WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1822-1841
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is no danger of rendering it the firebrand of party zeal. But it will assume a very different aspect, if Congress is to become a court for the trial of personal altercation and disputes. It will render it a scene of discord and confusion, and the Hall of Legis- lation will become a scene of uproar, party rancour, and personal animosity. The subject of the Presidential election, which agitated the American community so long, and was of so much interest to the nation, has resulted in the election of a candidate who had not a majority of the votes in the electoral colleges. Nor had he a majority of the members in the House of Representatives, but only a majority of the States. As our government is, in all other respects, a representative Republic, where the voice of the people governs, there must be a manifest defect of the Constitution in relation to the election of President. During the present Congress various resolutions have been submitted to the House of Representatives, proposing an amendment, but none has yet been adopted. That there is need for amendment to the Constitution, we cannot doubt, when we advert to some of the facts in the last election. One candidate had a decided preference of eleven out of twenty-four States, by the people; yet, when the power passed from their hands, and devolved on the House of Representatives, the voice of the people was not regarded by their representatives (in many instances), but their individual inclinations, from some cause or other, pur- sued, without reference to the will of their constituents. The individual who was manifestly the choice of a majority of the people, was not elevated to that distinguished situation for which his qualifications so pre-eminently fitted him, and to which the important services he rendered to his country so richly en- titled him! Another was chosen by the House of Representatives, who had in his favour a less expression of national confidence, as manifested in the electoral colleges. This is a subject of serious consideration for the citizens of the United States; and it will be for them to say, on some subsequent occasion, whether their voice shall be heard, and their rights respected, or whether they will tamely yield those inestimable rights to the unhallowed dictation of politicians, who may choose to barter them, contrary to the known will of their constituents. As this day will dissolve the ties which have united us, as constituent and representative, permit me to say that I am again a candidate for your suffrage. Should you think proper to honor
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