Iowa territorial gazette and advertiser. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa Territory [Iowa]) 1840-1846, 1845-05-24
/. The ConstafultiOn.

a aag& 4
A bill was introduced ID the Council on
Wednesday last, ~ Mr.. LErrIrH, Chair
man Of the Committee on Territorial AZ
fairs, providing for submitting the Consti-
tuition, AZ framed by the late Convention, 10
the people, on the FIRST Monday il August
next, for their ratification or rejection.
The bill provides for its publication for
six consecutive weeks before election, in
every newspaper in the territory; 90 that
the people will not be left in the dark as to
the real question before them. BY taking
the vote At the time Of voting for territorial
and county officers, . more full vote will be
taken upon the merits Of the Constitution,
than could be done at any other time. The
bill enacts that no election for state officers
shall take place under the Constitution,
until the August next succeeding the COM
plete admission Of the state. This will en-
tirely obviate the objections which might,
and probably would, with more or less
reason, arise against the existence, at the
same time, Of both state and territorial
government. The wheels Of our terrific
rial government viii go on regularly until
our final admission, when we will immedi-
ately elect our officers and assume our rank
among the states Of the Union.
The question will now be clearly stated,
simply upon the adoption Of the consti,u-
ton as it was framed, without any altera-
tons or amendments, and wholly untram-
melted by any collateral or illegitimate
question; and consequently we hope for .
full, fair and unequivocal expression upon
! its intrinsic merits. The vote Of the peo-
pie will have nothing to do with the boun-
daries,-their vote cannot. in any wise af-
feet those boundaries to any greater extent
than would be done by memorial to Con-
gress, and such in effect, and nothing more,
is the boundary clause in the constitution
Ia mere memorial to Congress, which
has been before them, and decided against.
This bill puts the question in its true light,
and effectually disarms the opponents Of the
constitution of the means to mystify it, ard
mislead the public mind. But they will,
without doubt, make every effort for effect
ing that object. While some Of their jour
nails are candid enough openly to admit its
popularity with the people, and none, SO
far as We have seen, openly claim tkat its
rejection was on account Of any defects Of
its own, they are at the same time, loudly
disclaiming against another vote being taken
upon it.
The people will be upon their guard
against the insidious approaches Of those
who are opposed to clear expression Of
the popular will, and evince dread Of the
peoples voice. Let the truth be fully,
freely and fairly stated to the people-let
nothing be left in the dark or liable to mys-
tifcation--watch those narrowly, who
evince such horror Of the popular will,
and counteract their appliances and mis-
representations at every turn. Let this be
done, and there cannot be the reinotest
doubt, upon this bill becoming law, but
that the constitution will be adopted on the
first Monday in August, BY very large
majority.-iowa Capitol Reporter.