Your
there is an idea, which is not without its advocates, that a vigorous
executive is inconsistent with the genius of republican government. the
enlightened well-wishers to this species of government must at least
hope that the supposition is destitute of foundation; since they can never
admit its truth, without at the same time admitting the condemnation of
their own principles. energy in the executive is a leading character in the
definition of good government. it is essential to the protection of the
community against foreign attacks; it is not less essential to the steady
administration of the laws; to the protection of property against those
irregular and high-handed combinations which sometimes interrupt the
ordinary course of justice; to the security of liberty against the
enterprises and assaults of ambition, of faction, and of