Demoine courier., 1854-08-03
Amendments Of the Constitution
DC Not Deceived.

DC Not Deceived.
A large majority of the people Of
Iowa ale a, this day in favor Of an
amendment of the Constitution of the
Stale.
Mr.. Grimes, the Wing candidate for
Governor, in his opening address TO the
people, made that question a distinct is
sur, and fortified his position by such
power of argument as left no chance
Tor the opposing candidate 10 stem the
tide of puolIc opinion setting in that di-
r. ction. And Mr. Dates, therefore, seeks
10 shirk the question for the present,
and steal his election from the people
under false ptetences of a willingness
10 obey their will.
The same position precisely was ia
ken by the Democratic candidates two
years ago. They then promised to 60
in for an amendmen, 10 the Constitution
if they were satisfied that it was the de-
sire of the people that the Constitution
should be amended. But they took
special pains not TO be satisfied on ,hn,
point, and Governor Hampstead vetoed
the b,Ii passed by the legislature, aIleg-
ing that The people of Iowa did no, de-
sire any change in the Constitution of
their State, but on the contrary, rejoiced
in the possession of a Constitution in all
respects preferable TO that of any other
in the Union.
Curtis Bates is just such another old
Fogy as Hampstead, withou, a 1.-THE of
his ability, however. and will, undoub,-
eddy, if elected, "foilow ia the footsteps
Of his illus,rloUs predecessor closing
his eyes 10 ell manifestations Of a desire
on the part Of a the people for a change
Of their Constitution, and contending
that his election. with his known prinei
plies. was the strunges, possible endorse
nent OF the Constitution by the votes of
the people of the State. In such a 20.
sitlon he would be impregnable. For it
is notorious throughout the State that
Curtis Bates was the author OF that
section of the Constitution which pro-
hibi,s Banks and other special corpora.
ions in the State, and that he still ad
heres TO those principles with all The te-
nacity OF a narrow mind, and regards
that proviso with all the fondness with
which a concelted father looks upon his
f~aeori!e offspring. Why, if that provi.
sion be erased from the Constitution,
there is nothing left around which Cur
lis affections can entwine. TO him ths
Constitution would be a blank The
world would be without the slightest
testimonial Of his labols in the establish.
ment of his darling, democratic, bank
denouncing doctrines.
How could such a man be satisfied
that the people desired n change of the
Constitution ! In no Other way, WE think
than by leaving him at home, and put.
ting James w. Grimes into the Gubef.
Material chair.
Bates is committed against Banks
he is strongly opposed 10 the entire pol.
icy. Is there any proprie.y then in
electlng him 10 promote the establishment,
OF banks! Is it no. an evidence of a
mean spirited desire tor Office, that indu-
ces him now to profess a readiness to
unite with the people in the proiec, of
Of establishing banks? Why does he
not stand up for his principles and argue
against banks, and proclaim to the PEG.
pie that he will in every position do all
in his power TO prevent their introduction
into the State.
We can conceive Of no other ms WEI
to this question than that he hopes by a
kind of o communal course, to deceive
the people into his support, and then al.
ter the election, use the very fact of his
election as convincing evidence hat the
people approve his principles. For The
only other explanation tina, can be given
IS, that he is ready to abandon his prin.
clpies and adopt whatever may be popu-
lar, II the people will only give him Of
fee for so doing.
Let voters be wide awake on this sub
ject, and if they want a change in State
policy. let them act like sensible men in
The management of their own business.
and select an agent who is Of like mind
with themselves, and is al the same time
competent to transact their business
Why is it that Curtis Bates seeks to be
employed by the people to inaugurate a
banking system. after having labored so
streuously to exclude banks and prohib-
il the Legislature from establishing them!
What claims has he upon the Office of
Governor that the people are called up
on to elect him Notwithstanding his views
are SO VIGOROUSLY opposed to the desires
of The people.
He is opposed to the principle and
the measure of banking; he belongs TO
another dynasty and inaugura,ed another
policy. Surely those who seek to change
that policy ough. TO have more prudence
than to trus! the matter in his hands -
Grimes is The man for the times. He
is the Representative and The advocate
OF The new system. He understands il,
believes in il. and earnestly desires its
adoption. Every dictate of common
sense therefore requires hat the people
should commit the direction of affairs
into his hands.
Will they not do liz OnI- by so do
ing will they have any assurance ,ha.
measures will be taken 10 amend their
Constitution. And they cannot afford
IN Inaa mn, ~ 49, A. "