The Litchfield County post., 1827-05-10


 where all were great. patriotic and viTtnous were summoned before the Supreme Judge of the world. to whom they had appealed
 s. for the rectitude of their intentions" To
 us they have left rich legacy, in the power
 of their example, and the wisdom of their pre-
 cents. which have emancipated the new worId and thrown back blaze of light upon the old.
 The recent revision of the Statute laws of this State, performed with great industry and ability, and submitted to the deliberate and careful examination of the General Assembly by which our laws have been adapted to the provisions of the Constitution and to the pre- sent condition and circumstances ofthe State, will abridge your labOrs. The uniformity and certainty of the Law, contributes to the con- venience and safety of the people, prevent litigation and promote the peace of the com munity. Alterations of that code therefore ought not to be made without the most de- liberate consideration.
 In discharging the duties enjoined on the Executive by the Constitut on, of giving to the General Assembly information of the state of the Government, and recommending to their consideration such measures as he may deem expedient, the attention is naturally drawn to the instrument prescribing it.
 Notwithstanding the constitution was strong ly opposed in its reception, and the necessity of its rejection earnestly urged, when 1t was submitted to the immediate consideration of the people, for their appreciation, it will now, it is presumed, be generally admitted that 1t has, not only better defined our civil and reli- gious rights, but more effectually secured those rights, by establishing and perpetuating the republican principles transmitted to us from our ancestors. But being the production of human councils, in which diversity Ofviews, not unfrequently renders necessary compro- mise and yielding of opinions, its framers an- ticipated that experience might prove it to be like all other instt utons Of man, in some re- speets, imperfect among the powers delegated by the constitution, is that of proposing to alter or amend it. This is an important power, and in its exercise, great caution shouldb be observed. A change of the supreme law of d state should not be made ex- cept for the most weighty reasons.
 On the stability of that law in great degree depends it's utility. Propositions of a mere speculative character, tending to produce ex- ctement in the public mind, ought to be dis cOuntenanccd.
 The power to propose alterations of the fundamental law of the State, is committed exclusively to the House of Representatives.
 TO the mode of electing Senators prescri- bed by the constitution, objections were ur- ged before its ratification, which, being con- tinued, and having considerably agitated the public mind, are entitled to deliberate, careful and dispassiOnate consideration.
 In approaching this subject, involved as it unquestionably is, in real difficulties resulting from the civil divisions and long established usages of the state, the most solicitous and faithful respect and regard, should be paid to the rights and liberties of the people, who are the only legitimate source of political power, and for whose benefit civil governments are instituted, and ought invariably to be adminis- tered. >.
 It has been objected that in voting for the entire senate, according to the provisions of the constitution, the Electors, in order to se- cure an equal apportionment of the members of that body, among the several counties in the state, are often obliged to act with an inn perfect knowledge of the talents, qualifications and characters of some of the persons to whom they entrust the exercise of the high authority and important powers delegated to 1 that body, and are exposed 10 be deceived by misrepresentation; that the value and power ofthe right of suffrage are thereby diminished; that the difficulty of exercising the elective franchise correctly and satisfactorily to the conscience of the electors, may lead to its dis use, and that the fundamental principles of government, ,are thus infringed, and our republican institutions endanger. These objections to the constitutional mode of electing senators, are entitled to grave con- sideration. Whether any or all the evils alled- ged have in fact been produced by the provis- ions of the constitution in relation to the cleo tion of senators, the House to whom the sub ject is delegated, will judge. The admission that such results have arisen, from the exis- ting mode of electing the senate, would prove the constitution in this particular defective, & form powerful reason for it's amendment, & a departure from system long established. The evils complained of may be to consid- erable extent prevented by an amendment of the constitution, which shall establish the numbers of which the senate shall consist, and provide that the General Assembly. by law, to be passed for that purpose. shall divide the State, as soon as may be, after the adoption of the amendment by the Electors, into such number of districts, for the purpose of felecting senators as may be deemed expedient that the districts so to be constituted, shall be com posed of contiguous territory. and that in each district there shall be chosen number of sen atOrs. bearing as nearly as may be practicable. the same proportion to the number of which the senate may consist. as the population of such district shall bear to the aggregate pop uiatlon of the State. By such an amendment ~N s