The Address and Reasons of Dissent
449
coincidence with the views of the ruling junto in that body, is made essential to his weight and importance in the government, which will destroy all independence and purity in the executive department; and having the power of pardoning without the concurrence of a council, he may
screen from punishment the most treasonable attempts that may be made
on the liberties of the people, when instigated by his coadjutors in the Senate. Instead of this dangerous and improper mixture of the executive with
the legislative and judicial, the supreme executive powers ought to have
been placed in the President, with a small independent council, made
personally responsible for every appointment to office or other act, by
having their opinions recorded; and that without the concurrence of the
majority of the quorum of this council, the President should not be capable of taking any step.
We have before considered internal taxation as it would effect the destruction of the State governments, and produce one consolidated government. We will now consider that subject as it affects the personal concerns of the people.
The power of direct taxation applies to every individual, as Congress,
under this government, is expressly vested with the authority of laying a
capitation or poll tax upon every person to any amount. This is a tax that,
however oppressive in its nature, and unequal in its operation, is certain
as to its produce and simple in its collection; it cannot be evaded like the
objects of imposts or excise, and will be paid, because all that a man hath
will he give for his head. This tax is so congenial to the nature of despotism, that it has ever been a favorite under such governments. Some of
those who were in the late general convention from this State have labored to introduce a poll tax among us.
The power of direct taxation will further apply to every individu