Third. That the power of dismission from office should be restricted, and the exercise of it rendered responsible.
Fourth. That the control over the treasury of the United States should be confided and confined exclusively to congress; and all authority of the president over it, by means of dismissing the secretary of the treasury, or other persons having the immediate charge of it, be rigorously precluded.
Fifth. That the appointment of members of congress to any office, or any but a few specific offices, during their continuance in office, and for one year thereafter, be prohibited.
General Harrison, previously to commencing his journey to Washington, visited Mr. Clay, and tendered him any office in the president’s gift, but he courteously, yet firmly, declined accepting one, and expressed his unalterable resolution to withdraw from public life, as soon as he should see those fundamental measures, for which he had been so long and so ardently struggling, put in a train of accomplishment. To the very last of Mr. Van Buren’s administration, he labored untiringly to place them in such a position. He was the strenuous advocate of a uniform system of bankruptcy. This was embodied in a bill reported to the senate by the judiciary committee, in the spring of 1840, onaccount of the numerous petitions presented in its favor. It passed the senate, by a vote of twenty-four to twenty-three, but was defeated in the house.
Directly after the inauguration of general Harrison, he issued his proclamation ordering an extra session of congress, to commence on the last Monday in May. Before that period arrived, the president was no more. He died just one month after his introduction to office. The intelligence of his death filled the nation with sadness, yet no serious grounds of fear were entertained, because it was believed that Mr. Tyler would discharge the duties of the presidency with fidelity. Congress assembled in accordance with the proclamation of the late lamented Harrison. Mr. Clay commenced the public business with vigor and alacrity. The subjects which he deemed of pressing importance, and should engage the immediate attention of the senate, were,
First, the repeal of the sub-treasury law.
Secondly, the incorporation of a bank adapted to the wants of the people and government.
Thirdly, the provision of an adequate revenue, by the imposition of duties, and including an authority to contract a temporary loan to cover the public debt created by the last administration.
Fourthly, the prospective distribution of the proceeds of the public lands.
Fifthly, the passage of necessary appropriation bills.