The Litchfield County post., 1826-09-19

and our progress as great as could be rea-
sonably expected. But now an unlocked
for and formidable obstacle is thrown in
our way, which threatens to arrest our
course, and, if not skilfully removed, to
render all our fond hopes of Constitution
abortive. The ground which was taken
by the Delegates of the four smallest
States was unexpected to me, and as re-
pugnant to my feelings as it can be to any
other member Of this Convention. After
what thought full and impartial investi-
CATION, | recorded my vote in the affirma-
tive side Of the question, and have not
yet heard any thing which induces me to
change my opinion. But win not, there-
fore, conclude it is impossible for me to be
wrong | will not say that those gentle
men who differ from me are under delu-
sion much less will charge them of
needlessiy embarrassing our deliberations.
1t is possible some change in our late pro-
ceedings ought to take place upon princi-
pies of mutual justice; or that, all things
considered, the majority may see cause to
recede from some of their Just pretensions.
as matter of prudence and .expediency.--
For my own part, there is nothing / so
much dread as failure to derive and es.
tablish some equal and efficient form Of
government for our infant Republic. The
present effort has been made under the
happiest auspices, and has promised the
most favorable reSults-but, should this
effort prove vain, it will be long ere an.
other can be made with any prospect of
success. Our strength and our prosperity
will depend on our unity; and the seces-
sion of even four Of the smallest States.
interspersed as they are, would, in nv
mind, paralyze and render useless any
plan which the majority could devise. I
should, therefore, be grieved, Mr.. Presi-
dent, to see matters brought to the test,
which has been, perhaps, too rashly threat
ened on the one hand, and which some Of
my honoured colleagues have treated too.
lightly on the other. am convinced that
it is subject which should be approached
with caution, treated with tenderness, and
decided on with candour and liberality.---
1t is, however, to be feared that the menu
bers of this convention are not'in temper
at this moment to approach the subject on
which we differ in this spirit. / would,
therefore, propose, Mr.. President, that,
without proceeding further in this business
at this time, the Convention should adj
journ for three days, in order to let the
present ferment pass off, and to afford time
for more full, free, and dispassionate i'm
svestigation Of the subject. And would I
earnestly recommend to the members of
this convention that they spend the time of
this recess, not in associating with their
own party, and devising new arguments to
fortify themselves in their old opinions:
but that they mix with members of oppo-
site sentiments, lend patient ear to their
reasonings, and candidly allow them all
the weight to which they may be entitled;
and, when we assemble again, hope it
will be with a determination to form
CONSTITUTIONAL not such an one as we can
individually and in all respects approve,
yet the best which, under existing circum-
stances, can be obtained" Here the
countenance of Washington frightened.
and cheering ray seemed to break in upon
the gloom which had recently covered our !
political .horizon.] The Doctor continu-
cd" Before sit down, Mr.. President,
will suggest another matter, and am real
ly surprised that it has not been proposed
by some other member, at an earlier peril
cd of our deliberations. L will suggest,
Mr.. President, the propriety Of nomina-
ting and appointing, before we separate, a
Chaplain to this Convention, whose duty
it shall be, uniformly to assemble with us
and introduce the business of each day by
an address to the Creator of the Universe
and the Governor Of all nations, beseech-
ing Him to preside in our council, enlighten
our mind with portion Of heavenly wis
dom, influence our hearts with love Of
truth and justice, and crown our labonrs
with complete and abundant success.
The Doctor sat down, and never, said
General , did behold counte-
nance at once so dignifed and delighted,
as was that of Washington, at the close of
this address. Nor were the members of
the Convention generally less Affected
The words Of the venerable Franklin fell
upon our ears with weight and authorityss
even greater than we may suppose an ora-
Gle to have had in Roman Senate. A
silent admiration superseded. for moment.
the expression of that assent and approba-
ton which was strongly marked on almost
every countenance; say almost, for one
man was found in the Convention, MIR.
III, from --, who rose and said
with regard to the first motion of the
Honourable Gentleman for an adjourn
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