The last section of this article provides, that no state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, &c., coin money, emit bills of credit, make any other but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts—all laws respecting imposts, duties, and excises, shall be subject to the revision and controul of Congress.
The absolute necessity of powers of this nature being vested in a federal head is indisputable.
For want of such a power, what vile proceedings have of late disgraced almost every legislative measure of Rhode Island! For want of such a power, some honest creditors in Massachusetts have been paid in old horses and enormous rocks, in return for money loaned upon interest. With respect to the controul of Congress over laws of the afore-mentioned description, it is highly requisite that it should take place: nor have the people any thing to fear from such a proceeding; for their controul cannot be extended farther than the powers granted in the new constitution; the words of which are, “all powers Herein Granted.” If any act originates contrary to this, it will be of no effect, and a mere nullity.
Section one, of article second, provides that the executive power shall be vested in a president of the United States. The necessity of such a provision must appear reasonable to any one; and further remarks, therefore, on this head will be needless.
In the same section it is provided, (among other things which to argue upon would be unnecessary, as they are founded on the firmest principles of republicanism) that Congress shall determine the time for choosing electors, and the day of election shall be the same throughout the Union. Can anything more strongly mark a liberal and free government than this clause? No one state will in the least be influenced in their choice by that of another; and Congress cannot have the least controul in regard to the appointment of any particular men for electors. This, among other things, proves that all requisite power will still remain in the hands of the people, and any insinuation to the contrary, must be a mere chicane to blind the judgments of the misinformed.
Cassius.
(To be continued.)
Cassius, X.
The Massachusetts Gazette, (Number 393)