The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1858-03-18
The doctrines proclaimed by the

The doctrines proclaimed by the
Lecomptonites are almost as monstrous
as the acts Of aggression which they |
contemplate against the people of Kan
sas. The President and oil those who |
re-echo his views, declare that the PEG
pie Of Kansas will have an undisputed
right to change their constitution at any
time by bare majority Of votes should
it be obnoxious to them; Notwithstanding
its provision prohibiting all alteration Of
it till the year 1864. This idea is de-
structive of the fundamental doctrine Of
all American Constitutions. The first
idea given us of Constitution in all our
political primers and text books, is that q
Constitution is fundamental law estab-
liShed by the people to limit the power Of
majoriIies-to protect individuals and mi
norities from the tyranny and oppress-
ions Of overruling majorities.
1t is bill of restriction, that cannot
be charged nor abrogated except in the
mode prescribed by the terms Of the in
strumentlitself, and that mode is so de-
signed as to be strong check of itself
upon the will Of the majority. To
change the Constitution of the United
States would require the assent Of nearly
three fourths OF the people. To con-
tend that mere majority could destroy
or alter it would be revolutionary. The
power to change Constitution is always
most carefully guarded in every State
Constitution, for upon that, all the secu-
rity it gives to other rights solely de-
ponds. fla Constitution can be changed
by the will Of bare majority-and in
violation Of its own provisions--it affords
no more security than Statute Law
and makes Constitution mockery.-
1t has been said we were approaching a
state of anarchy, and were in the midst
Of revolution in which Constitution
and laws were losing their force
and in which the transient popula
will would become the only rule. The
strongest proofs we have Of the truth
of this sad opinion, are the doctrines
promulgated In the discussion Of the LIE
compton Constitution. The Presiden
in Message to Congress deliberatel.
assumes position in direct opposition
to the first principle Of all American
Constitutional doctrine, by contendin
that Constitutions are but the mere crea
lures Of the will OF the majority -subjec
to the caprices of popular opinion-to b
changed at any time in violation Of thci
own restrictions. A more anarchica
destructive doctrine could not be pre-
claimed by the widest fanatical revolu
ZIONIST. 1t destroys all confidence in th
permanency and security of all right
and inaugurates at once q mob rul
without check or responsibility -
Such principles cannot prevail Will
the judiciary maintains any self respec
or retains a shadow Of independence
Nor will those who now proclaim thel
support them in practice. AS soon Z
the profession Of them shall subserve
present purpose they will be repudiated b
their advocates. and denied as destructiv
and heretical. And can Congress,-wh
have no right to dictate in any way to
State, the form and conditions of its Cor
Observation-Disclosures State to set asit
the most sacred and stringent provision
ofits fundamental law? 1t is stranl
popular sovereignty doctrine, that Col
gress cannot prescribe any provision Of
State Constitution, and can by resol,
ton authorize the people Of State to s
its entire Constitution aside, and have
remodled.