Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1847-02-17
WHO OPPOSE THE ADOPTION OF THE
CONSTITUTION

Does the opposition come from the hard
working and producing classes, or does it
come mainly from those who con,rive to
feed at the public crib, and speculate out of
the mis(ortunes of their fellow men? Does
il come from the poor and the toiling thou
sands, or does il come from the rich-lhe
Does il come from tho quiet and unaspiring
portion Of the people, or from The Office
holders ard Office seekers? These are en-
quires Of no small importance. because the
true answers 10 them indicate the opposi-
ton as being led on by those. whose bust
ness interests are not identified with the ell
ovation and independence Of the masses.
The leaders Of the opposition who are now
striving 10 move heaven and earth for the
overthrow of the Constitution, we have rea
son to fear are ac!ua,ed by other motives
than the universal good of the people. In
support ofthese allegations let facts be ad
duced Is il not a fact too notorious 10 I'D
NIT ola denial, that the legal profession in
proportion 10 numbers, present larger ar
ray against the Constitution, than the ag-
ricultural and mechanical classes Of the
people? Does this condit ion Of things a..
rise from the fact that the profession as
body are more deeply imbued with The prin
ciples Of benevolence for the welfare of
their fellow men, and that from their avo-
cations in life, they are possessed ola grea
ter share of the milk Of human kindness
than other classes Of the community! Is
ii not fair TO suppose that the profession
are possessed Of like passions and fraities
as other men, and that they are equally
likely 10 be controlled by personal in 'eres, !:
is it an interest that prospers most where
strifes. contentious and litigated disputes,
are best guarded against by the wise pros
visions Of the law! Certainly noi;-as
well might farmer contend that a barren
field will yield him more productive har
vest than fertile soil.
Is il not fac, equally true that large
proportion Of the men Of weul:h-specula.
tors and monopolsts, oppose the adoption
Of the constitution! Those who have an
insaliate thirst for riches and for amassing
vast possessions, naturally oppose every
arrangement in the organic law Of the gov
eminent, which guarantees 10 the Iaborine
man an unmoles'ed right 10 sufiiciency
Of property. 10 enable him to enjoy some
comforts Of life and to educate his family
Mon. Marshall M. Strong, the champion
opposer Of the constitution admitted OH the
floor Of the Council, the truthfalness of the
assertion that "the merchants and business
men oflhe Territory are generally oppos.
ed 10 the constitution" And this the Hon.
gentleman seems to think is good reason
why the farmer, mechanic and laborii.g
man should vote against the constitution.
Indeed, is the intelligence ofthe Territory
embodied in merchants, business men and
speculator,2 Have they such a tender re-
gard for the welfare Of the laboring thou.
sands that they care more for their inter
esis than for their own? What say you
farmers and laboring men? Will you vote
against the constitution because il is an in
stiument that does not suit that class of per
sons, who speculate for a livelihood and live
on your earnings? Do you believe such
persons care more for your prosperity and
happiness than for their own? We believe
that the farmers and mechanics of this ter
rtory, are fully compeien; to judge of the
merits of the constitution, and we trust
they will not be governed by the opinions
Of business men and monopolislss. We
hold that the state or nation contains The
most real independence, where every CHI.
zen as far as possible has an interest in
the right Of soil. If you would have PEG
pie enjoy freedom OF action and opinion. al
low every citizen to become an unmolested
freeholer; slavery both mental and physi-
cal, predeminatos most where the few mo.
nouolze the right of soil, and where The
interests Of the laboring and producing elias
ses are held at the mercy of The rich.
Is it not fact equally true that the Of
fee holders under our territorial arrange>
meni, Judges, Clerks Of Courts, &c, as
well as the office expecianis oppose the a
dop:ion Of The Constitution Have these
men so much love for the people, ,ba, they
give themselves no rest, and toll day and
night to prejudice the people against the
constitution? Are not some of these of.
fee holders giving their time and money
for the purpose ofsiirrng up dissatisfaction
and inducing the people 10 believe that the
adoption of the Constitution will prove ru-
inous TO their interests! Why are no, farm
ers and mechanics traversing the country for
the same object? Is il because that farmers
and mechanics have less benevolence of
feeling, and care less for the good of the
dear people than the well paid Office hol-
ders! Is IT not also true, that those who
are known 10 be Office expec,ants, are Ia
king unwearied pains TO defeat The consii>
tuiiona The constitution now before the