resolved, That the Senate will attend the funeral of Mr. Crowninshield to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock.