The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-04-12

quail bodies equal representation, the smallest
now appearing in the Senate of the national GO
verIment with the same power as the largest,
crifce Of POLITICAL principle made to crafty the
fears and jealousies of small soyereignties.
In this system of government, there was no more
of monarchy than in that which was adopted, the
principal difference being in the term of service.
and none in the executive powers while, under that
possess, the Chief Magistrate is not only
made the mere instrument of faction but the
leader of partizan combinations through which and
by which influence, the most uncertain, improvidont
and incongruous measures are imposed on the com
munity and the rights Of the minority; and often
those of the majority jeoparded to promote the
ambitious views of demagogues, who foster political
prejudces in the people, for other or better pur-
poses than to impose their credulity, for their
own selfish purposes
1t is easy to imagine, from the character Of the
bret, that the speech Of Hamilton must have
gagged the attention of the convention for several
sessions; and when finished, how well it must have
members, among others the distinguished Oliver
Ellsworth, afterwards Chief Justice of the United
states, declaring at the time of adjournment, which
immediately took place, that :" while they all nd,
mired and approved, none dared follow the bold and
manly lead Of the enlightened statesman"
Hamilton will pass down to posterity as the great
expounder Of political principles and the time seems
government win be acknowledged to contain the
only conservative powers which could protect
the country from sectional violence and the intrusive
interference Of utopian phianthropists.
The difficulties in the convention were extreme;
some contending that there was right to form u
new constitution, that the only power delegated
to remodel the old confederative system ; while
others, under the influence of Jefferson, advocated
the establishment Of single legislative body and
the organization Of plurality executive, Of which
the judiciary was to be component part
BRIEF SPEECH HAMILTON on SUBMITTING HIS
PLAN OF CONSTITUTION TO TIE FEDERAL coNvEN-
TIoN, IN 1857.
Importance Of the occasion.
A solid plan, without regard to temporary OPT
mons.
If an Intellectual plan be again proposed, it viii
beget despair.
4 There seem to be but three lines of conduct.
A league offensive, treaty Of commerce, and
apporionment Of the public debt
An amendment otthe present confederation, by
adding such powers the public mind seems
nearest being matured to grant.
3 The forming Of a new government to pervade
the whole, with decisive powers; in short, with
complete sovereignty
Last seems to be prevailing sentiment.
l Its practicability to be examined.
Immense extent unfavorable to representation.
Vast expense.
Double set Of officers.
Difficulty of judging Of local circumstances.
Distance has physical effect mems minds.
DHicuty of drawing proper characters from
home.
Execution of laws, feeble at distance from 60
nue..
Sentiment of obedience !
l Objections to the present (old) confederation.
Intrusts the great interests OF the nation ID
hands incapable to manage them.
All matters in which foreigners are concerned
The care of the public peace,-debts.
Power Of treaty without power Of execution.
Common defence, without powerto raise troops
have feet,-raise money.
Power to contract debts, without the power to
pay:
These great interests of the State must be well
managed, or the public prosperity must be the
victim.
Legislatcs on communities.
When the legislatures are TO act, they will
To ask money, not to collect it, and by an un-
just measure.
Amendment of confederation according to pre-
Difficult, because not agreed upon anything.
Example-LmPorts. Commerce different theories
To ascertain the practcability Of this let US ex-
anime the principles Of civil obedience.
Supports Of Government.
! Interest to support it..
Opinion of utility and necessity.
3 Habitual sense Of obligation.
4 Force.
Influence.
l Interest particular and general interests.
Esprit de corps.
Iol popul, Poy Del.
Opinion of utility and necessity.
First will increase with the growth Of the States
necessity.
This does not apply to Federal Government.
This may dissolve, and yet the order Of the COM
inunity continue.
Anarchy not a necessary consequence.
HABITtAI. sense Of obligation.
This results from administration Of private justice.
Demand Of service or money odious.
FoRCE-of two kinds.
Coercion of laws-Coercion Of arms
First does not erist-last useless.
AtteInIt q use il. a between the states
Foreign aid.
Delinquency not confined TO one.
' INFLUENCE.
From municipal jurisdiction.
2 Appointment of officers.
Military jurisdiction.
Fiscal jurisdiction.
All these now reside in (hr) particular states.
Their governments are the chief sources Of honor
and emolument
AMRlTIIfoN-AvARICE.
To effect anything, passions must be turned to-
wards the general government
Present Confederation cannot be amended, unless
the most important powers be given to Congress,
constituted Us they are.
This would be liable to all (thc) objections gainst
Of want Of checks
Perpetual effort In each member.
Influence Of individuals in Office to excite Jealousy
and clamor--State leaders
Experience corresponds
Grecian republics-
Dcnosthencs says--Athens sevcnty-three years
Lacedemon twenty-scyen-Thcbans after battle of
Leuctra-
Phocions--eonsecrated ground-Philip, Sc
Germanc empire
Charlemagne and his suceessors-
Diet-reccSSes--
Electors seyen--excluding others
Swiss Cantons.
Two diets.
Opposite alliances
Bernc-Lucerne
To strengthen the federal government, powers too
great must be given to single hand
League offensive and defensive, &c
Particular governments might exert them
selves, sc.
Put liable TO particular viciss (tpdes)
Internal peace Affected
Proximity of situation-natural enemies
Partial confederacics from unequal extent
Power inspires ambition.
Weakness begets Jealousy
Western territory.
Objn. Genius Of republics pacific