Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1819-10-12
MUNlCATIoNs.
MEssRs. EDrroRs,


it you will probably confer an obligation
on number Of your patrons, as we'll as oil
the writer.
STATE CONSTITUTION.
Fsllow Citizens of New-Jersey,
The period has at leugtb arrived When
the elective franchise requires your strict.
est scrutiny that it be exercised impair
TALLY. :,
This day and the succeeding one will
determine whether or moi the contempla-
ted amendment to the constitution is Ell
fected, and the hopes Of disorganizers
completely consummated. Among the
citizens Of this state it appears that d.
yersity of sentiment is prevalent, some adj
herring to one principle and others to
another, and among the various opinions
none appears more predominant than that
of rejecting all innovation on the constitu-
ton.
To recite the various arguments in con-
firmation of those sentiments will be SUI
perfluous, as almost every newspaper
teens with the fashionable asseverations
on both sides of the question. To attempt
a refutation of all the arguments against
any innovation will be equally so, as the
public are undoubtedly 10 possession of
all those sage ideas which in such cir
cumstances invariably tend to influence
the mind and direct the actions of men,
and which, when reason reigns uncon-
troIled will inevitably obtain correct
principles, and dissipate those germs Of
dissension which faction, never fails TO en-
gender.
Although the agitation Of the question
Of amendment is attended with a multi
plicity of opinion respecting it, yet this
fully evinces that those genuine senti
ments and feelings which actuated aud
thrilled the patriots Of seventy-six, remain
lateut in the Jerseymen Of this enlightened
age, and will inspire them while virtue is
the principal pillar 10 our political edi-
flee.
Ifit were not for the accusation Of pre-
sumption, thorough investigation Of all
the circumstances and principles connect
ed with this subject, would be attempted;
but this consideration, and that Of the i'm.
probability of the public's acceding TO the
plans which would be projected and the
ideas which would be avowed, deters the
writer from exhibiting such az exemplii-
cation. But as an individual of our na
tionai compact, will for once exercise
rs~l,t mi snh 1f
country have preserved uncontaminated
TO the present posterity, and merely sug.
gest few ideas respecting the proposed
amendment.
And in the first place, will say that the
Constitution admits of no innovation, there
fore the mere proposal of amendment is
unlawful, and therefore an innovation. 1t
appears from a review of the constitution,
that several officers of government are
elected for term longer than one year,
viz. some for five, and others for seven
years before the expiration Of their term
OF office, and as they have been generally
appointed at the first sitting of the Legis-
lature, therefore their septennial term
would expire 10 October. Now in case
the proposed amendment is acceded to-,
where is the authority in New-Jersey to
relew their appointment, or elect others
for the administration Of Judicial affairs.
The constitution says none the sages Of
America say none but the last Legisla-
tnTe says, let them continue till January.
This is certninly fine logic, and most un-
doub;edly a novel plan of legislation
Bul beware, Jerseymen, you perceive not
the full scope Of the subject. This first
amendment necessarily implies or demands
another, to give it the form OF legality
and regularity. They say you do this,
and We will do that. Ifany have not cor
rect ideas of amalgamation, let them but
infinitely observe the retrocession and
advancement of state politics, and they
will possess sufficient information to make
practical experiments without further def
milton. But to be more particular. If
these sentiments are promulgated and OBJ
tain acceptance by the generality of the
state, in century, if not sooner, we shall
want more than one Washington, and
more than a Paterson to determine Of
what our constitution was originally COM
posed.
But suppose that the amendment is law.
full, what necessity is there for it? Is il
possible, as has been asserted, that Que
session is more convenient and less ex.
peDsive than two sessions? Whence arises
this disproportion respecting expense ? |,
is not in the article of fuel, for more i:
required in January than 10 October
Does it accrue from travelling? No, fol
the members receive the same wages fol
that purpose they would if their contem
plated object was accomplished. Is i
from the season Of the year? Such an ex
cuse is absurd in the extreme. If prev