Excerpt from Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, Vol. 9: From 1789 to 1856, From Gales and Seaton's Annals of Congress; From Their Registe Rof Debates; And From the Official Reported Debates

Let any man look abroad - through the Uh ion, I mean, and deny, if he can, that this is a faithful picture. Surely, sir, it requires no pro photic voice to warn us against so dangerous a delusion. Surely, sir, we will spare a little time to listen to the Farewell Address of the Father of his Country.

I admit, sir, that it is not sufficient to show the existence of an evil unless it can be reme died, either wholly or partially - but, I insist, sir, that the adoption of the District System, as proposed by the good old State I have the hon or, ia part, to represent, so inadequately - and a direct vote, in Districts, for President and Vice President, will cure the most alarming of these evils. The constitution, by interposing the electoral colleges, undoubtedly intended that they should exercise a sound discretion in the choice of a President - they were to analyze his qualifications, and judiciously combine mo tiyes of choice. Fed. No. 68. But, sir, the people of this country, as has been shown in this debate, and elsewhere, have not been con tent with simply the right of originating the colleges, even when committed to them by their State Legislatures - they have always re quired a pledge, or some en'dence, of the elec tor or electors, for whom they intended to give their ultimate vote, before they would give their vote to him or them. Here, then, sir, the intention of the constitution has been man. Ifestly defeated - this seems to be a case in which experience suggests amendment. The people, sir, although they will hear argument and reason, yet will finally judge for them selves. But even here I would lay my hands on this venerated instrument with great reluc tance. The pure and enlightened views of its framers plead strongly in its behalf; and ai though we may not now discover the evils which may result from the change, yet time fume and casualty may disclose them. But Sll', as I believe that the design of its framers has been defeated, I would hazard this amendment.

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