Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-11-01
Deferred Debato.
MesDAr October 81, 1859. ]

The following remarks were made in the House
Of Representatives on Thursday last; Mr. Bickuells
resolution precludiug amendments to the Canstitu-
ton for the next six years, being under considers
ton. They will appear in their proper place in
the LEeIsLATIvE UNION AND AMERICANA
Mr. WILLIAMSON Mr.. Speaker, in arriving at a
correct conclusion in regard to proposition sub
mitted to this House for its action thereon, two
points are material to be considered. The first Of
which, and the most important is, have we the Con-
stituiiopa power to do the thing proposed? Should
this question receive negative answer ali further
inquiry is wholly unnecessary; for however wise ex-
pc1ient aud potio aay proposed measure appear
in itself, unless it comes to US with the stamp CT
Constitutional power upon it, we cannot for q mo-
nent entertain it, 1t is not, then, until the ques-
tior of Constitutional power satisfactorily settled
that We can properly and legitimatey inquire into
and examine the question of expediency.
The first question, then, for our consideration
aud for the settlement of which the resolution no
pending was proposed is have we the right to pro-
pose amendments TO our State Constitution at the
Pre- sent session Of the Legislstureg
Those who main ain that we have no such power
pcin US to the 81 section of the llh article of the
Constitution which declares that "the Legislature
shall not propose amendments to the Consttui ion
oftsner than in six years." and then refer us
to the action Of the last Legislature submitting the
question of Convention no Convention for the
purpose of amending revising or shoiishing the old
and of establishing new Constitution to vote of
the people as q proposed amendment, within the
meaning of the above section. - 3D.
While others contend that the above clause in
the Constitution has application whatever to the
calliag Of convention for the purpose of revising
or abolishug the present Constitution, and of es-
,ablishiug new oce in its stead; but that on the
contrary, every Legislature may submit the ques-
ti0n of convention or No convention to the people
or thai the people themselves without she nterven
ton OF the Legislature, may meet in primary assem-
bles aud appoint delegates to Convention for the
purpose Of altering or abolishiug the Constitution
in such manner as they may think proper. Aud in
support Of this position the 1st Section Of the LIST
Article of the Declaration of Rights is relied upon,
which dc cares in substance, that the people "have
at all TINES an iDsliensble and indefeasible right to
altar, reform or abolish the government in such
manner as they may think proper"
This section Of the bill Of rights if it was intend
ed for sny other purpose than the declaration
of the great and fundamental principle which I'M
erlies our whole republican system, viz: that every
people, when government becomes arbitrary and
oppressiye have and may exercise that inherent"
s.upalieusble'' and ''indefensble" right Of over
throwing the same by revolutionary movement.
and of odaiuing and establishing in its place any
other they may deem proper, would, at first view,
seem TO favor the idea, that every Legislature may