COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MARCH 10, 1787. ORDERED, THAT THE GOVERNOUR'S OBJECTIONS, MADE THIS DAY TO THE BILL FOR ESTABLISHING A SALARY OF A FIXED AND PERMANENT VALUE FOR THE GOVERNOUR; AND REPEALING A LAW, HERETOFORE MADE FOR THAT PURPOSE, BE PUBLISHED; AND THAT THE SECRETARY SEND COPIES THEREOF TO THE SEVERAL TOWNS AND PLANTATIONS WITHIN THIS COMMONWEALTH. ATTEST. GEO. R. MINOT, CLERK

[Boston: Printed by Edward Eveleth Powars, 1787. Folio broadside, @11"x 17", printed in two columns. Signed at the end in type by Bowdoin. Untrimmed with generous margins. Several tanned old folds, light wear. Else Very Good.

Governor Bowdoin's rare broadside veto attempts to limit the power of popularly elected legislative majorities. His Message vetoes a bill reducing the Governor's salary.
The fear of excessive legislative power was a primary concern of the architects of the Constitution. Bowdoin, who ranks "among the founders of the republic" [DAB], argues that the Act is one "to which the Legislative power does not extend." Citing the Massachusetts Constitution, Bowdoin explains "that the Governour should not be under the undue influence of any of the Members of the General Court, by a dependence on them for his support; that he should in all cases act with freedom for the benefit of the public."
Bristol B6525. Shipton 45097. Ford 2470. ESTC W10470 [2- AAS, MA Hist Soc.]. NAIP adds the Bostonian Society. Not in Evans.