The Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1846-1852, 1849-05-04
.The Wisd0un 0f our EnIhcrs. =


before and after the flood. Greece had
her great men, aud Rome and host Of
other countries had theirs. In their day
AID generation. we doubt not, they mod
eled the best of Governments and framed
the best of Laws. But with the eX.
perience ofaher ages, their own expe-
rience, after studying the benefits and the
defects Of their systems, we imagine that
that man would be considered fool,
who should stand up for their Govern
ments and Laws, simply because of the
"wisdom of our Fathers"
This catch.penny phrase is too FIRE.
qucntly used by men. who should, from
their standing, their influence and inteli-
gence, be above such conduct.
The "wisdom of the fathers" of Rome
planned and formed a most excellen,
Government. Under it the State pros
pered, the Empire Aourished, the City
upon the seven hills became glorious
Yet it was defective-and the "wisdom
of the sons" of Rome knew it.
So with other countries and other gov
ernments since the foundation of the
world.
Tho wisdom Of our Fathers" conceiv
ed, planned and formed our glorious sys
TEN of free Government. In their day
and generation they proved themselves
TO be the wisest and best of men. YET
Experience the guide of all iutellects and
the teacher of the loftiest Of the world,
wise men, discovered defects, taugh
the wisdom of the Sons" and carfullJ
applied the pruning knife and made the
necessary improvements.
The "wistom of our Fathers" formed
the Constitution of Ohio. Under it, OuI
glorious young State has growed anc
prosperod, until she has become third il
the Union. In truth and in fact, she ha'
stripped all their expectations. II
their day and generation, We doubt not
it was the best system of Government
that could have been devised. Yet il
this case experience points out defect
and calls upon "the wisdom oftheir Sons
to remedy them.
Our Fathers, we will say to these mel
fond of catch.penny phrases, were trul
wise men. They had the wisdom to per
ccive that, at some day, after their dutie
were performed and their abors ended
our Constitution might need amendment
, They did not think that they could SCI
farther into a milestone than other pee
pie of the same abilities, nor prophec
what might take place in the course {
half century. Hence they plased
clause in their Constitution. all0win
their descendants the privilege ofamend
ing their work, ifexperience should sho,
that it was necessary. We shall not al
nit that lhcy had more confidence in tn
present generation than we have.
We happen to be ono among the nun
y Der, who believe in human progress
We are of the opinion that as good an
great men, and in quantity as numerou
live now, as ever did. And we really bt
lieve that the people of our State, vii
their advantages of moral and inteIlec,u,
cultivation, have sense sufficient to sele
7 good men enough to make the change
Q in our Constitution and Laws required b
g The wants of our people and greatness
3 our State. At least we are willing
l. trust them.
The question is great one. 1t is
. bove all party. A law passed and foun
defective can bo repealed in short tim
N0t so with n written Constitution.
o the voiy nature Of the case, it must
IT more permanent. of higher authority.
u must be formed with all carefulness. III
Q people should examine all proposed pr
visions with culmness and deliberate
J. and then instruct their Representative
10 how to act.
,, Sufficient guards are thrown arour
II the whole proceeding to insure this d
liberation. The members Of the Conve
20 tion viii have TO be cautious in their a
10 ton. 1t is easy to reject their wor
al One provision may drive away one set
10 men, a second another set and so c
s. But we have no fears. We believe
al Constitution can be framed, which W
,y be accepted by the people, without
Of gard to party or party lines.
"NO Friends 10 Reward, &C.
- 1t seems that if General Taylor /
5 not, some Of his cabinet hare friends
u, reward and.punish." Mr.. Ewing W