Whether they will think this the
time to make the declaration, I know not; but if they bring it on, I
think there will be not more than two votes north of the Potomac against
the universality of the impeaching power. The system of the Senate may
be inferred from their transactions heretofore, and from the following
declaration made to me personally by their oracle.* 'No republic Can
ever be of any duration without a Senate, and a Senate deeply and
strongly rooted, strong enough to bear up against all popular storms
and passions. The only fault in the constitution of our Senate is, that
their term of office is not durable enough. Hitherto they have done
well, but probably they will be forced to give way in time.' I suppose
their having done well hitherto, alluded to the stand they made on the
British treaty. This declaration may be considered as their text: that
they consider themselves as the bulwarks of the government, and will be
rendering that the more secure, in proportion as they can assume greater
powers. The foreign intercourse bill is set for to-day: but the parties
are so equal on that in the House of Representatives, that they seem
mutually to fear the encounter.
My friendly salutations to Mrs. Madison and the family. To
yourself, friendly adieus.
Th: Jefferson.
Pages:
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653