[in copyist’s hand]

1819 May 24

Defence of Ballot.

Canvassing, from Fearon

3

that they are all-powerful, and the Electors of their Chief Magistrate, while virtually they are the mere tools of a faction, and have not a voice in the matter. By a reference to the proceedings of Congress, it would appear that this vitally important subject was brought under their public consideration in 1816; upon which M r Rufus King, and General Harper, made the following observations, every syllable of which deserves your most marked attention.

M r King said, “If there was any part of the Constitution, deemed by its framers and advocates to be better secured than any other against the enterprises which have since occurred, it was the very provision on the subject of Election to the Presidency – The idea was, that the Actions of that particular agency, which has since controlled it, was as much displaced by the Constitutional plan of electing the President and Vice-President, as could possibly be devised. We all know the course which this thing has taken. The Election of a President of the United States is no longer that process which the Constitution contemplated. In conformity with the original view of the Authors of that Instrument, I would restore, as thoroughly as possible, the freedom of Election to the people. On the Contrary, our progress in Government is not for the better; it is not likely, hereafter, to be in favour of popular rights. It was with the people the Constitution meant to place the Election of the Chief Magistrate; that being the source of the least liable to be corrupt. But if, under the name of the liberty of the

people, we put this power into other hands, with different interests, we place it in a situation in which the rights of the people are violated. Men now live,

who