Next to the arrangement of the principles and the organization of
the several parts of a constitution, is the provision to be made for
the support of the persons to whom the nation shall confide the
administration of the constitutional powers.
A nation can have no right to the time and services of any person at
his own expense, whom it may choose to employ or entrust in any
department whatever; neither can any reason be given for making
provision for the support of any one part of a government and not
for the other.
But admitting that the honour of being entrusted with any part of
a government is to be considered a sufficient reward, it ought to be
so to every person alike. If the members of the legislature of any
country are to serve at their own expense that which is called the
executive, whether monarchical or by any other name, ought to serve in
like manner. It is inconsistent to pay the one, and accept the service
of the other gratis.
In America, every department in the government is decently
provided for; but no one is extravagantly paid. Every member of
Congress, and of the Assemblies, is allowed a sufficiency for his
expenses. Whereas in England, a most prodigal provision is made for
the support of one part of the Government, and none for the other, the
consequence of which is that the one is furnished with the means of
corruption and the other is put into the condition of being corrupted.
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