It is precisely the responsibility under which Cromwell acted when he dispersed Parliament, telling its members, not in so many words, indeed, that they disobeyed the will of their constituents, but telling them that the people were sick of them, and that he drove them out “for the glory of God and the good of the nation.”  It is precisely the responsibility upon which Bonaparte broke up the popular assembly of France.  I do not mean, Sir, certainly, by these illustrations, to insinuate designs of violent usurpation against the President; far from it; but I do mean to maintain, that such responsibility as that with which the Protest clothes him is no legal responsibility, no constitutional responsibility, no republican responsibility, but a mere liability to loss of office, loss of character, and loss of fame, if he shall choose to violate the laws and overturn the liberties of the country.  It is such a responsibility as leaves every thing in his discretion and his pleasure.

Sir, it exceeds human belief that any man should put sentiments such as this paper contains into a public communication from the President to the Senate.  They are sentiments which give us all one master.  The Protest asserts an absolute right to remove all persons from office at pleasure; and for what reason?  Because they are incompetent?  Because they are incapable?  Because they are remiss, negligent, or inattentive?  No, Sir; these are not the reasons.  But he may discharge them, one and all, simply because “he is no longer willing to be responsible for their acts”!  It insists on an absolute right in the President to direct and control every act of every officer of the government, except the judges.  It asserts this right of direct control over and over again.  The President may go into the treasury, among the auditors and comptrollers, and direct them how to settle every man’s account; what abatements to make from one, what additions to another.  He may go into the custom-house, among collectors and appraisers, and may control estimates, reductions, and appraisements.  It is true that these officers are sworn to discharge the duties of their respective offices honestly and fairly, according to their own best abilities; it is true, that many of them are liable to indictment for official misconduct, and others responsible, in suits of individuals, for damages and penalties, if such official misconduct be proved; but notwithstanding all this, the Protest avers that all these officers are but the President’s agents; that they are but aiding him in the discharge of his duties; that he is responsible for their conduct, and that they are removable at his will and pleasure.  And it is under this view of his own authority that the President calls the Secretaries his Secretaries, not once only, but repeatedly.  After half a century’s administration of this government, Sir;—­after we have endeavored,