The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1842-09-08

secured uDerty TOT tnefnseiseSs tuitf epi'e'
eating the Independence so dearly purchas- G
ed, they were anxious 10 hand down the !
blessing TO their children. To affect this, {
the Colonies must be united, and constr. {
tuition formed atfording aod securing equal
liberty and protection to all. To accom-
pIish this object, representatives bad TO be
chosen, and for such, talents and patriotism
were the only qualifications then looked for,
or required. Aud although the country
was then, as il is now. divided into parties
almost equal 10 number and strength, yet
those party feelings had little or no intiu'
ence on either party at the ballot box-each
one voted conscleniiousiy for the man he
though, best qualified to serve him, and 10
whom he had the most confidence as a
friend TO his country. Hence IT was, that
men, of the frs, talents, integrity and pa |
trio,ism throughout the Union, were select
ed. When these patriots met, and began
10 consult, they found that they differed
widely on the FIRST principles party
had framed, in their own minds, Consii'
tuition hich differed but lutte from limit
ed monarchy--lhe other were IN favor OF
government, purely democrancal; but, in'
stead Of the stronger party carrying oo'
their scheme on party principles, as is the
present mode, they discussed every point
coolly and dlspassionately, with prayer Tor
guidance, and having 20 other, or higher OBJ.
iect in view than the good of the Country,
their common Couniry-each party when
convinced OF their errors, renounced them,
and honestly met their opponents on middle
rgouDd. Hence, by patriotic union OF gen,
ius, on eofihe bes, Constitutions ever framed
, by the wisdom of man, was framed and adop'
ted, combining federal strength and repub
lican principles. And although under
change Of circumstances, like all human
productions, our Constitution may need
amendment, would say, let it never be
touched with uuhalowed hands-but only
by those of purest patriotic principles, q;
were IFS first trainers. Let any one exam
inc the records Of those times, and he can
not fail to see, tina; that Convention einbrac
ed, no. only the first talents 10 the Union
but was composed of such and such only, a
we're known 10 be lovers of their Country
Nor did those men seek the honor thus con
ferred on them: many Of them accepte
their nominations and appointments wit
much defiidence, and were reiuctantl
dragged, as il were, from their homes nl
public lfs--no eiectioneering bFlbln
men for their votes By ardent spirits. An
although Temperance Societies were ne
heard of 10 that day, and every man te
himself al liberty 10 drink wine, or stronge
drink as II pleased him, yet no man, for III
sake ola dram, sacrificed his independence
al the ballot box.
| enquire, is it so now? The aboy
- mentioned state Of things did not contnu
!. - - = -ssrF runceited men, important
the hoii6, estimation, sprung up, and sougI
presenting the dear prur..~---ilere.l Of :,
and State legislatures. In short lin
no arti6ce was leli un,ried 10 secure the
e!eci.ons--ihe republican acclaimed again
the federaIist, and the federallst against Il
4 republican; land speak what know
many INSTANCES, neither party could expIa
the difference writing circulars, STUD
speaking, treating, DC. &c. and these me
as 10 generally the case, being clad wi,
what is termed, the Irish panoply-isn
rance and impudence -men of talents, ho
or, integrity and patriotism. felt themselv
degraded by entering the arena with then
and hence our Legislative bodies we're so
filled, at ieas, too often, with men Incapat
OF egis!aiing--men, who continually ann
at their own inleres, or promotion, raih
than the good of their Country, or the lnl
raet of their constituents
This, sir, is the state of things, viii
has laid The foundation Of our hard tint
And let every man inpartialy answt
fias not intoxicating liquors been one
the mos. poien, agents, in the hands Of d
signing men, in accomplishing their worl
Who, that has been in the habit Of atseu
ing election grounds, has no, witnesse
that the man Who talks loudeSt and longe
and tre1ts the most literally, is general
the most successful candidate! And W
sould not blush TO think Of our legislator
bang thus 6iled-s would not feel ashal
ed 10 be thus represented? But, when
suffer ourselves to be influenced by par
spirit, dram, or any other improper pr
ciple, TO support candidate, who, we kno
is in great measure at least, ignorant
the existing laws by which we are COVER
ed, and therefore cannot possibly knt
what laws need amending, or what ne
laws are required-under such crcums,s
ces, ask, what can We reasonably exp,
but hard times Should the enquiry
made, how these abuses of the electi
franchise are TO be remedied? | would a
swer, oppose in,emperance IN all its vario
and multiplied forms, as the frs, step
wards reformation While men can
kept sober, they can think, reflect, a
consequently act on some rational princip
Let every friend, therefore, Of the temp
rance cause, and every lover of his Cou
try, unitedly determine, to supper, no ca
didate who will either drink himself, or gi
TO, or cause others TO drink any in,oxc,
inn GuuorS Hhor and M. NATL tho, Al,