The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1819-11-30

necessary tnat Tue eVlL snou1u COncy OuS W -
hin by whom it does come!
The time draws near when the people OF
this District will be GALE upaH 10 give their
opiaions upon the CenstI,u,iOn q government
which their delegates have PSI Jared tor them.
1t is the highest polltica privilege which men
in a state of society can enjoy, 81 form sys-
TEN of first principles Tor their own govern
ment and direction, and which is to continue
to an age which the eye cannot behold nor the
mind steadily contempate.-How important
that The understanding of every man should,
in celebrating upon this subject, be perfectly
unbiased and free from all the prejudIces OF
party, religious or political. We should, in
forming our judgments upon this subject, for
get ourselves and The particular circle IN which
we are connected, and feel that republic IS
the object Of our care, and lis welfare the sub
ect of our contemplation. We cannot long
live TO enjoy the blessings of good Constitu-
ton, or feel the oppression OF an evil one ];
bur existence is but very small span OF that
space, in which the frame OF government that
may at this time be given to Maine shall con-
tinue TO be the platform OF the liberties OF ITS
citizens. Let not then local and temporary
motives influence Us in the opinions we may
form and declare on this interesting occasion.
Let Us put ourselves, in Imagination, IN the
place OF distant age and endeavour to act
under the influence of this fancy. We shall
then, whatever may be the event Of the vote
on the day when the question will be decided,
Z 4, nj Of
which The upright discharge of duty only can
give. We have heard no very strong obiec-
lions made to the Constitution, and have no
reason TO believe that there will be any par
ticular opposition 10 it. Ii probably will be
accepted by large majority. In comparing
IT with the Constitution under which we now
i've and have lived SO long happily, we md
in many things an evident and striking i'm
proyement, while in some others we feel a
preference forthat which has guided us through
many troubles. On the subject Of represen
| tation, which produced more collision IN the
Convention than any other, the scheme adopt
ed seems to have been taken, rather as a
compromise OF opinion, than because major
| lty believed il the best possible system that
could be devised. Ii was generally agreed
that the popular House of The Legislature
should consist of a small number, but The diiti-
Guilty was 10 apporion that number Another
subject on which opinion was considerably
divided, was that concerning the worship Of
God aud religious instruction. Many thought
hat society needed the wholesome RESTRAINT
OF law 10 keep within 1t the principles Of pley,
and that without some such provision, too
much latitude would be given TO the passions
aud wicked propensItes OF men The major
! Ity Ihought that no shackles should be placed
upon the consciences and inclinations of the
peoplc in fegard to religion and morality. In
The qualifications OF electors, three months was
considered by some as too short residence
10 entitIe person 10 The privilege OF voting
Tor the highest officers in the State. And ma
ny wished that the Senate might represent
properly, rather than population. But on the
two last subjects very little perlinacity or ex.
cnement were discovered We have noticed
those points on which difference OF opinion
existed, without having advanced any opinion
LOT our own or stating the arguments in favour
OF against the objections, merely that the peo-
pie may be put TO thinking upon the impor-
tan, instrument, and feel the greater interest
IN IT, II will unques,Onably be found to have
lmperieclions, and what human thing has not {?
But as a whole we believe the people have
eminent which may be framed under 1t De
wisely administered, that they will live hap
Py under IT, -