They are given merely as a trust for the public benefit, sometimes for a fixed period, sometimes during good behavior, but generally they are liable to be terminated at the pleasure of the appointing power, which represents the collective majesty and speaks the will of the people.
Johnson explains that public offices are held in trust for the public and can be terminated by the appointing authority.
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I transmit herewith, in answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 16th of December last, a report from the Secretary of State of the 6th instant.
Strongly impressed with the truth of these views, I feel called upon by an imperative sense of duty to revive substantially the recommendation so often and so earnestly made by President Jackson.
I would therefore recommend such an amendment of the Constitution as may remove all intermediate agency in the election of the President and Vice-President.
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