In 1825 John Quincy Adams throws a jab at congress. It had been 25 years since Washington's death, and 25 years since they authorized the construction of a marble monument in his honor. It was politics as usual, partisan debates that delayed action. So in his first annual address, Adams reminds them of their promise Christmas Eve, 1799.
"On 1799-12-24, it was resolved by Congress that a marble monument should be erected by the United States in the Capitol at the city of Washington; that the family of General Washington should be requested to permit his body to be deposited under it, and that the monument be so designed as to commemorate the great events of his military and political life. In reminding Congress of this resolution and that the monument contemplated by it remains yet without execution, I shall indulge only the remarks that the works at the Capitol are approaching to completion; that the consent of the family, desired by the resolution, was requested and obtained; that a monument has been recently erected in this city over the remains of another distinguished patriot of the Revolution, and that a spot has been reserved within the walls where you are deliberating for the benefit of this and future ages, in which the mortal remains may be deposited of him whose spirit hovers over you and listens with delight to every act of the representatives of his nation which can tend to exalt and adorn his and their country."
But just who was this other
'distinguished patriot of the Revolution' who remains were honored with a
memorial before George Washington? A monument was erected in Washington DC at the expense of Congress to Elbridge Gerry. Elbridge Gerry was a Democratic Republican (Washington was the founder of the Federalist party) and was one only 3 delegates who did not sign the constitution. Gerry wanted a strong bill of rights.
"My principal objections to the plan are, that there is no adequate provision for a representation of the people; that they have no security for the right of election; that some of the powers of the legislature are ambiguous, and others indefinite and dangerous; that the executive is blended with, and will have an undue influence over, the legislature; that the judicial department will be oppressive; that treaties of the highest importance may be formed by the President, with the advice of two thirds of a quorum of the Senate; and that the system is without the security of a bill of rights . These are objections which are not local, but apply equally to all the states."John Quincy Adams, originally a Federalist, turned Democratic Republican must have known this would raise the ire of the Federalists.
By the way, "Gerrymandering" comes from combining salamander and the name of Elbridge Gerry.
http://www.gerrymandering.senategop.net/historygerry.html
http://www.gerrymandering.senategop.net/historygerry.html
No comments:
Post a Comment