The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-06-08

scorn, exposed to the gdcule and contempt Of Ill
rational men.
GOVERNOR HUNT AMP TIE CANALs.Our ana-
bic contemporary, the organ Of an-slavcry, treason,
and other 'sms,' called the Nec York Daily W.
bunc, expresses its feelings very warmly against the
gracious compliments which we paid to Governor
Hunt for refusing-as he does in his recent letter.
TO call a convention Of the people of this State, to
amend the constitution, in order to finish the canals
For this offence we are denounced as q =" reckless
and unprincpled sheet;' and we are a little sur
prscd that the usual courteous ycrnacular Of our
contemporary not applied to US and that we were
not told "you lie, villan you lie" Now, We have
disposition to msrepresent Gov. Hunt on the i'm
poran subject OF the canals for we believe that Gov
Hunt is very honorable and very fair chief magis-
tratc. and we have always entertained for him
great deal Of respect and confidence. In looking
again over Governor Hunts letter, we arc satisfied
that statement of the matter was pretty nearly
correct. 1t is true Gov. Hunt recommends an amend
mcnt Of the constitution the isolated question OF
completing the canals, to be accomplished through
the action Of the Legislature; but he is decidedly
averse to the calling Of a general convention Of
the people, for the purpose of amending the con-
stiution in its financial or other parts, Now.
the aboltionist wing journals in Albany. and
throughout the State have been in favor OF
such convention, in order that they might re-
model the constitution in variety Of important
points to suit their future intrigues and projects
TO this plan of action Governor Hunt is undoubtedly
opposed, though he may indicate his opinion that
the constitution should be amended in this par
tcuar point, in respect to the canals, through the
action Of the Legislature, without any convention.
This is all the explanation we hayo given Of
Governor Hunts opinions, and we believe were
perfectly justified in so representing them, notwith-
standing the silly violence and characteristic polite
ness exhibited by our philosophical cotcmporaly
in consequence thereof
TO certain logical extent, therefore, agree
with the views Of Governor Hunt, in respect to
the completion Of the canals, aud the mode by which
that work is to be accomplished. Yet, we believe
in one point he makes mistake. in supposing that
there any necessity for specific alteration of the
constitution, through the Legislature. to accom-
plish that purpose. The constitution, it stands
is competent to finish any canal. on those principles
which arc paramount and impcrious in a republic.
The constitution authorizes the Legislature to pass
a law to create debt for the completion of these
or any other canals, under the condition that
the law be submitted, at the succeeding cleo
ton, to the opinions Of the whole people
Of the State, and that this opinion should
be expressed upon it in regular way. The const
tuition requires that for every debt SO contracted
there should be tax provided to pay the interest
and also means to pay the principal. All these
points are right and proper-correet limitations on
the schemes Of spectators and plunderersior they
bring the whole matter before the people of the
State in their original sovereign powers and capacity
to determine and decide upon them. The PROPOSE
tion therefore, ocall convention for the purpose
Of amending the constitution is discouraged, very
properly, by the Governor, because the present
instrument is sufficient for all practical pur-
poses required OF honest statesmen But the
Governor believes it to be necessary to alter
the constitution, in order to create q debt which
that very instrument prescribes the mode and
manner Of creating, by IN appeal to the people in
their sovereign capacity. On this latter point,
therefore, we agree IN opinion with the constitution
of the state, and believe shat that constitution
in its present provisions, is wiser and better, and
more republican, than the opinion pronounced by
Governor Hunt to change it in that particular
When Governor Hunt had the courage to depart so
far from the daring and corrupt projects Of the Sew
ardand Weed concayc in Albany, in respect to the
canals, he should have taken another STEP and sided
with the existing constitution and the people of the
State, in the opinion that there is quite sufficient
power in the present instrument to complete the
canals, whenever the two parties will honestly and
mantully come up to the purpose, and carry it out
candidly before the people.
We disclaim any intention therefore, and deny
the fact that we have msrcpresented in any degree
the opinions Of Governor Hunt. We believe he is a
good-intcnioncd, honorable man, far superior to
the influences which led him into the recent canal
measures, and which have been pronounced illegal
and unconstitutional by the highest authority of the
State. lie now submits quietly, and silently and !
approyingy, to The decision Of the Court of Appeals;
and it would argue more dignity and proprie.y, if !
the other portions of the wing party and wing press
were to initiate little Of the candor impartiality,
and dignity Of the Governor. AS for our being /
:" reckless and unprincipled Sheet" we throw the /
cplthets back, and cram them down the throat of |
the galvanized squash" which has applied such |
terms TO us.