Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1842-05-17
From KendaTs "Union Democrat" 4"
MOST IMPORTANT.

Island is the most important which hi
arisen in this country since the Declar
ton of Independence. 1t is "wheth'
sovereignty resides in the People or
the Government. It is whether a IN
iOriIy Of the People have a right I
alter or abolish their form of Cover
ment."
The form ofgove,nmeut in Rhode /,
and is derived from the Royal Charter.nC
having been changed since the revolution
Under that charter none but fIee-hOlder
have a right to vote. For years attempt
were made to procure the call of a con
veniion through the Legislature, with tn,
view of extending the right of suffrage
and making other changes; but she free
holders were tenancious of their power
AT length the people took the matter int
their own hands, called convention with
out the consent of the Legislature, and
that body formed constitution which was
afterwards ratified by the direct votes Of
a decided majority of the male population
over 81 years ofage.
The Legislature then took the matter
in hand and called a convention, which
submitted another constitution TO the peo-
pie, or portion of them, by whom it was
rejected
This rejection can be considered on.
ly as second ratification of the popu.
lar constitution by majority of the peo-
pie.
Notwithstanding these ftcts, the Gov.
ernor and Legislature holding under the
Royal Charter have passed an act pro.
nouncing the constitution adopted bv the
people null and void, imposing heavy fines
on all who attempt to carry it into effect
and declaring all such attempts treason
against the State and punishable as such.
The Governor has issued his proclamation
forbidding all proceeding under the con-
stitution, and has ordered the military TO
hold themselves in readiness to march at
a half hours notice with fixed amuni-
ton.
The principle on which the Royal Gov
eminent of Rhode island is acting, is pre-
clsely that of The crowned heads Of Eu.
rope. tits, that constitutions can right.
fully emanate only from the existing gov
eminent; itis, that the sovereignty resides
not in the people, but in theGovernment,
it is, that neither majority of the people
nor the whole people have a right to alter
or abolish their form of government with
out the permission or authority of their
rulers for the time being-rnlers who in
this country are but the agents of the peo-
pie!
This doctrine reverses the principles Of
thu Declaration OF independence, and
makes the revolution a rebellion and our
existing Government an usurption. To
be consistent, the Legislature oughtto
proclaim the President and Congress a
set of usurpers,and renew their allegiance
to the crown Of Great Britain.
We do not wonder thatth blood Of Ro.
ger Williams wakes hot at the assertion of
such principles.
Pacific as we are in principle and inCli-
nation, we should unqueslionably enrol
ourself among the traitors we're we Cit
l:eu of Rhode Island. We should do this
not so much on account of the present
lueStion important as it is, as from de-
never silently or quietly to
soc sucn precedent established in coun
Try where we expect to leave our chill
lren.
We are told that the Royal Party have
appealed TO President Tyler to aid them in
putting down a majority Of the people and
heir constitution, in the well grounded
relief, no doubt, that they cannot rely on
he militia Of the State, large majority
# whom are on the side ofthe people,
I'he popular party have also, it is said,
ent delegation to Washington to ask or
the inlerposition of lbe General
Government. The occasion has not ar
ved when this Government can lawful
Y interfere, and we trust it lever will;
,ut if it should, President TYLER and his
Cabinet will have to decide Tor the occa-
ion whether the principles of the reyo.
ution shall still prevail in America, or
whether the principles OF European Mon.
rcby shall be restored. We will moi an.
icipa'e the dacision,