Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1853-03-03
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1hc W > anu NAkS GOAANchttoA'
''In the country towns, there seems to be dspo-
sition, in cases, elect prominent persons NOT
inhabitants Of town, who cannot be chosen Tor the
place where they reside. In this way, distinguish
ed politician may get elected by several iowns as Is
often the in France. The legality OF such cleo
tols is matter not yet auiharIaiVeiy setted. IL
is certain however, that the election must take place
on the 7th of Masch or not at ell. In many towns,
there will hardly be opportunity for more than
one ballot as the forenoon will be employed in town
matters and ballotiag for delegates will not com.
mence until two or three Clock, Z. Nj. IT the pu-
raIity law is passed, however. every town will be
able to elect the FIRST ballot. In this city, the
polls are to be open from 8 A. NJ. to z Nj. The
Democrats and Free Soilers, throughout the State,
very generally forming coalition 10 elect menu
bers of the Convention
The above is an extract from the Boston Journal,
and is good specimen Of the graiuilous Impotence
by which the Wings hope to produce INDIGESTION and
confusion amongst the people, in relation TO the cleo
tion of delegates to the Constitutional Convention.
The Convention act provides that delegates TO
be chosen to the Convention by secret ballot, with.
out any limitation or restriction account of resi-
dence, and that majority of votes is required for
the election CT delegate; yet the Journal gravely
talks about the doubtful legality OF voting for cand
dates TO the Convention, who residents in the
towns where they may be nominated. When an act
is passed by the Legislature, and approved by the
sovereign people, there be no doubt about its e-
gality, even in the Wing sense ofthe erm but when
that act is also proper, just, and wise, there is add.
ed to its legality the force Of strong moral obligation.
We hold that the Convention act, in all its details,
is just wise, and proper act and in thus provision
IT is especially so. 1.-THE Convention simply
legislative body, and the delegates it necessar-
ly represented local, and sometimes conflicting inter-
ests, it might perhaps be proper to limit the selec
ton Of delegates TO residents in The towns and cities
which they represent; but the Convention is rath.
er Judicial than legislative, fixing fundamental prin-
cples rather than legislative details, and as all our
citizens have common interest in the deliberations
and actions of that body there seems to be an emf.
nent propriety in giving the power to the people, to
choose the men best qualified in the Commonwealth,
for this important duty. The people themselves,
have declared thar they will not so restrict their
franchise; and who would dare to stand between the
people and the fuflment of this wise declaration?
The men bes adapted to revise and amend the
Constitution, are those who,have carefully studied
the philosophy Of history, who have enlarged views
OF popular rights, and whc have had extensive leg
' slatve experience This work is not to be done
with the hot haste, and Incorporate precipitancy.
which now characterize Wing legislation in this
State; is to be done with caution, discretion, and
wisdom The friends Unconstitutional reform wish
to strengthen our democratic Institutions by widen
ing the basis Of them, on tried and approved princ-
piles; they do not wish TO weaken them by making
rash experiments They wish 10 sustain the glory
of Massachusetts by securing as far as they can, the
equal rights of all her citizens. They wish TO pre-.
vent the disfranchisement Of the country, and the
Capitalization Of the political power of the State in
the large cities, which Is now gOng on with such
fearful rapidly. The friends Of constitutional re-
form wish to popnlarize the constitution. They
wish TO many executive officers elected BY the
people, who are appointed by the Governor;
and we believe that this is a right principle The
people know better who are qualified to be sheras,
coroners, &C., than the Governor does, and they
have more interest in such appointments than he
has they ought, therefore, TO elect their own town
and county officers. The friends of reform will con-
slider these things carefully, and wisely, however,
and whatever they shall suggest must be submitted
the people for their final consideration and appro
val.
In view Of the important duties of the delegates 10
the Constitutional Convention, and in view of the
peculiar nature Of those duteswe think it was wise
in the people to allow the choice Of delegates to the
Convention to be Unrestricted Let them carry out
this and every other provision in the Convention
Act independent ofany present or prospective leg
islation Of the Wings, and they will have Con.
vention which will frame Constitution that will
command the respect and approval Of the whole
community. If they permit themselves to be nHu-
enced by the Illegal acts and impudent statements Of
the Wings, who can tell what The effect may be on
the legality Of the elections4 Vote as the Conven-
ton Act directs, and keep sharp Look out on the
Wings if they do otherwise by thisme the friends
OF reform will defeat the cowardly traitors who dare
not openly deny the sovereignty of the people though
they are doing all they can to destroy that sover
eighty.