The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-09-29
Reasons why the People shoultI Vote
for a Convention to Amend the
Constitution Of Chic.

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Constitution OF 'hiO,
Our present Constitution. was formed
about forty seven years ago. Then our
STATE was nearly all wilderness, and con-
tanned but $1,000 inhabitants. Now, her
population is over two millions Her inn
mense agricultural productions not only
supply all the demands of her own people.
but they are filling up every channel OF
commerce by which they can reach our
sister States, or find access to the great
markets of the world. Trade, manufac-
lures, mining and mechanical industry,
are yearly adding immense sums to our
wealth. In short, our condition, in almost
every respect, is widely different from what
if was, and it will, therefore, readily oc-
cur to every intelligent mind that many
constitutional provisions, necessary and
suitable to our condit on at that time, are
not adapted to our condition at the pres
ent time. Besides, every wok of man
has It's imp rfections, and this Constitution
is not without tn m While the expert
ence and information acquired in the lapse
of half a century have enabled us to ap-
preciate its merits and advantages they
have also shown its errors and defects
The points wherein it needs amendment,
will readily suggest themselves to every
democrat. The most important are as
follows:
1st Our Judiciary system is greatly de-
fective. The constitution requires the Su-
preme Court to be held once every year
in each county, limits the Judges to four,
and makes two quorum After this tour
over the State is performed. they are COM
pelled to meet in Columbus and bold "a
session to review decisions made. and dis
nose of cases reserved while on the cir
cult. A Supreme Court thus organized
was suited to new and thinly settled
State; and to that only. Litigation has
had corresponding increase, with the
population and business of our State, and
four men. no matter how great their ability
and legal learning, cannot 90 justice to
the thousands of cases now brought be-
fore them. The important questions in
regard to the rights of property. liberty, :,
and life. arising among two millions OF
people, instead of being patiently exam
ined. fully investigated, and fairly decided,
are hurried through with reckless, mat
tentiye haste. and a remorseless inditfer-
ence that strike all honest suitors with dis
may. When the four judges meet in Co
lumbus to give judgment as Court OF last
resort, and settle the law in doubtful cases,
the same hurry and negligence mark their
proceedings. Thus the law and the legal
rights of men are continually changed by
that tribunal which was erected for the pur-
pose of making them permanent and uni
form.
Cd, The right Of filling offices by cleo
tons should be secured to the people
Every department Of the public service
ought to be occupied with servants chosen
bv themselves, and responsible to them
selves; for, if they are capable of choosing
Governor, why are the. not capable Of
selecting a Secretary OF State, an Auditor
of State, S0cl IF they are capable OF
choosing men to make the laws, why are
they not capable of choosing men to ex-
Mound and administer the laws! Do moi
the people of every judicial district know
who are the most upright and able lawyers
therein, bett than body of men at
distancel Would they not have greater
interest in making good selection! su'
f the objection is urged tnat they would be
influenced by partizan feelings, and this
, would be highly improper. How is It with
, the Legislature! Does not 3 whig Legis
lature uniformly appoint whig judges apo
a democratic Legislature appoint damo
cratic Judges The people, then, coule
be no worse in this respect than the Legs
lature. and they have motivesto do better
' which the Legislature has not M
!. Sd. Nearly alllocal, private and sPecia
' legislation should be prohibited. Three
: fourths of every session Of the Legislature
4 is spent in devising and enacting suci
laws. Besides the waste of time and mo
e ney, it is fraud upon the people, for tn
passage of every law promoting sectlona
v or individual interests, is secured oy tn
Representative agreeing to vote in favo
q of laws promoting other sectional and in
!. diyidual interests. Thus he hopes to b
applauded by his Constituents and reward
3 ed by his friends for his zeal in their be
!. half, knowing that they will never discoy
!. er how, to accomplish his object, he soi
!. himself to the support Of measures abor o.
which he knew nothing. But such legis
! lation is wrong in principle. "Ihe grea'
4 EST GOOD to the greatest number" is
!. maxim by which the justice and policy
all laws in republic should be testet