1578. CONGRESS, Qualifications of Members.—[continued].
I have always thought
that where the line of demarcation between
the powers of the General and the State
governments was doubtfully or indistinctly
drawn, it would be prudent and praiseworthy
in both parties, never to approach
it but under the most urgent necessity. Is the
necessity now urgent, to declare that no non-resident
of his district shall be eligible as a
member of Congress? It seems to me that,
in practice, the partialities of the people are
a sufficient security against such an election;
and that if, in any instance, they should ever
choose a non-resident, it must be one of such
eminent merit and qualifications, as would
make it a good, rather than an evil; and that,
in any event, the examples will be so rare, as
never to amount to a serious evil. If the case
then be neither clear nor urgent, would it
not be better to let it lie undisturbed? Perhaps
its decision may never be called for.
But if it be indispensable to establish this
disqualification now, would it not be better to
declare such others, at the same time, as May
be proper?—
To Joseph C. Cabell. Washington ed. vi, 310.
Ford ed., ix, 452.
(M.
Jan. 1814)
