The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-08-22
Two Constitutions to be submit. ted on
stSS4N tho Same Day.

Two Constitutions to be submit. ted on
the same Day.
There is an idea which at first blush seems
plausible, entertained by some Of our oppo-
nents, that the Republicans and Democrats
cannot agree upon one Constitution, they can
at least agree to submit the two Constitutions
to the people for ratification on the same
day. Mr.. CURTIss of Saltwater, a member on
the Democratic side, and gentleman whom
we regard as lawyer of more than ordinary
ability, absolutely submitted this proposition
on Tuesday, in the shape of instructions to
the Conference Committee, and it was carried
in the body in which he holds seat.
Without at all Directing to the posi-
ton Which Mr. CURrIss and his coadjutors
have placed themselves in by their course in
this matter, we would respectfully call upon
them to tell us whether or net they have any
precedent for regarding the organic law of
the State as an instrument which should emf
nate from political party? What principle
will be decided by one or the other pieces of
parchment receiving the highest number of
votes Is not written Constitution, in
all cases, the fundamental law which must
govern all parties in the State, and therefore
when you talk of voting on the same day for
a Constitution emenating from political par
party, do you not endanger the internal
peace of the State by attempting to enforce
that instrument when somewhat different
one in detail, but not principle, has received
about an equally favorable endorsement at
the peoples hands ? Suppose that this vot-
ing on the same day as to which of the nstru-
ments of writng-that enrolled by j. j.
Noah, or that enrolled by l.. A. BABCocK-
document will be placed in the archives of
the State as the Constitution =? Suppose the
same state of affairs arises at the close of the
canvass that has arisen in the organization
of the Convention, and both parties claim the
majority-a very natural consequence, if two
Constitutions are ubmitted-what then fol-
lows ? Would not as bad state Of anarchy
ensue as though no attempt had ever been
made to harmonic? 1t is unnecessary to
detail the consequences. They rise up in the
mind of every practical man upon one mo-
ment's reflection.
Again did it ever strike the mind of Mr..
CURTIss and the ether friends of this propo-
sition, that it embodles no compromise what
ever between parties Did it ever suggest
itself to their reasoning faculties that all the
DAYS in the year are just as free to the use of
the Republicans for this day Of voting as
they are to the Democrats ? If the Repub-
licans first get through with their work, and
as of course they will-appoint day upon
which their Constitution shall be submitted
to vote of the people, have not the Demo
Gratis the right to choose the same day with
out asking leave, and gice rersa? And, real
ly, do our Democratic friends expect to 60
into this Quixotic fight upon two copies of
Constitution, identically the same in principle,
without subjecting themselves to the ridicule
of our own people at home Of all parties, and
the ridicule of the whole civilized world?
We will imagine that Mr.. CURTIss and his
friend and colleague, Capt. HoLcoMBE, if you
please, are seated at the breakfast table of the
Fuller House, one of these pleasant mornings.
The newsboy comes along with the Pioneer
and Democrat of that date. He throws down
a copy in front of each gentleman forthwith
Mr.. CURT1ss and the Captain commence a
furious quarrel as to which copy each other
shall open and read. Would not this action
subject both gentlemen to the charge of max
ing themselves extremely ridiculous?
From the tone of popular opinion daily
reaching us from all parts of the Territory,
we have little doubt that if two Constitutions,
IDENTICAL in principle as these two Constitu-
situations will be, are submitted on the same
day, both will be rejected. If not rejected
it will be claimed that both are adopted:
both will go before Congress, and both will
be rejected there. TIE Southern Fire Eaters
will join the Northern Democrats to vote
down the Republican Constitution, and will
act with the Republicans in voting down the
Democratic Constitution. This question,
now before a Committee of Conference of
both parties, has passed out of the line of
politics, and has assumed the shape of plain,
practical business matter. Our only safety
from anarchy and unforeseen distress and ruin
in all of our business interests, is in submit
ting but one Constitution to the people
This is what the people demand.