The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-06-04

w DcioW VIII uc iOuuu tnc duuIeSS VI
DANIEL PECK, ESQ.,, member Of the Const-
tutional Convention. to the wings of Bel
mont county, on the subject OF the New
Constitution. As we have number of
whig subscribers we recommend it to their
attentive perusal, as well as TO our demo-
cratic readers:
TOTHEW WHIG VOTERS OF BELMONT.
desire to say few words in eXplana-
ton ofTmy vote on the final passage OF the
new Constitution, in the Convention, and
in explanation of the vote intend to give
for its ratification.
sIwould Eot feel called upon to do this,
was it not for an address 10 you from the
Wing State Central Committee, on this
subject. in which several reasons are urg-
cd to ifyluce you TO vote against the adop-
ton Of that instrument.
- The old Constitution was admirably
framed to meet the wants Of the people at
tho time of its adoption, but no one will
contend that constitution framed at that
time, and under the then existing circum-
stances, would be very suitable for this age,
and for a population Of two millions.
Then, without much danger, the whoie
po,cer Of the State was entrusted to tine
General Assembly. There was at that pe-
riod, no great temptation to abuse that en-
tirely controlling power When the State
had increased in wealth, and the patronage
ofthat body became valuable, it beganto be
abused, ,and the abuses constantly and stea-
dily increased, until the time Of the call for
the Convention. Bya system OF flogrolling
that body had saddled the State with an
enormous debt, which has for many years,
and wN for a long time to come, hang a
dead weight upon the people. Finally,
aothing could be done except by q bargain
between the members. Judges were ira
ed off for banks; new counties for rail-
roads, or plunder laws; high Offices were
traded for the passage or repeal OF some
general laws. until legislation became a
mere squabble for the loaves and fishes, and
the General Assembly had fallen into uttel
contempt.
The Judiciary was so restricted. that il
could not properly perform the duties i'm.
posed upon it; this loudly called for re-
modelling.
Under this state OF the case, the mem.
bers OF the Convention were elected, not lc
make a new Constitution. but to amend
and revise the old one. Disregarding this
the members when assembled. decided
that they would frame an entire new in
strument. Those who were in favor OF tha
course were not democrats alone; many
ofihe wings thought that the proper course
This course did not meet my appreciation
but it was in accordance with the course
of other Conventions for the like purpose
II will be seen by reference to the our
nal of the proceedings that most OF the
whig members with myself, voted agans
the measures considered so obnoxious by
the State Central Committee, when in Oil
power to do so, as separate propositions
Before the final vote was taken, the whie
members were compelled to make up thei
minds whether they would 60 for or agains
the Constitution as whole. They had {
strong appeal made to them from Columbia
to 90 against that instrument in one soit
,phalanX; but on consultation, great ma
iority concluded that the best thing tina
could be done under all Of the circums;an
.ces, would be to vote for the Constitution
having before left their marks on the vari
Gus provisions in detail, and having OBJ
tanned at the close many important modl
fications in our favor.
Now who were the whig members ofiha
Convention! Can you doubt their judg
mcnt, prudence or patriotism! Surely yo'
do not.
That there are many defects, and SOM
;,,t tIo StI
ton, readily admit; but can we reasona
bly, expect better body Of men Of ou
party to be assembled for such a purpose
Probably another Convention would resul
in something worse for us.
Let us look for moment into this in
strument, and see what are its good quail
| ties, and what we have TO gain by its adop
4 ,tion; and here let me observe. that it i
: much more easy TO point out defects IN
and find fault with an instrument like this
than to produce perfect work. or answe
objections. Let us always keep this fac
in view. that Constitution must be a con,
promise; it would never do 10 frame it t.
suit any party, or section.
First, and most important OF all. the pa
tronage of the Legislature will be taken en-
tirely away from that body, and the temp
tation to do wrong, be wholly removed
and taking into consideration, that it vii
meet only every other year. and have littl
to do but to pass general laws. we ma.
confidently hope that the acts of that bod.
will be pure, and that legislation will agail
rise to usefulness and responsibility.
We cannot hereafter. under the ne'
Constitution be traded off to the free soil
q ers by the democrats one year, and suite
4 the same modification at the hands OF ou
4 own party the next session. AS the Gen
eral Assembly cannot pass special laws
Incorporation, and as the materials fo
i bargains and trades between the member