The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-04-28
The Old Constitution.

The present &C institution Of this State has served
tho purpose of its trainers II is now no longer
suited to the wants of the penpIe, because its pro-
visions not in accordance with the liberal spirit
ofimprovenent and progress Of the age. 1t serv-
ed the purpose Of its franers in constituting or or
iranizing State Government for some sixty thou
Ssand inhsbitahts-a number NOT greater than can
now be found within the limits Of tho counties Of
Belmont and Monroe. II is not to be presumed
that the trainers Of hat'instrument could anticipate
THAT in less than half century the State of Ohio
would number nesrtwo millions of people, They
could not, therefore BE expected to frame instru
msnt suited to the many and varioos necessities o.
The people Of this State at the present day. That
man is progressive being win not be denied All
ARE ready to admit that the men Of The year 1892
were far superio, to those who reigned and ruled
lii tie days Of Saeri, witcllca. and when disputes
were settled BY wager Of battle. That progress III
Tho science Of governments as great aud as rapid
a. the progress In any other science, is slso true
To say that the trainers Of the present constitution
of Ohio could provide for the wants Of the people
sst thi. day, is to say that at stand in tho
SCicnCc " SONcIuuCuts ouu tos w nav hos H'o-
:fted by the experience Of the past wilhelm every
other branch of science we have been making giaht
strides We render I'LL praise to the trainers Of our
constitution for what fhey performed; but we are
not disposed to libel tn. present citizens Of Ohio
by saying that they are not capable of framing
Constitution better adapted TO their wants and
more in accordance with The split aud progress Of
tho age.
While the present constitution 10 the fandsfiien.
tai law of our State, II should be strictly and faith
fully Observed for, unless it is, consequences the
most deplorabls may ensue. But the truth is. we
might almost say that it s now dead, and the nsu-
seous gas escaping from ito putrid carcass came
well nigh leaving fhe people of Ohio, lat winter,
without State government That such state of
things. may not occur again, and to prevent the
Bhylocks Of Ohio from robbing the people BY
means Of \ corrupt system Of banking and BY ops
pressive taxation, we must have new constitution
,-firm as the rock Of Gibratsr and as impregnabIe
q truth itself.
There exists, at the capital Of the State, self
constituted body Of men-the whig Central Com.
mites whose ostensiBls business appears to bs
70 attend to the interest Of the whig party, but who
ire. in reality. the agents and instruments of the
bank finan. shearers. and through whom the bank.
'srs give the sword Of command" to the "ialthful'
In and out Of the Legislature. Who doubts but the
convention bill would. at once, have been passed,
but for the outdoor influence Of this central junto
In al ages the people have been the prey Of the
purse-proud aristocracy Of the land, who feed and
bastsn upon the blood and sweat of the toiiing mil
liens. How long is this system Of injustice and
oppression 10 be- submitted tol How long will the |
people Of Ohio endureit' What propristy. reason,
Or Justice is there in exempting, in great meas.
urs, from taxation the capital Of bankers, and re-.
1fsvtng them from being individually liable for the
payment Of their just dsbtss Should they not pay
snch taxes and be liable for the payment Of their
vsBts II other hen are. Why extend to the few
kvors NOT enjoyed BY the manyl These are i'm
bortant inquiries, They should be answered by
every man - # the liberty of himself and his pos
tefltt dShendcd thereon For we verify believe
hat W puf present system Of banking and axatiod
hsgsb being built up 10 this ''land Of the free.'a
lmensysd aristocract, which will bscbna as odious
ma d opprsssivs d the so-caIIsd mobility q 70 the
downtroddsn people of Europe. .,.' 4, N. \. - q
j.What constitutes the true No5iiity7 y, st.i 4
As Not wealth. nor name, nor outward pomp, nor
ss9 rsM power; II; ~ "A. .s sy.' f.5.ss \ XIV
fcSis Have thsm all--and vicious men may bs
This idols and ths pegaants Of an hohr. M
tut 'ts 10 hsvs good and honest heart,
Above sll meannsss. and above sll crime, HI
Ahd act The right and honorable part
il lstssy eireunsiancso 81 plses and tims.s II