Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1847-11-03
c ON s TILT l. Ito a l.

CONS TIONAL.
Another election for delegates to frame constl-
tuition for the state of Wisconsin, is close at hand
1t becomes therefore matter of importance TO con-
slider what is TO be done-whet!leF, as party, we
shall make a selection of candidates, or whether
party differences shall be merged, and nominations
made on grounds having exclusive reference to
questions of constitutional import We can think
of no better mode of getting candidates before the
people than our usual mode of party nominations,
though we neither ask nor expect people to take
candidates SO nominated without plain declaration
of their purposes should they be elected but how
ever the nominations may be made, or whoverer
NAV be nominated, we trust such instructions VIII
be given, and such pledges will be exacted, as VIII
make the business of the delegates to the second
convention exceedingly simple and short. With
the exception of two articles, the mass OF the peo-
pie were unquestionably well satisfied with the late
constitution These exceptions were the article
on banks and banking and that relating to the rights
of married women and exemptions. During the
canvass we heard of but little if any objections to
other provisions of that instrument. 1t would seem
then that the second convention could with proprl-
ETY. be restricted in its action TO revision merely
of the late constitution to an amendment OF such
portions onlYas were and are Objectionable. From
the discussion upon the subject the people of every
county and district of Wisconsin, at least large
majority of them, have doubtless decided in their
own minds what particular amendments they de-
sire BY making the matter plain at their primary
meetings, and by nominating and elccting such
men as may be pledged to carry out their wishes,
the formation of a second constitution instead of
being work of weeks and attended with thousands
of dollars of expense, may be made the work of
very few days, at but slight expense, whilst its
adoption will be rendered a matter of certainty,
and our entrance into the union be secured at COM
paratively early day. We say again, let the people
in their primary assemblies for nominating candi-
dates for seats in the convention, be prepared to give
definite Instructions far such can be given,
and they will have a constitution expeditously for
med and made to their minds, while failure on
their part to do this may have for its results pro-
tracted session Of the second convention and posi-.
bly, the formation of constitution as far from ac-
cordance with the popular will, the first render
ing if rejected the call of third convention
sary.
Notwithstanding we are somewhat radical in
views, think we prepared TO be satisfied with
a constitution which would not be particularly OBJ
ectionable to a conservative or to a liberal minded
wing. We do not care about having every point
Of our political creed embodied in a constitution
Our idea regards fundamental law is, that there
should be little special matter in it as possible
Constitute properly the several departments of go
venmcnt, and conGne their action within such IL
mits as common republican usages has prescribed,
and we shall be satisfied TO leave the rest to the
people, in whom we have an abiding confidence,
and to whose decision we are at all times disposed
checrfully TO submit. We are opposed to banks
but we should be willing 10 leave this matter open
for the people in the state legislature All that
should particularly desire would be constitutional
prohibition of special banking privileges If there
be banking at all, let all stand on equal footing in
respect to privileges and liabilities On the subject
of married womeEs rights and exemptions Of real
and personal property from forced sale, our mind is
most liberal provisions in regard to the last But
we care not if the constitution is entirely silent in
reference TO both, so long as the legislature may
have the power to act in the premises. Indeed
considering the progressive state of the public mind
on this and kindred subjects, we should prefer to
leave this matter to state legislation, without con-
stitutiona privilege restriction, believing that by
this means we shall secure from time to time far
more liberal provisions than could readily be secu-
red if constitutional provision always stood in the
way of progress and reform. So we are willing to
waive radical views these points far as the
constitution is concerned, and we have no question
that large majority of those who are with us, rad
ica in sentiment, are willing TO do the same thing
Our conservative and wing friends if they will con-
sent to adopt the other principles and features Of
the late constitution, may make such notifications
Of these as suggested; but give them due notice
that in the state legislature as soon as organized
we shall not only show .fgh but shall continue the
contest, until the measures we seek, which we know
to be those of the people, and Unpopular rights, are
| fully triumphant.