Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-12-01

Mr.. Webster was 10 deliver the opening lecture
before the Mercantile Library Association. II e
immense building was crowded TO its utmost
capacity. On the stage were President Everett.
Hon. Il. c. Winthrop, Gov. Briggs and num-
Der Of other distinguished men.
Mr. Web>ter's subject was-9He Uisio,y of
The Constitution of he Unitcd States.
lie began by remarking that the American
revolution WIS tn, most important event
IN the 18th centurv-more important than the
revolutions which had taken place in England
in 1888. lie then adverted briefly to the old
confederation which was mere league of friend
ship between independent states, which had no
legislative authority, which could not lay taxes.
or command the allegiance of individuals. The
term Congress, which has since come TO be ap.
piled TO our National Legislature, was more
strictly applicable to the convention of Deputies
from the different colonies, for it means Il meet
ing OF ambassadors from indie pendent sovercigns
or states.
The germ Of the new constitution was the me-
cessity OF stronger central power, of a govern
ment which had authority to lay taxes, to act on
individuals, and to make laws and enforce ale
glance.
paper was drawn up by Alexander ITam-
ton when but tweny-scven or twenty eight
years old, showing the defects of the old gov
ernment-showing that the revolutionary war
had cost much more than it would have cost If
the old Congress had had prooc- authorilv-and
that 1t would be quite impossible to pay the debt
incurred by the war without the creation of a
new power.
Besides we had no nationality. no flag. No.
body knew who an American citizen was.
In January, 1888, Virginia recommended a
convention TO meet at Annapolis, MARYLAND. to
n ~ MT cG, r Al
ulatlon OF trade, but with very limited powers.
But thirteen or fourteen delegates met. Among
these were James Hamilton and James Madi.
son, the projectors of the constitution. The con.
vention continued in session but few days
but recommended on adjourning, general con.
vection to form a constitution of the United
States.
The great advantage Of the constitution
which this new body formed is its legisiaiir,
porer. 1t can act on individuals, lay taxes, make
general laws and coerce aegiancc-and ex.
erciSe commensurate judicial and executive
power.
What government did they make g.? Not a
tederoi and not a consolidated government. Il
IS pee in its character
Some object to the phrase e National Govern.
ment' as applied TO that of the United States
bul he thought government which held the ex
Ciuel'e po"eToi MAKING war and peace--pt con
tracing alliances with foreign states-of levy
| ing iaXeS-oi issuing coins-had some claim t,
be considered National Government. Some
suppose that the Union lisa voluntarily associa
hon and that if any state does not happen TO lik,
it, it can walk oit.
lie thought there was not much danger from
this idea now. as there was a general sen,i
ment OF attachment to the Union, NOW AND FOR
EVER.
Mr. Webster then went on to speak Of III,
practical results of this government as shown
| by sixty years experience.
Men might talk of the greater stability Of GOV
ernments under thrones and dynasties, but h
believed this government, as it was the best
might also soon be one Of the Oldest in the world
This was followed by reference to the recer
revolutions and the present political state c
Europe, in contrast with the peace of this cour
try and the effect Of our government on Ii
moral condition Of The people--on general educa
ton, morals and happiness of the people.
To transmit such government safely t
those that should come after was the mobiles
object which young men could propose TO them
selves.