White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1857-10-01
From the .Lecompto6 National Democrat.
The Constitution-Shal it be Submit
ted to the People? @


The Convention will meet next week. It will
be composed of men highlyrespeetAble for char
acter and talents. We anticipate wise and pru-
dent action in reference to the great subject
which has been confded to their profound DELHI
erations.
We are one of those who do not believe that
sovereignty resides in conventions, or that it C
be in any manner taken away from the people,
who are the only true source and fountain Of all
political power. What the convention may do,
must be subsequently approved BY the people, in
order to have any validity whatever. In many
instances, especially in quiet times, when there
has been no,great principle IN dispute among the
people, their acquiescence has been justly con-
sidered sufficient approval of what they have
done by their delegates, in convention. But
when such acquiescence cannot be surely antici-
pated; when the people themselves are profound
" agitated by questions of vital importance
which to be determined by the instrument
that viii issue from the convention; then we
think the only safe and sound mode OF proceed
ing, is, to appeal directly to the sovereign au-
thorig, for its positive aud unequivocnl sanction.
The functions of constitutional convention
are very different from those of an ordinary leg
islative body, whose action is always under the
limita6cn and restraint of existing fundamental
law. The convention on the other hand, deals
that fundamental law itself, and moulds 1t ac-
cording to the supposed will of the sovereign
power. A legislator, who has been unfaithful or
mistaken the will or the interests of his constit-
uehts, may be instructed or even changed. His
acts, If contrary to the supreme law, may be de-
clared void by the courts. But the delegate in
convention is not subject to this restraint His
acts cannot be known until they are accomplish
ed; and, if not submitted for the approval of the
people, are absolutely beyond the control Ofthose
who delegated them, and may commit them ir-
revocably to the most cxtravagant and danger
Gus principles of government OF
Itmay be thought that this view Of the sub
ject does not give sufficient dignity and import
ancs to the functions of delegate. We are Of
opinion, however, that the position of one who
holds his actions subject 10 the revision of the
people for whom he acts, is far more honorable
than that Of him who is unwilling 70 subject him
self to this ordeal. For in the latter case, the
delegate assumes to act upon his own arbitrary
and irresponsible will, which is of the very es-
sence OF, despotism. -
The. high and h-norable commission with
which constitutional convention is clothed, is
not to impose laws or institutions upon people;
but to ascertain the ~isest and best things to be
done, and to secure for them the acceptance Of
the State. He is the most useful, as well as the
most successful Statesman, who fully compre-
bends the spirit of his own people and adapts his
measures to their peculiar interests andopinions.
Happy is he, beyond all others, if be can embo-
dy in his enactments the profound wisdom which
unconsdously abides in the body polite, and il
he can awakenfthe general recognition which is
essential to the harmonious and peaceful opera
ton Of laws and institutions He who consults
only his own individual sentiments, or who looks
abroad to adopt the forms ofother communities
without due consideration Of the actual prevail.
ing sentiment at home. will inevitably produce
mischief and disorder, for the only true and sub
stantial foundation for permanent institutions is
in the affections and reverence Of the people
Our people are sufficiently educated and enlight
ened fairly to EXPRESS their convictions at the
ballet box. The true aim Of high and noble
ambition, is, there to win the prize Of popular ap
provai-to awaken Just sentiments in the hearts
Of the people, and 10 secure The Expression o.
them in the most-direct and Authentic fOrm-to
discover truth in the high domain. Of eOnstitu-
tional law, and to make it visible and attractive
10 the whole community. Surely this mission
/ Is high AMI honorable enOughtO satisfy the am
bitiOn. and to engage the talents of the lofties
intellect. -r-css - efistr51sr55 -
If, under any circumstances, the convention
could be considered in the light of body au
thonzed, like an ordinary legislature. to pas
laws, or. IN other words, to enact constitution
binding upon hePeOple without their approval
there are facts connected with the election CT thu
members Of thaeSody (which oughtto make then
hesitate in claiming 50 exlensiSe and unlimitet
a power. Whatever may have been the caus'
of the fact, il is certain that less than one-fourtl
of the registered voters participated in the SO
lectionof delegates. Inordinary circumstances
and in legal understanding, the apathy Of thI