Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-09-24
Published every Thursday
The Constitutions, Convention.

II is argued by some, that because the 9Th article
Of State Constitution provides that every 18th
year from the time of IFS taking effect, there shall be
poll opened TO test the sense of the people as to
amendments, it follows that such expression can
be made at no other time. We cannot see any reason
for such conclusion either in this provision of The
Constitution upon any other ground. In fact to our
minds, this very provision expressly recognizes the pro-
priety Of occasional convention for the purpose spe
cited There is nothing magical, so far as we can see
in the term of t'oelre years, any than in any
other number Fixing upon that number might have
been matter of compromise accident. At
any rate the provision is not restrictive in the least
1t does not take away the right of the people hold
a Convention erey year, if they should be so dis
posed; it merely says they shall vote on the question
every twelve years at least. On this matter the
+" Brookyille Democrat" sensibly says:
alt will be observed that the section referred to
makes it duty Of the officers of elections open
poll, every twelfth year, at which this question shall
be tested This section contains obligation, de-
claring what shall be done but at the same time it
does not prohibit the holding reflections otener than
once in twelve years, for the purpose All con-
stiiutoua prohibitions should be held sacred. And
did that instrument deny the right of chlngng its
features, except at specified periods whiE friends
would once in their lives, be found battling for
stituton, and strict construction of its provisions
But we look upon the following declaration of the
rights Of the people a sufficient license for the
taking Of the question the calling Of a convention
10 modify the constitution. and as privilege not de-
MED them by any other section Of the present nstru
ment:
"That all power is inherent in the people; and all free
governments founded their authority and instituted
for their peace safety and happiness For the advancement
Of these ends they have at AL times, unaenabe and in
deeasble right to alter reform their government in such
manner they think pruper'-Art. Sec. Of the
Constitution Of The STATE Of Indiana
Snow, if we read Alright, and understand the mean
ing Of English monosyllabes the people have right,
at all times, mot only once in series of years. to
alter reform their government Where, then, is
the ground Of objection to the calling Of the
ton Oh, say Wing editors. section l of article
says there shat be election held, every twelfth
year, to test the opinion of the people the question
of a change. Very true; but section , Of article l
declares that the right of the people to make this
change is unalienable and indefeasibe.' Any power
that is unalienable cannot be transferred from the
people to any charter body polite, whatever. If
the right is ndeieasble, then there be power
that can ALLEVIATE this right from the people There
fore, the section speaking of 'every twelfth year,
cannot be construed to deprive the people of
their 'unalienable and ndefeasble' right to change
their constitution at any time aud in such
as they may think proper"