North Carolina Newspapers

7 Mi I ill 'III n ' r'7 fit lit- i Burke thinks the provision f-l caUiny ron vcnlion was designed', would involve an over- turnw 01 mat very provniou "-sxaw A(HlfMaFBr'lHPKItnll-thrn' 7 ritinal IJim of Social nnrmizatioo : and ,b-ine revolutionary in in nature would not; pie an- told ihnt their reo1niioi.ary father, in popular' will, by requirin" a vote of Uro rvmnmeiM, had cheated an J decencd them : thirdt." " ' "' - ' jThit jealousy, on account of power,', no mat- Anoihr"olmi.)n to changing the ronstim- tc'r for what good reason withheld, which is 1 lion hv k-rV.jfue rnartmnil. isil treat cmi-ts sirikine characteristic of man. u appealed lenience. wl.N-h-.wW render it habitual anrfltoynnd the people nf all section and all par thus tlt-atrirv tlie confidence of the people- in j lie are railed on li rally around "the poor the .Ubilitv nf their involution. This is the ! man's friend."" . nd trrnut he who wattle trvin oMealthrrsugli whit-h .ihe people of the i hem of t!n- movt-m-nt' has. owing .to a pc- '"'cVeral Slates of -his Union are now paname1 enliar train of circumstances, hem finally e lind from the destructive evil, of whirl) noih- leei!, were niiw..!lt-d on in the common ing fifl the rimservative, cohesive character of j parkin ee of the time, to carry out the popu-i nflo 'aoti iiMiiintion ran preserve tlirm, ! Ur will. Hy ihe .way. do not gentlemen ol fonitiiii.iiis nr fullicr the rlemeiiiafV j.fihci-'tho 'dolhnTHII party llel.1 SCc lliftOTiriti'y of' pies of constitutions, should he perpmnent. 1 tlieir position r In one t.rra-.n iney icu us, '" Bin one pf .how wlio have no faith in the , that the guhematoriil election in .this State -- adaptability, tif.rrrtatn !f lined (imriW-utai j tirnrd lton thi .question and s.iy that in a principles of what is commonly trniwti 1'ber' rei-on why we should make the change, - tv to the wants anJeonditioneofant and rvc-'And then njain, we have it .-aid, ami echoed rv ptoi.ie. France for the last- aixtv jrar!,.v tj,. party press lint the election was the thi. nin.iinni.m nf comtiitition:d tinlicrs. ati 1-fi lis II. e h-I oraeiical 1,111. ration Ol im.. i , f.,p n,.,.nl.. ia ilmf -I.UI. m.l hanrineas to the ritm'.i roBsiatrntlv with the power of the ffovern in: nt Ui make itself resix-clcd and lo pre.-' rre Ustabilitv. nen Hie ureal Atni-nian iaw iver was .isked if h had eheii his coonlry- nidi th 1w si possilile system of lawn -he an- awercd tint thev were (he best the Athenian neoi.la wore then capable of cnioviiig ihe Kof' 8-don s'howed hisiisdia, much, hv adapting hi law, m the peculiar wants and crndiuons of his countyin"n. us inj the intrinsic excellence of the law themselves. - 'one may have pu'r on tlieir exercise ol power, now under consideration. If this were an erigi-UJre-aov peoplcarcauiriricnlly rulightencth This his hern the husincss of drm igogius n.al .question, if wo wore now engaged in making or where its eniuvmeiit has aci iisioined them lo its blMssiajs, cnil liberty will of cottr.-ie en terinore largely intn their happiness than any other clement of guvcrnm.int and when a coil: atitnlion secures this, ihu only change lo which tli people should accustom themselves, to look, is a mere adaptation of.il machine- ry to liie'want and devclopementii of the age. Jri this lies the strength and power and har monious working of the F.nghsli eimsiitution UMut-fcMho. psesenitowvM gfeter- dmal landmarks and elenietary priuctplrs have in the main, continued Ihe same. It has frnin si.ne lo time, been nrrely modified ft aU.i(1l"jiiy legislative riiarmient and a horde of dem , it lo the exigencies of the" spirit of lh agt, lagogut-s will overrun the land. Yes, that pes nd only then with the most extreme caution j tifcrou brood whose calling ever is to de and d -liberatiiin. J Nothing is better proven hide the unwstry, for their Vwn selfish eii -hr rrriern-nee thm-trnrt prrriprn'irifiis and flit-" oilny are tiecessary in order w secure liic at f.:i li"nn of the people for Ihc govcnnenl and i linn of .the pepple for the. govennent to nuure neare and quiet and rotilentnient n the community. Industry and enterprise Jilit nq aiiinuhts to cxerlinu without it.. All thr uiju!ea nf a patriotic amhiUon. all the iicii and noble iiidcrttivre to professional fame. In scientific and literary rennwn, all t()p social . lies of kindred and homo, best flourish and prosper under the consciousness of stability nut flfmnnt! fnffic'InnlTin'oiiJ lindi-f vrtilch ve live. ..Consequently!, the public mind in f.tead of being accuslnin .-d to look to cnnstanl ihanges injhrjfimdajneijby naoei firr every temporary ill, shouhl rather view. with jealousy every attempt lo tinsjtile i'.s long established principles; and if, as in our rase, it be th. work oi ti.JlluatriffinJiu eenry, instead of being drrided for its anliqui- ... tvr i-ibH bpnetsd -fl etnnt-of the nsstiriations-which -intrked it -formation.- - fear if wn now set tli" prccnlcnt of changing tlier tnstituliou bv le.'rjlative 'provision, that th t rh.trae.trr which North Carolina has so lost; enjoyed for conservatism andB slahilily-r-', will bo H nil:! f r -ve". . Iv'jU-liilding is one of 4ls;iHnW'mi'sit tigf ilictmtn--tirroV" witnw -Kt-ery.,, mpra.li ciiJ and piwcal d--will he traced to s.iine d -fict in th? organic lawthe 'O.'neril Assembly , instead of attending to the V;din,ii's,for which they were chosen,, and W ; striving to proino e the honor and chjiactcr of th,e Stale .will be session nfior session, engaged in solving consiitutiimal priMemsvan).fqilr r ' Orieg to show fior miii-h'wiscr thry an than . wer our fathers until that venerated instru- "" nen which"' has solifrt lictii thir" Imhai ah J p 'id .-.will have finally d sipjwarid forei-erj'.,. : I suppost I need scarcely insist oti what will ha Hilinilted on all hands, lint all changes ' or imdifieatitos of the fiintUmental law should crViM'rnwhsbmHwM pint,-, In sticu a work ot wisdom as that or 'making or rovisinga consiituiinn nndecvhich . iiMHriiy is to livri tins mind of -thos-1 riirr;' gfid hf it shmild bs itiveSted nf not orjlyrrar: titan ji-alotisy and hillerae's, but of all those oilier distracting and hap;iy associations, winch moat necessarily, attach lo those. s-lcct rd for the businwa of ordinary legislation.- I ha various questions of a Ineil chanieter, the ngiiiiingsiihjcctsof Stain policy, the eon fhcting inu-rcsls nf rival eei.tion,. together with all the other exciting elements (hat enler into th;! ordinary rnntests of the hustings, are cilniUti-d to distttrb that spirit of harmony and compromise, and to prevent tlitircatih and dispssjininte i'oii,iileratinri, sn absolalrlv ne- , eess.Vry uri affixing the land-m-trkeof iho con- uiutioo. .Tins is a matter better nnderstoml bv the a-rent hmtv of nnr nnl gcniiemcn serm m suppose, t an a conven tion to reiise. :the ('onstim i n and Deln (rntes will bsrlectcd with sn especial view " to that object alone. ' Men " will hp- selected With reference to' tlieir wisdom, their exprri- ; cure. their pntriotum. "Can this b expected of an ordinary legislature!"- Agitate-'anv question of rnnsiiltilionalamrmlinrntas murii - as you may, and yet ran you expect the elec- - tinn io turn npnn it alone ! In these limes of high party excitement, can yon expect to elect legislature that will'- rradilv sacrifice party Ileg:sqc to the ptihljc good t in most .nf .the counties, the tth-etinii nf m-ml..,. f the tienrrat Assepilily turns upon parly poli- K 0,1 rinot obtain a rellcction ol .public opm lies in onte upon questions of State jin-1 lnr. ''Pon ,nc n,erit of any specific proposition ; provemeiH. Can. vou expert a legislature I "ecausn there are so many other more exciting nus rleincd, to raflrit (he popular voice upon I n abstract uueslimi nf eoiistitutjonal reform ? j'bi nietliosl, (hen, of amending tlie constitii i.iiu hy legislative, enactment, is not only anti ri'pubhean, inasmuch ai it j ctileulaled to pre- v l-ttr expr;sinn pf the pnpnhir will b'j;iliovtry influences which uauallv i revail in the elections of member, are edenhted toilt',r,lhB at constitutional reform, at the polls prs'.oul tnai calm, unbiassed, nnil patriotic ae.l li.Mi, requisite in so important a work. ' T trTTTntt Wtli .tta,lue(o the eir-innstnt)iT -'un.tc-r-wl.itrh this proiNM,! amendment of the riuutituiiiiii. Srst rams ki bn ajiiated. or to the utliurnoes whieb have thus fir marked its . nrie-resa leat I iniirht bp eruii. I I,,, ff-5jaiiu.iixuJc.,wJi Jo? myse-Tj; imI to tnlroduee party in thi J. u-h.n.; i utuiugtit no partisan erimtiialinif, vhen I My, Ihat tha history of llie agitation A)t line siibjcH-t is nilriilatrst u alarm every rmiserririt-n Nqrlh Carolinian, mure especial- V.' ' I'"!)" tt"w xl mtccecils Vi'dont as lia riri-n ourirty Al e; Rtr tV",', yel flie. constitution ha7 racapeil ihe 'i;.;-!;;nn. Willi one accord we bad all a- t c , . ,i. I'-om-n's ol titnt Ihe regiilaiuiu ot the or-frir-ie law. The provision complained of bad cx.'st.-d, witliont roinplainl, -vor aiueo the fir si f'phi!unrtit nf fcr-n rrovcroirn nt among a. i he pcplr were Wllslir,! with it. no demand 1 . . ... i i fir e'mr p.-eeded front dii-in, lAT:W,aaA3lS,,-:'si,, Ujll ll ajtru, ir,. hniiij heated political canvass, one of our .candi date! for Governor in this Slate, nominated by a nartr eonvenUon a the organ ana cx- ltwwwww" i WW weapon of rwHtkrt warfare The jw-o- rr-lill Ol a CO.,,!:-' ill l.o-' louoiv .looiw in ii.- cird lo partv p"oTiTtcH antl.lictice they claim ii as a nnrtv triuinnh. Until is not on ac- --oniit of the nr!y Hatiotw of. this iniratiort, is IIUCJ viliL'. - , ihat I look on it with sucli liusgl It is , the prec-denl lr,ly Xn he si:l hy t Our eon- - ;uoiimn i" nitoo'- m "n ""'J "'" party. t onstnutions are limitations upon those rxcreising power. In republican gov. "rmrneiiw. the people pm resiraittls tipou theni- si Ive. Kerry one knows how easy mat. U-r i, is. bv appea.iu, to the u ,,k and the had paasmiw of man . ntt.ire. to n.a ic generation dissatiified with the limitations, a preceding irnrn lite uavs oi inc vtracrni io inn prcveni time. If we' coimMitiiiee this atteinot to make the constitution the mere stalkinhorsc ol par- """V any more (-..nservative in its char ... -.!. m,..,i ,nd ,..,u,,iacter by T.rt.,,, of the election of it, member hy this question slnll have answered its rnd. some, oihrr Solomon will discover thaflhe people have for 75 years, been sleeping over otlnrgrirvions wrong, and just as often a the I A.,1i.,r' a nl, itt,'4 nt h,rltf .,n nnl atfail fim success, some other provision oflherons iiutnm wll beheld trrsthnrc of PTrnTiTT ranny. or some new amendment proposed as a cure - for all social ills. Carry out this movement WetlwelteM W rciirrment manv of ihe hest affil purVsI pad iflts in flieTanif. But eonstim- male this measure in the spirit in which it was commenced, and the reign of these harpies wid, I fear become interminable; ; .-JTlp'tc. jl a. palpjilikjnfansuttcncy.. ill ilie purpiiac protessau oy those w ho favor this a- meiidment of the Constitution by legislative enaclmenl, and the means by which thry .pro pose to s'-eninplish their purpose, i his ex tension of the right to vote for f onalors to all rjiiiilified fri vole Fti Ihe Commons, is advocated as a great principle of popular liberty. Iflhis really he so if this is a privilege which the nennle have n rirrht tn ftemnorl. nn,1 tbe will,. Tioldirig which is in conflict with republican institutions then, of course, the chance should he inado as speedily as the frame-work of our go.rrimuilJlL.posit!ilc admit of, If the freemen of th? Slate have, through either live Viit ftf lh' - oversight -nt thoschriiayB fteretotore -b-?cn ctitrusretr wirlt the itmdoling or rsniodcltng of tlie organic law, been defraud e.l of their rights, then, in 'he name of liberty, in the name of justice, repair the wrong at the earliest possible day, yes, at the earliest pos sible, hour. By the method proposed, how ling writ frlrp before, "the pcoidi; obiaiii their figh? -In ihe first place, ibcprnniwition muff iiiMJio mo voicsuiuirce-Tiiiirs oi ineiyiioionuin herofhoth Houses at this session. Suppose it to receive mis rnie now, wnicn is a matter oi very cortsklnrahlo (lovilit, it must atrain he submitted to the ne.tt L'-gislatnra, and must then receive oi noui nouses, and must still lurllicr be rat ified by A iriaiority of ihe people at the noils. It must he subjected to nil thesrt hazuda and all this delay, even supposing it pass safely through such a trying ordcal. This crcal and precious boon, which the professed advocates of popular rights affect to have so much at f)RM,WXM uoijet-ciMiudw ..lh.mo .fovorabrr cireiimstani-cs, ho enjoyed before 18.) I If we arc to wait fur the, slow nud tedious proems of amending the Constitution hy legislative en- aeiipent. U (terras, by tho passage nf my bill, thi peopbwill hc.lirst eonaiilted, and that wiilnn few months, a to whether they de sire lh change ; their delegates will soon an- senihlc, and it will require hut three or four day to make the alteration the matter will h; ace!iniilU!ird.aud ui fornjem!M;rs of the ('eiiernl Assembly in 1832. ut persons will alike yolc in hnth Senate and ('.'ininons instead of having lo wsit till 185t. Why. sir, if lhis he a. matter ol as much im portanee as some gentlemen pretend, thrnl say they are trtffing w ith the people, niockingnnd iiiMilting them, thus todally with theni, and sub- ij"'' '" anil ociay, mtir rights a IreC' men. We arc loM the people will liave lime lo reflect and pass on ihis question in the ncxi ikction for iiirmlieis ol the legislature and the grnilcman from litirke (Mr. Avery) asks, wliai is the ilifurcrencc hcUvixt consulting the people then, and consulting ! them now lor, says he, ihe people can then elect their llepre taliyes with reference tn their views on this subject.. How can gentlemen use such an ar gument n this, when they see that year after year pur elections turn mainly upon party pol-iiinsY-nnd not on questions of State policy.- 'Phi is one of my strongest obiecttoiis to a-' mending the Coiistiiution hy the Legislator:-. f'r!n.,'n" ,n,',i rntl'r 1,1 -,ne contest,. Irly politics ; internal improvement.,, ieeuliai-(vicws in regard lo- southern lights, and iiuin'.u-rlcss qiiestinii f a local n.ilurc arc calculated to divert the public- 'mind from one isolated q;ieslionH How liltln w ill the public niind of Jhi Slate be prepared lo decide upon a great '" '"-V- " 0 shall then be m Hie exciteiiieni ,,,.('ll'"ni!!5!mI..??f ;iJL'l lCsidcntailileoUoiv-t-our minds ihniiroiighly agitated and inflamed hy all the issnrs involved in such a contest. . I it reasonable to suppose, under such eir eiinnlaiices that we are likely -lo obtain the quiitaud rcfleclivcjudgincniof the public mind "'"'' rail upon ih.e pcojdi!,.to elect Dele- in tr, gates In tuoiti die prop.-r tliiiige in the Con- suuiiion, anil there will he hut. one naked qnesiiiin pre,scutc. for consideration, uueneiiiq-bt-red and unirainmelled by any conflicting lu... . 'IM i t: I . - ' . , . i uc puunc iieeision can notoe mista- Iteii, for it will Iki narrowed down io hut one oftjerjr. ' Afid of atl qu'nlWt on wlitcli the rep- n-i-iiiaiiie oi any people are eallsil on In pass, mat ol amending their constitution should WWaiYirdanco menlnf lhn popular mind. The genlleman from Burke, (Mr. Avery.) say Ihat thus., who support my amcndinent sre eri. T Z. L ' r Tv .7 , l x " in man lui-rolr ii.t. !.- In he o- l.ur if it won. r.-iouiWl of it. i no argument ... .. '-'--je.MiiJTOs.i;...,. against the propriety of my bill. ' So far u re gards the choice betwixt my bill and the bill be- tore the lloaee, it i not the menu nflree sr- T thi legislature undertake toMevide utian what ort of imtitutnn tlie people need, or shall me conuu me riwiiie a to vnni sun oi a iobmi- tiition thev demre. I he question ix, shall the If --fo"-??""-" .- -v-f" -; TrluUire from tune in time duieeut privnex1 t'l the people. or we make the legal prnvi. siim fir the people ti elect their own delegates to make effntire tlieir own will. Suppose it tolw tniB,s riigxesteJby tliegentlcmnofrote fiurke, that 1 and llioso who concur with me, are oppos ed to free ruffrape-Kia kow much better friends to popular freedom Jo we show nuraolve to be, than lie and those who act wilb him! Vie are oppwed to free suffrage (as aissunird hy the gentleman,) in principle ; but yet, reeogniniiis; this n a free government, wbwro the people have a right to alter their institution if thry desire it, we are willinc to consult the pconln. to leave the decision of this matter to tliein, and if they leciile againt u, we are VillinK to submit. But the gentlmnn and those who a-rce with him are in f iror of free suffrage, they di'sire to see the change made but they nrn not willing to lave it to the people ; lx-i'ng in favor of it and beiiig nv;inlicr of tlie litlature, they in-1 iston rurrv-ing out their own wishes, without first ascertaining whether it will be agreeahlate , the people r not. 1 am not in the habitof dc:di ln profcsunn of great Int lor the neol'le. and M mhke these remark, in reply to what we have o often hinnl hero about the peo ple's rights being' withheld -from them. Now let ' - fltn ,.t,ll.., 4'M.n, It...), .Hn... A :.l i whom the greaioit tneinl to the people he, who if ,r a-rvingmitauviewa, withoutwinsultingthe J people, or I, who am willing to submit the que. ( tinn to the people and to acquiesce, if they dc c"Jp "m"t . . , .. . ,0f ''X ()tio1 , ,m1e ,.-,,;, in nvnffin. ,,,,, although ilmthas nothing to do with theioiestion '"""imiiin, i. anouio ooi oojcci to me i principle of free MifTrage. ..1 do not believe that the rifty ncre holders nltliotigli it was no'donlil so designed tn lie, by those who originally made the constitution. -My objection to making the change now is, first, because of the circumstan ces under which it was Srst brought forward. It was introduced as an element of party urife, to prop up a minority party Bnd a weak candi- iLitfl.,- A4 4f we sui'eombiinw.irwe""TlcfiT to the behest of party, that which honld have been demanded by public opinion, in order to entitle ,it to rospeet; we sot a precedent, the evil conse quences of which no one can forenee. If we yield now to thn clamor of party rage, we are hut encouraging every demagogue, in the land, who may hereafter nttemut to divert the nuhhc 1" V" , ; , , iF h i ' ,1 constitutional reform. Dbria prhJipiU. si mind from the partv issues of tlie div, bv nrc- onnrimu. should be our motto. When the progress of mind and the developments of time, prove omo change in the fundamental law to be necessary, and that enange is dem anded br a conservative und nfitri- ouc puunc opinion,. Try-irH-fHt -jj lji,,!, wmrW government should quietly yield, ir ho cannot eonscientiouslv concur; llu't when hn effort is made to make the nrgsnio law tho mere plaything of faction, to identify groat questions of constitutional Law with tho discords and tumults ot party strife, every friend ot liberty should re sist it at the threshold. The evi is not so much in tho change itself, as in the temptations oIc;ed for still more riolont and radical reforms, It is ch?ajfeKih'gthe'cph)tittition an clement or parly. I object to this change at this timo, in tho second place, because it is en tirely delusive in itrctmracter. It nffocts to lie- j tpw equal pririlcgrts n 4n fact Urine no such thing. In what consists tho value nfthe right of suffraflaT- It U not tlte nwra . mv4g ocpojuing.in ina .nauowiox a strip ni paper; widi the name of A or B or,C oa it. That of it self confers no substantial power and but fir the results that se tqollnw; is a more idle and un meaning ceremony. Tho value of tho right of sunragn noes ooUeunsnt in voting lor A to nleae 1 friend, nr in ioting Ttgainst B to sjiite an nrr.- Vtiis' wHsiM" tv" cohVertTng l' liTgh" ene ml solemu duty into tbc niora grairuatiouof privt leenng. i in-jeaj value and nnvirtonec ofthe right of siVlfrag'eTe insists- In the extent' of the IMiwer exerciied. in selecting those . vho tire to control the gowjsnmont and to direct its opera tions. Suffrage then, to be uniformity enual. must bo so regulated as to give every voter in tho Statu an equal posrerm government ofthe' StSfc at least in its legislative branch. Will free suf frage do this? Certainly not. -'-Suppose -yon t low every msn tnvote m the Senate, does thtil "make every man's power equally felt in the Senate? Certainly not. ,In tho County of Hertford, some 60!) men would elect Senator. If equality of power is wnat you desire hy Tree autirage, are not every 600 men in Ouilford also entitled to still require so.no iidlH) men to electa Senator. Is it not perfectly apparent therr, that all this talk about free suffrage; is not to give any man more real power in tho Government than he has now, hut to delude the ignorant with the idea, that the right of suffrage has answered all its ends, when a slip of paper has been deposited in the ballot-box, by which a friend has been grati fied or an enemy punished, or the purposes nf party neon aecomplmhcu.' Mr, it is an insult to the understanding of the peoplo, it is a mnckerr jof their privileges, it-rs n-sluritt free government ' itselt, to suppose that tuo people looli um the right of suffrage, not as a great privilege secured to them by their fathers, by which thoir influ ence in the government i, felt but as cnnsint ing in the mere ceremonial of tho ballot-box and tho indulgence of personal feeling. Sly bill is objected to bv some becauae it pro poses to limit the action nfthe convention, if call ed, to the solo object of amending tho constitu tion so as extend to all voters in the ('minium, the right to vote for Senators. And we have been torn that such a limitation is based on a distrust ofthe people, who have thn right to frame their fundamental law just as they desire. This inference is by no means a legitimate one. I ad' mit tho people of North Carolina have tho right to amend their constitution as they wish, -provided it is left republican in its character: but then. tho Legislature, on whom devolves the duty of taking the initiatory steps nf providing for tho le gal and constitutional assemblage nf n convention of the people, should follow, rather than attempt tn lead public opinion on all questions of consti tutional reform. I mean, of course, in reference to those greatcardinal principles of popular gov- ornmcnt which-appertain to the rmturo -pf free I ,h"M' r " "inite.l convnnti.m with the I teetmn nf their own rights, and tho understand ins.itutions and not to those slight and immv "il"c,1""of '"P'-"'!'!.-. ling of their own wants. Asa mero legislature, torial changes, which timo and experience have Bn I am willing lb take issue with those,. wh j ' ,M,r province to follow, rather than to at proven U b necessary in carrying on the mere contend that it i absurd and unti-repnbliean fori """'ft to lead public opinion upon a question of machinery of the government, which as I hire the people M impose restrictions mi their oirn ! "1l t- In regard to the amendment of thi, already said, it was tho design of the convention ! action. Th - very idea nf a C institution nrcsun- ; fundamental law. tho people, who nro the origi- nf I8.V), to leave to legislative enactments. The 1 liniitation contemplated bymvbill is not imposed on the peoplo by ihe legislature as contended for by some; my. bill simply proposes to put the question to the people whether they will themselves call a conrenlion limited to this one object. If the peoplo call the Convection, thry impose the limi- tation, and not wo Hut it is asked, why not consult thn people, as to whether they d-sire a enttvention witllftttt'limitatioti? For the reason that this quostioi. of free suffrage, a, it is called, is the only ono winch has been eonerully aLila-i ted, & on which the publio mind has been gone- j rally excited. I presume it will he ndinitt-d by all that it i not the part of wisilom. for the legislature to put itseii in advance ot popular reform. It i a very easy matter for agii itntor, kand mischh-f inakersto-intlamethe pnWio mind inr those. represcntingmajoritie,f The wisetwell to the alteration of the basis (if representa I ... .1 , . .k 1 . .1 : .Lr... 1 :.i .i : i r. . .. I . i I .it. ,..:? :..' . . .i : . and to render the people dissatisfied ssith tlie institutions under whith they live. If the poo- jof human nature that even with the boat intoii pie aro wronged, they aro apt to find it ont xi , tions. the poople might be induced citherthrongli enough. I do not think any one on this floor, bad counsels or excited findings, to sacrifice their can say conscientiously,' that there is any other own dearest rights and liberties jml thanks to pea...MsV.atf -nrnenrlrrrtm-f; anffTHtherS In the"' pfiMh nd raftlcr' Says of'ttie" that ha lieen sufliciently agitated n, ti leave it republic. tho resolved to save their posterity. doubtful whether a majority of the '-people of the j fttato deir a change. , I dare say there are Tnnnysqifvion,wwMcti produce dioonteiit and the desirfe of change; hut 'urnolent unto the day. is the evil thereof." On other question the popular mind in now qui nt, and I (or on am r it disposed to disturb it. tin tins question o tree sun rage, tun pnlille min-l sat been agitated; it is doubtful on which I side the majority inclines, and L am willing to ! X. lewre. iuJeoision to the tribunal of the ballot bo. I occupy the true republican platform on this question, I shall not attempt to lend rub- tlwmiii)i,n. JtrrryiTTito aheTirrgtiiircprjittiTtltlonT ! neithen will 1 attvnipt to enrrr out sarTiew. t repnlle of tlie 'Wishca- of the-, people; but 1 wuiinz w leave lo tnem, ant uo nut willing to subhut to tHe tlcc'UiiiD of lu'e maiorttyttv rnusnsine llnutatluoTlin'QiV-ir own 'nww of the 1 1 ple.' . ' and further, that these limitations can not be These remarks about "distrust of tlie penrde," j altered or modified, no matter with what jUna "imposing conditions on tlu-tn," izc. &c I had j uimity desired, or with what clamor demanded, hoped not to havo heard on this grave and im-j except in the rnnnner poiutc l out and provided portnnt occasion. It might be tolerated on, the for by the organic law. A change effected in hustings, and even then it would lie unfair but 'any other manner, whether bloodies, or not. is here it is neither dignified nor jn accordance ) revolution. Thuti something that France after with the action of our government. Conatitu-. sixty years trial at republican government has tion are made by the people, if not directly, yetl never yet boon nblo to learn. ,r. . , . by those selected with especial referenoe to'tliej The gentlemen from Burke, (Mr, Avery.Jcx views nf those they represent. The very Idea of presses some surprisa at, and rather attempted a constitution involve- a dUtrust which the neo- to treat with ridicule, the idea of troins through plchaveuf Ihemmlve!. Conntituti insure base lo tite erring and frail nature of men, and re 4c- tion. merely to strike three lines out nf the Con sigsied to vouuleruut tho temporarr and fluctua-jstltutiou and insert five o'l.ers. Keally I was ting impulses of the pnblic mind. The limitations j surprised to hear a gentleman, belonging to the they contait arc ..limit ttions imposed by the ie legal profession, nsosuch an argument as this, pie themselves, for under our republican "vstom, t IW not tho gentlnm-iii well know that in all they are submitted to the people for ratification, neioreiiioy go into operation. lint pny th (Mitl-'fnap fim Burk ( Mr. Are- j rv,) suppose tho -Convention when assembled, ! disregjtrd the limitation, mid go on to make otli- ct altentiun in. the c institiition,JGuvy the i p-oi.it:iun', auuie men in ine riaie conienu uai the limitation will not be binding. Well, sup pose it ones. iV hv, it would lie no convention at all, except for the express purpose fir which , it was called. Acconliiig to tin-provisions of my bill, thn people in calling the Convention, would j proscribo an oath tn Ihj taken by tho members, that thev would not touch thn Constitution in ' any other particular. I'util they took the nalh.ja tyrant king, BnTTaiunthe foundations nfn they would not boa Convention : if thev pro ! glisli freedom, in a few sentences of that Great pro ! ceeded tn businea, Wltbout tnkin" it. tbeir acts ; wnuld have no more binding operation, than ! those of a public meeting of the Cltuons of Kal-i eigb. If they took theovtb and then disregard- j J : .1., I.I 1 :l... : . I : i-ii i, !i-y noooi ue miij' oi p-'ijur ; no ill either case, no ono would iy any sort of utten - tion to their doing, and tin- machinery of the Stato government -wouM. jttill mov; on under the present state of things. Such 1 doubt not ' would be the deeiaion of t'i Supreni" Court on the first question that would arise under such a I cause as supposes; ana alien woui'l no noiint eianmon oi inuepcnuence toe mnnilestout tree- I v"'i--"-' woi paruea, i no not preteml be the opinion ofa grand jury IHiire-whom any doin to the civilized world does lu value, its j'to T "? "'j,, of m'' copprnmiae, tf erTei-ied memherof sue), a convention might be present- hnport, nee, it, glory;, consist; in its length ? tZTJZX IZCTt el for porjiiry. I understand very well, why Not ut all. Hut in the immortal principle, of L.ti.,!,..!,, !,.,..i.;i ",?r.T tliM jntunation has.bimn . llirown-7t-,tiot twrlyj'lilM'rty therpin-i"inil'.'iieil tn tttT'slinrt'it'cOnlpass. here but in a portion tf the public press of tt State that a limited convention if called, will, when assembled, disregard th restrictions im posed. I't is to Irightwn the friends of free suf frage in tho east to vote against a limited rim. vention, under tho idea, that when the conven tion assembles, it will disregard the limit, and proceed to rearrange the basis of representation. Such an .appeal to eastern members. isa.nour. sontljaSimiI1mtrter ifi'IifKiiigT.n'.'.er ' The- same power and authority that would call the conven tion would impose the liniitation and it is nli surd to say that if a majority of the people of the State vote for a convention limited to a speH rificj purpose, that in ihe calling the convention l Trout iii afh:iiii- the limitation, it would ho inoperative. I say such an argument is too absurd to need 'reply,1 for let it be rccolleeted that my bill provides that every ono voting '- Convention" shall bn under stood Is expressing lift' lipliiliifi iii favor of the limitation. If the argument alluded t bo cor rect that a limited convention may disrefard its restrictions when assembled, then it comes to this t'lat the ceneral ftSSflinlil)' jnjiy.lu4ho.Jiai' titude of it wisdom and its love of the people. make an amendment of the constitution, limited to one ohject. but that thfl' people themselves can not'do it in convention. A pretty doctrine this tn wtirg from tltose who are so grievously affected at th id of the peo plo Uoina deprivl of XhoU euiht tve have but nno precedent in the liistnn' of our State, in regard to amending the Conatitu tion 1 alludo to the ( .invention in is.i.i. Al though our original Constitu-inn, which had nev er been ultcred before lri'io, contained no pro vision as to the manner in which it was to bo n incnded, or in regard .Jdw.X?.UinillL"fi!lWam-. tion, yet the Legislature. a tliedaw making pow- jj)r, a too -,u4y-oth-riy--tlwt-eMrldV-Trrr'-T vote ot the people in regaro to a cliango in t li--ir r. .1. i 'i . I.- ,:..i...i t voniMiirnT.-wii!iiii.ieiS' thn State, tho proposition, whether they woul call a Convention, limited to certain specified al teration of tho constitution. According to the provisions of tho law tha p"oplc.r.by iliawity same act, called the CVnvehiion, and yet restrict ed it action to the con,ideration of tho anbj jeertwjvroposed.' So that it was, in fici tlje pco: pleiind not the 'Tjeglilaturn that imposed tin lim itation,, It gentlemen examine the debate, of tho convention nt l.'i), and they will find that on tho day of the assembling of tho convention. tha question was moved, as to whether the meui- bcrs wcro hound to tako the oath. Iiiiiitiiis; tbeirl Liciwwliwbiiadl oration of tho people by the law and ratified by tnn people at tne pons, ami nn ntsetiinn ma ny of thn ablest nnd most prominent men of the body concurred in tho opinion, that by the deci sion of tho people at the ballot-box, until the members had taken the oath prescribed, thev could not be organized as a l"gal c-uu'eniion. The body with great unanimity adopted this J portant right ? Yet, these dear lovers of tho view of tho question, mi l th? members were I peoplo tell us in tho next breath, that the poo qualified accordingly. l!nt suppose th'-y had j jilo are so sordid and narrow-minded, that anx- not taken the oath, and had proceeded to amend tnr-mnsitrrrnorr. i nen tneir sets would nave had no validity, haeanse it would not have been necessarily bo expended in effecting it. I do not such a Convention as the people had called, .o I know however, whether there ia so much incon far then as pre.-, lent goes, wo have but one j sistency in it after all. For this whole movement prcccdcut in our history; nnd that precedent from the beginning, seenn to.be based on a con thoroughly sustain mv position, that tire Lrgis- tempt for tit -nnderstandtngnf-the people"." The lature, in taking the initiatory steps towards le-j advocate, of this system of ('"institutional amend gaining the assemblage of n convention may j ment treat tho people like a spoiled and petted consult tho people in regard tn a convention child, whoso babbling has to be stopped, whose either Jimited or unlimited; nnd if the people I fancy ha to be amused, and whoso favor hn, to decide ttrimpnsn limitations, their decision must j bo g.dned by some worthless toy, captivating in lie binding upon thoso whom they elect. The I its appearance, but valueless iii the eninvment. question is not whether it appears absurd and inconsistent for the people to impose limitation" on their own power, but the .piesti ui is, can they lawfully do it. If they could do it in 1S;!,"i, un der a constitution which had no provision for thn calling a convention, through the initiatory action of tho Legislature, or course they can do j that my position on this question is now under so now, under a constitution, whic h expressly atood. ' Without reference to my own private providosfor the calling a convention by the lien-1 individual opinions on the merits of free suffrage eral Assembly If there be nny truth in the log-1 I ground my action on tho great and ctemcn ica! truism that the major propositi n include, i tary principle, of our free institutions. I insist, the minor two thirds of the '.".-islature having I that in adapting thi, fundamental law te- their the power to call nn unlimited convention with-I pccdliar condition and the requirments of ths i0.".' ,.llL' "alIl''"m th" I'-'P1". "I course .t-.yo: poses restriction's upon those who are the d-iDos-1 i,;.. nr nn, 'i,nii.i. i... million. "Knoiv thyself,-" was a cardinal max- nn of an ancient philosopher of I i recce. This i mat purpose, ami elected Iron from thoso dm knowledge of human frailly is as necessary tot twbing inlluences that aro calculated to defeat tho statesman, in providing fnj- the welfare of a nation. as to the individual in regulating his pri vate life. The ui ire wisdom and virtue that ex ist among a p-joule. .the morn am tlwir institu tions foiinded up in the distrti-'t that their fram ors havo of th- wild impuls-s and unchecked excitements of tho human min 1, Popular gov- ernmnnt are s-n, -times a, tyrannical a, thus? swiyed by a single despot, inord-r to secure liberty, the oppression of majorities must be lie j jVj - ipmn. leu ngaiiHt. l. ionat atl ourt. oustitutions, OTiWiSITn WSW niirWlf-riitJ-wiTO afe tii:'f -Intt .TiWv iriers iig.iinst,the ei,et-oa. liiiieiitr.f luairitios. men who framed them, knew well th infirmity if possible, fmm the filly of injuring thcmselve's. An-I whore is the .man, even in tliis carnival day of dcmSgV,Tirs7ttia pinions of virXuous and goc-d men, that will say that thoso restrictions thus imposed upon popu lar action, are absurd and anti-republican f And where is the difference between imposing those restrictions, in the first instance, and limiting the power- of abolishing these restrictions! Hero is the great bejutt. ud ia this consist, . -' ... -V ' - V.- m,.s-. .-,-.-:iVVV- the harmonious action cf our Anglo Saxon in stitutions. Hera is the secret of Constitution al yoyrmment, wjiichtlie Celtic B-n.1 ,S.-s(i'lina-Vtun races call pot understand. Our institutions arc base'd on the principle that the primary source of atl power is in tho peoplebut still as a groat conservative element-of liberty, thepeo- all tlie trouble antr-TTTftTrsc of calling sCouien- governments, where the maj sity of the law is governmeni'.. wnere ine mat 's'ty ot too ia' is reroguisrd. that n'surd as it Way seem tn the unlearn?) I, tlio Tlinrrmnntii find toohnicalitipii off lanignagi are the eonscrvntiv freedom f 1'oes he nut kno that the rights Of t property, liberty, life even, frequently depend upon.llin propriety ota single word? Hoe a law pawed by this Uennrnl Assembly, derive its ffmvitv and ininiirtnnce nolelv from ila lentb ? I)oes the gentleman estimate the merits of a speech bv the nuinberof mere words contained in it ? According to his argument, the sturdy oi l JJtiroaaj)f llunyiucdn worn engaged in a childuh liusinessJ. n lien ther dictated term, tn glisli Ireeilom. in a few sentences of that Croat Charter, the lilutorv of vrbieb ndnrna oni, of hrighcst p.ge, f Utory. Loe, the gentleman think thn Lnghah peopl- wero guilty of follv in driving a bigotfroin his throne, and cnnvnl-) .; .1 1:. .o ... i.. . . ...,,-: 4 hii no: ii.,iion in eivu war, mereivlo esiaillian ; the Hi II of llights ? The writ of ,ijca. C'urjnu i so dear to every Ain-riean as we'.l as llritish ! freeman, consisfii of but a few line, ; and v'ftt is more immntant tn our right, and liberty, than all the nets Which this legislature is likely to crowd in ft thousand pages. Look Trt the lo- If the gentleman's-argument wore worth any thing, I would use it as testimony against him self. J would ask him, if he was' willing to con sume two weeks of, the timo of this Assem bly nt its pre.ieut "session then agitato this iiiiestion before the people to bo passed upon by them in the oleetion of iiieinbT-.t" the D.ext.Oen er.il Asenililv and 'then again consume two -ffim.VKks.of4JiaOT'twUii--tM nn expenditure of money, and to the neglect. of piinnc tiusiness "merely to strike three lines out of the Constitution, und insert live others?" If it i, so small a matter, why docs the gentlcm in so pcrtiniciiuisly iusiat.uu it ? .lf he thinks it of so little consequence, why dues he not aband in It, when be seesTfis method of malting the cTiaiige" sn earnestly npposod f , Another objection to adjusting this question by a Convention, in case the peoplo desire it, ia the exneiwn that will be inenrred bv it. - Nnwi let us examine into this objection. If the people decide in favor of a Convention at the polls, I presume that a Convention when assemble 1, would proceed nt onco to make tho change, for a thU ona question wnol.l-.be- alone presented, there ermld be no mistake in regard to the wishes nf a majority of the people. To .effect this one amendment onlv. and that too, where discussion would be out of the question, would not renuire moro-tlian tliroe or f"our days, or a week at far-t thest. My bill propose, ta pay tho' tnenibers of) Ltha Convnntion iuil ivSti- tsw-da-v, aod-onl v-one j ; half Hi-7 "niilitg,-" afliiHed to inembers ofthe Gen-1 eral Assembly. ,t any gentlomin make the V T 1. rcueroi calcnlationt and h wi.f1 fiU that akig,Me Chang by a Convention, ifa change must be had. . ,,.d fr the romproraises of the Federal Constitution will, in tho end, be much lesti expensive than if j if we here at home ignore that same prineiple of com done by legislative enactment. 1 presume no I promise in our oriranie law'. But t will not dilatkupoa .ulio..:iil.iUuy...tlia nv even bail Tto allude to pmlnng-til at least ten days by the agitation of " . ,...'', - growing ont of it-to say nothing of e days .'i. !.T.ii! .VL'V ""i . '. i i '....,. . . r im iat session. Men it the I measurn is ca'frTrsTiayThirTtqwisile tnniiiiipil&M..P&$i')!. " Pranp. feeble eamtidaia J. tliieo-fii'ths at tho present session, it must still I dragging dowii Viif r.meraWeionslSutiiVriTiito the mii'e gn tlirougli tlie same ordeal otprotnwtod debate iiBuVstreuwiuasOiqioaitiim t tb -in)ZtmieRt--lf it shouhl fail then, when it will renuire two-third. of both II iiisns, .the wrtolc question must then he crmimencl-rfe Hoee and it may be f.iryea'r's and yars to came, that tho tleiieral Assembly will consume n woek or ten days, in tho discus sion of thi subject. But suppose it is disposed of at tho next session lot any one make the es timate, and he will and that this method of leg- lslative amendment wi 11 m tlm end l,.mi.,.l. 'inconsistency f tho advocates of this method of amending the Constitution. They first tell of tho great impor tance and inestimable value of the principles involved and of what grievous wrong the peo plo are laboring under. If this he so, ought the expenditure of a few thousands to be allowed tn postpone the enjoyment by the people of this im lously a, they desire . tho change, thev are not willing to contribute the small amount that must j Yes, sir, this free suffrage as it is called, isdohisivo in its character. It will confer on no class or scc- tinn ofthe community any r al substantial jwicer. It isliko that head-sea fruit of which wo read, , handsonio in outward appearance but turnino- to ashes and bitterness on tho lips. 1 hono. sir. age. the people are .fully competent to tho pro- nal soureo of nil pownr, abniild be consulted : and it ther desire n c han?s thev ahoubl mstn thn rehango by their own agents, specially chosen for the calm and deliberate purpose of the min I.- This, I contend, is the true, conservative, repub lican doctrine of 'constitutional freedom. I-am wrrf,--thnt- tiranytif mi wwstorn ftirird,' who nre pressing an open anil unlimited Conven- ti jn, think I havo already committed myself sn far, that 1 can ncvor retreat, c'rom tho evidenca I can sen and hear around me, 1 am aware that thry think in; argument estops mo from oppos. ing the proposition to consult the pe0pia i r0, ca - e?'nTffi.Ting1it bf fSld popfe to nrueh'd" their uwn Constitution iw-ltew" iw wnv." iinnHesW mm, his io any ouier pruviaion. am - sorry to have to dispel tlieso illusions of my friends, hut my . rugird fur my own coiisistcney, my duly to that section from whencs :I eom jbA tb a io tart vlwMa4-law 'tsaft- and hariminy nud general welfare of the State, compel mo to do so, I fear, Iicfore J take my sent, soma or my. conclusion will be as nnpnla- iseJ teemed agreeable. 1 ant asked by gentle men from the -West, why! do not extend the provisions of my till, and consult the people in regard to the rearrangement nfthe basis. I will answer, first, becaaso this latter question has not been agimtod, except Incally. Y have no rea son to suppose that there Ii any thing like agn xiso tnai mere i i any tnuig ukc a gen-1 -fur any such chine at this through-1 ly eral desire: cut the Stat in fact, there are reasons which make me doubt whether this desire is genera! w in tli eatmue WwT;TrreC''vVrrftl gentlemen here from that section, who so far from urging, seeni disposed -toliseouotennnoe such a movement. : What did we hear from the g-nti -m.in irom Harke, I.Mr. ArervT) lie ln- yet throughout i,u t ounty, on the slump, be faux ground against any change in the basi of rep resentation. And yet that gentleman was elect ed, and tha' too by a constituency opposed to him in politics. With this evidence before me, can I believe that in the west even, this desire for a change in the bssi, ia eo general, as to leave it at ail doubtful whether there in a majority ofthe people of the Slate in fcivor of the change. And let it be reeidlectod, . that I have contended throughout, that at a. IsgiJatuiv, we should fol low, rnthor than attempt to lend the public mind, io regard to amending the Constitution ; j - Bat rnhraot tviTmy ohi-rtlonS Scfe. Tan opposed to subminiag this qoeitiwi lb baais to Ui oatisioa of the ballot box in the second pUtea. krauts tl-e ar ronirenent of Uie buia ot rrprcsrnution, in our eonati tutt'tMoea not rat a tka aoina grooniia -awl is sot to be an.ialnrd b.v tli aura 5 arzaimenla, thoac other general roriiina ol" that tnatntmeta ,r the areuriiy f p ipninr ngiita and repnMirsa ,prmci)ilefc Let it awt ! '"rrsj tbat my arjument la rv,iv of aVI'erinit b. p-.pn.'nr njlil, and reptiWiesa .princijjlefc Let it B '''? bj tiie of the wnJoritT, .hd rrfrncs a. uu. t.i-i. . , ... . . - -tU thm timi.-.r o.. -a-...; n .i -i r , , t v.,',-.!, """"s v "ii'i m- snj ami iiitra alike. Tb baaia of renr.-n nUiiinn dooa not coma wilbira thn category. It ii purely ientioa of cimipromiaa, or agreement of raniraet. It mar be simiI ttant alt (ha other proriainna of the conslitoliiM are maltar of eompronis and ajreemeDt True, but llo-n aoeordinjt to the theory of aoeial enmimet the partita to each evmprviuiM wore th people In their lodlvidnsl character.1,' and a a (Bsjority eatnblbhed them, the majority ran change them at p!ea.suro. The asms parlies' that make a contraet, ean of oure modify the terms of Ihe enn- . me armnremeni oi tne his or repreaent. ! TZZX 'XZZZ, j wilh.ait referenee to aoetional eonaicHrrationa. Ii ia in ths nature ofa e imnronUo betnicBJMnaietin aeetioii- t-:.., . . r. i .i. . . . . . I uiliTu-ti. It 14 in the nature of a contract fur valua hlo eoasiiterntiim the partiee to It were, and as Li 1 1 arc, fb peoplo of the eaitern ennntiea on the one part, anil the people of the western coanllee on the other nart: I " ii'.- ,,tv,ru, ana eacn puny sained eer tain 4tvileu in 'tho adjustment of thi. comproi niise and aceoniing to all aetiled principles of law d cqnitv. it ought not to be sViaturhed except i-r iu wnn ii ,ue v"iijm lunun ia lu be amenueil ia alao a m tiler of ifnmprotnb'C binding on every man in t1 e" fute. My ohjeet Is to how that the bsaia of reprearn tAlion being a coniirimc botweea aeetiens, either arc. lion may rinhtfally and coiKiKtimtly oppota any altera tion without violating any (treat prineiple of popular liB erty. And ifthe !P?VpTe oTtfieeaat are juatiSahle In op posing any change in tho bania by a majority of Ihe ju-ende jn mans, ujnin the ground that it w,a tha result. or a comrael ilween iwo seotiona that were. a,l .nil ' '-. ' -s"'." -- - """"J -""? i.'irnco ror eue an end. I havo not iha ueil tho merit of tha eonioromisrt involve 1 in the present arrangement of the hajia. nor ,lo I now design d-nnp so. Ihat isaue lanot now pending. My ohjoet ia to explain my reasonsl and to do juatiee to tilt views uf Ihiisa 4Vraprenant in o'in th prspoaT tion, lo suhinil the qi-Kion to Ihe poople of the State, -whether they wbh ant I'lisaigoia-the hasli-nf repwacn tatinn. I Mr. Speaker, I regret that tbia question of '-White baaia" ha-s beta intr.nlueed Jiere at this time: and 1 still more ref ret to benr mme of the snrumants advanred 4n IU faKQf, THare ara earlqin ounaidacMlioMV arrowlow out of tho relations of the Korlh and the outh, that render the present time most unpropitious for such a eiiurse. It run net he denied, that the representation of our slaves, arenrding to the federal basis, in our na tional Constitution, is one of our atrougest giinrantlon for thtr pnit-etinn and sworiry Vir'our slave "property. Is there a m"inber in this Uoneral Assembly that would be wilbng to see that provision ia the PedtnllCo'nstitu tion strieken mil? And would our Western Mends', in- ! AT ..ou fT wd thev lax ..ur shirrs as monej-iv. jind a .ii them to be represented a p-rsonsf trill ihey lend on- .eoaraictfammi to X .ff.'jw,'..wutiwtBi hy.uiing tH ;iMMiie weapon.- in their warfare on our Mute Constitution. """" ul w .. wm h snusiil to what was e..nsidord th- ignoraae of thepeeple. that anM tilth of partv. The people were told that freo nf. ;fraalona.iuld. extent ,o aaliatwitial power tata p-iple, but that if pressed earnestly, it would only prove an falerinif l edg to still greater inroads on tha Constitution. They were told that in a short time ibe basis dTrepresenlation would be assailed;and sectional strifr and diseord again distract our councils. Our warnings irere met with elamor, crimination, and insult. What was prnphaey then ha heroine history now. Ves, sir, the truth mnst be told, it is the Demoirntic party of the Eastern Counties, who have brought this mischief upon us. by sustaining these popularity roongering appeals to atwilW1aSaavUl.a;taj juWWSOTlay ssf-- Wc WlniT. ihd are abont to reap Ihe whirlwind. They now see the ap proaches of the storm. wbn His too late. They have heedlessly unlo-ked Ihe door of the care of Boreas, and are now Becking forahelterbeforo Ihedrlvinga ofth blast. I do not say this by way of recrimination. I do not wish to exette any partisan feeling, on this subject. I dare say the great majority of th Democratic party of the K:ist. acted from honest and conscientious eonrirs tions.. I am only Hating facia. I now wish to appeal to tha patriotism of the Democrats of tho East, to come op tn th support of my hill, and elevate this quest of Constitution Reform above th ainka and seweia of party. Although I am not responsible for the dangers and diuVukies wak-h now daraataw saMvr- NMho- adjnrt ment of this question, t will know no such thing as par ty: but will unite with any and all who are disposed to settle it in tho m-.st summary, convenient and econo mical method, and in a manner most in accordance ,iith our free republican system. Our consultations here will be productive of but littta good soltm as sectional diseord and looal jealousy shall bias our feelings and warp our judgment, bet the. House decide as it may. I shall feel that I have done my duty and for consequeores, I shall not be respons ible. , . The Kail Road is now- in fine order, about 1 '2D miles having been re-laid .with T iron, and tho balance of the road being in progress. The Company have several new passenger cars, constructed with the modern improve ments, and the ease and rapidity with which : we were hurried along, almost tempted us to1 exclaim, in the language of the miser to his son in reference to making mency, "make railroads honestly, If you can hut make them." - t .-- - . - ,s We also visited the workshops of the Com- j pany in iVilmimjinn, nnd went on board tf one of - their steamboats. We were truly I gratified lo witness the order and regularity observed in every particular, and hail no idea that the Company possessed such ample means for manufacturing and repairing the rarions article reqi,.' :"- for ne. The bus inrs ofthe Company .(lears to he rapidly on the increase, and the day is doubtless near at hand when the road will aaiply remnne-; rate the orrner. - .. r .. w. .; The thrifty appeannee and expanded dimensions of Wilmington also agreeably surprised us. We had not been in that town since 1823, snd although we- had fiequent intimations of its rapid improvement since the completion of the Railroad, we little expected to see in it so many spacious and elegant public and private buildings, and such a go-ahead spirit of activity and emula ioq in Ms citizens in audition to me unove, - wo were some WiYsrSstofiisW villages springing into "existence, as if by magic, on the line of the Kailroad. Goldsboro and Wilson, are increasing rapidly; and al almost nil of ihe depots, store and private hUuUtMiS.arfl. Jsciog nose,,, uniy .aw ..ays. an, wo can near ,.y commend a trip lo Wilmington, as an antidote , . C J L . . . I .... L . to the depression nf spirit so . frequently' bwr-tTig--'thre1e-TO pursuits." TarborbV Press. " ri. n i.-' o rr ''''''I'.T"'! withsionha '.th'"natitawii probibitioiv--rhe Baltimore Sun states, on the authority f ... - ... ,', . . ,.s :. mar of.a genUemaa intimate with the family of Mr. Rogers, the engineer of the Allsntic.ihat tlie statement of Mrs. If.'s derangement is entire - (mlounticd. - ',, - t . IT-. Libfrim tt Mtt tBlnm. mEiarMAPCH. 26 05i - We would cntl.the ntt.-mi .-i of t!i' fri, ,, , Common School, those wii wi-h to frr it improved and their benefits in.it- ni lelr to ino people oi me .-suite, to nf "rti, e e ii, a other column, from the oi l . late T' i j cnuntj of PaAquotnuk Iia , takin; 1 "'" niani! . true illteri'M. , l." ine ihbii fu. nv.rr "niiniv j-...:. l .w- .. waiiug ner ucvouon to tli masse, nf the people, and her determinati..,, i, .' extend the blessings of education to M, rv , ,, V in the county. We repeat, she lus ,, ,,,, (" j ana ncr example is worthy of immitati.m 1- , , ery county in tho State. The oi l Xnh v., well remarks that if this example should I,,- ,i. lowed, ' ten years would' rrmoie , rv ,,f ignorance from our escutcheon," the , isortn state, Oirected in ita councils 1 I'V an . !n. uunaiairncj, wuuiu take a pp minent tionmong her sisters of the i 'onfe,,..ra, r Cannot something bo done -to excite other , tics to emulation iii giving the likevigomu, ,.. port to Common Schools? What says liuilf,,r,l What say Cumberland and Craven ? Th-y b,e done well heretofore, but they must bestir 'the,,,, selves, or they will be left behind. What I. Woke doing? Can she not be roused ,v ,,, , . action and exhibit a firm determination to enm- stowrrdrTn?rdthiX-aT'xanirde .t .r' l, j nil the counties will take this matter in ban. I :iiuuoiy unu enrnesuy, nnu ileterinine to mak the common school system a blessing, they will accomplish more for tho real good ,.f s,.lt than tho past twenty years of legislation - woimiur juuginss, oi Illinois, passed thnmM, n,:. i n-i , , . . . " ' " nruay last, on Ins wav to It,,, l inghnm ceuntv in this State. : ; new school hook iWe nro pleased'lujcarn that t,'. II. Wu.tr. Esq.. the polished and popular writer, is engag-d in editing a now school book ; tn be arranged in two parts. It is designed to be nn nc.-.-ptnbb-reading manual for North Carolina schools ." "We clip IhB ahot e from nhc of our Wester,, Exchanges, and chronicle it as the eomnie,,,-, ment, we hope, of the writers of o,tr Si at t , supplynur.peoplo-wrthdromrbonK nr s. f l of all grades, from the University, ami the high est classical schools, to the unpretending " ! 1 field" schotd, have all been depemt-nt upon th North for the book which they use f, is t,m that southern parents and teachers should pay a 'liiilQ'norff'itUlitioii fo'the cTiaracter of those ' books which are pot into the hands of ehildn-n when they first go to school. Prohal.lv nothing has more influence in forming thn chara.-t-r an I i moulding tho Views nnd directing th -opm i.ins of tho young, than those primary lie vie-. which arc' first " placeXTn their hands. Th that nre now in'use, many of them at least, a writ ten to suit a Northern latitude, frequently h n Much iii-tbem- that" is" SCSiTy" offensive t . th' Southern poople. Such should be gu ar-led a gilinst oud haniahed.fcom.iHir aclio.ila, and bo-it composed or compiled by our own citizens put into the hands of the young. "Wo are glad that Mr. Wiley has taken this subject in hand, and hopo that he will be able t,, moro than meet the expectations of his friends. We, trust that he will not stop with this one workJtiili wiJlcorUioue hUdaUvnt;i -he ess, furnish a complete set of appropriate books fir our common schools, Tho census returns ol Virginia disclose the fact that there arc nearly coAy Ihnumn'l whits persons over the age of twenty-one years, in that Stato, who cannot read and write. A bill has passed both Houses of the Virginia Legislature, postponing tho election, until On bemexf "They" bare heretofore been held in .V pril. " We are indebted to the lion. Willie P. Man gum for a pamphlet copy of the Ucmarks of Messrs. Douglass and Dodge, on tho President's Message in relation to tho Iloston riot. Also to the Hon'. David Outlaw, f r a bound volume oa tho Commerce and Navigation of the Country. ". It apponrs that Gon. Jmo,, the new Sunator from Hhode Island, . notwi'hstanding the many denials of the Democratic press, is really s Whig, and gave written and verbal assurances, before his eloction, to those Whigs who support ed him, that he would sustain Whig measure, if he were eloctcd. ( Jt is ot denied that ho hat frequently vided for ivWhig for President, and the correspondence published in tho Northers t papers, show him to bo a Whig in every respect- V It soems that Chaplin, the abolitionist, indict ed for an assault, with fire arms, on tho parties who arrested him in Montgomery, Md., while, abducting the slaves of Slessrss. Toombs and Stephens from Washington, hits forfeited his re cognizance of $19,Q00, by his non-appearance for tiial. No person expected any thing m"w when he was admitted to bail, os his abolition, friends had rather pay thrice the amount to scresn a rascal who deserves tho hnlter. tn" the penalties of the law, Than to see ttic Is take its course.---- In -such an miMxwce as th no bnil ought to have boon allowed, as wc be liovo, in cases of nn assault with intent to kilk it is discretionary with a Jmlge whether he ad mits the assailant to bail ; and it might havt been ntie.'patft4 tlwt aji;! i "."JJWT .ear to stand hi trial ' Next year,, the corwtituiionat period for ths 1 1 el.-etion of tho Trc-Sk-teni of, Itrance, will arriw The French Corstitutisr renders the Presideat ineligible for a second terms, ksst it is supposed 'I - -7 " " . ,S UaiaXapsW lli.toir. throug ..',- j. . r n,DC8 were "Pi". I impulsive, tlwy nwvy rr Wt hisa President, ao- isl,ou,a ,ucre " "nle? ul " " ' J produee quit, acimng in in p. - ; ! in France, and may materiolly change tne dou- J nici tf wany i tit) ' e,iiiimmWiV, M r1 f