The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1834-03-01
FOR the STAR,
CONSTITUTION.

am one OF those who lave watched then sgns
of,hs times for few years pust, with deep inter-
est and concern the result OF which irresistbly
impes me to " make up my mind" that the exist
ing government of this State is radically wrong -
that it is in direct opposition to tho will Of the peo-
ple-that the rotten borough system, however we'll
it may be adapted to people in state Of colonial
servitude, not at all suitable for freemen that
tho whole system OF Legislation, founded us il is on
such baseless fabric, Is unstable tho winds
in fine. u complete turce. But the magnitude of
its evils has not until recently. come home to the
minds oithe great mass Of the people. Ipresune.
however, since they have been made to feel their
insecurity, large majority arc unwilling to en-
trust themselves any longer to the unrestrained
guidance OF that august uud present consulted,
most omnipotent body, the General Assembly OF
the State OF Rhode Island, sc. II il not rational
to suppose, that the enlightened people OF Rhode
Island cun tainely submit to be governed in ac-
an English Tyrant, King Charles the second, at a
period when the population was limited 10 small
number OF colonists, principally engaged in ag'i-
cultural pursuits, who were probably willing to ac-
cept OF any form Of government which the King
their royal master, in the plcnttude OF his power.
might feel disposed to dictate provided they could
he protected iiom the inroads 0f savages, or the
epcroachments Of the neighboTins colonies who
jealous ofthose principles Of religious liberty so
zealously advocated by Roger iilalus and his as
socates, were not over anxious TO little
state prosper in promulgatng and naint aiming doe
trines which were considered by them as down
right heresy. 1t is absurd to suppose that such
form Of government, instituted Tor the benefit Of
few in the early stages OF history is Of suttic-
lent capacity to promote the welfare of the more
numerous population, which now extends through
every part Of the State. New interests have grown
up and require the fostering cure ofa we'll regula-
ted government Agriculture. commerce, manu-
iactures aud the mechanic arts, are extensively in,
proved BY our ci,izens The intellectual improve
ment OF the people has steadily advanced with the
increase of our resources.
An attempt wus formerly made to establish
Constitution, but the project tailed The ireeInen
at that time were strongly attached to their old
customs, aud opposed TO any innovation, because
their servants had not reached the unenvable SUM-
init attained by the present wseacres, who rule
the state with rod oi iron therefore, not having
suffered any very essential inconvenience and per
haps fearful, to use tho language attributed "
u Pennsy ivania Orator, n aUo'd'ng Syf!a they
might JuH in.o Carrobogw." We have NO
reason to wonder at the defeat Of the plated
change in the fundamental system transmitted to
them by their veneruied ancestors. but the
ward course Of time has revealed TO US long cut
alogue Of growing abuses, which we have endured
until patience ceased TO be virtue all tending to
Impress our view, in bold relief, the feebcncss
any wise calculated for the meridian OF Rhode
Island, at the present day. Who is there that Gun
recall to mind the scenes which have been trans
acted during the lust ten years, and discover any
thing very lnv,iny in our history! Will not cor
ruption bare-faced corruption present itself ut
every turn' Yea, our cup has been filled TO the
brim. We have Witnessed the imperfecton Of
the whole machine. We arc beset with despera-
does assassns, thieves, and though las, not least
the duelst has the imrudence to select our soil Tor
his unhaowed purposes. Our Liberties arc wan
lonly sported with, and liable to be bar,ered away
by pollutical black legs. Ourselves and oil our
substance, 4" stock and huke," may be disposed
OF la such manner as bes, suits the convenience Of
- the powers that be-"
Thi, is truly lamentablo picsurc Of affairs.
consulnnsiion, Illuminating in tho last degoee--
, un 1t be possible that the Almighty disposer Of
human events, u beng OF infinite wisdom aud mer-
cy, has decreed ,ba, the good people who happen
to DO located within the precincts II tho State Of