Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1859-04-01


], 81 a. ERID Ak, a PRI
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Tie other, which will they surrender, the
.lses'Szscll lpze,-o the 3eet1fet5on
J How then, Mr.. Speaker, can it be called
an eastern or western 4neasure2 It is
sggreat question of State policy, involving
act onlyza great cardinal principle Of gov
ernment, but the financial interest of every
section and Of the whole State.
S The eighth objection to altering the con-
stitntion is, that it will drive slaves out Of
lie State.
4Fisf aossSnnefft ftsn nrser Niieil
they are as we'll protected at so little
expense2 Money is the motive power by
which the machinery Of government is pro
PEELED, and taxation the only means by
which the supply Of that motive power can
be kept up, and property and persons the
only subjects from which that supply can
be drawn. Where then can they find a
government which will protect them in
the enjoyment Of their property, and ex-
enlpt it from taxation
But Mr. Speaker, If there is a Senator
upon this floor, or q citizen within the
limits Of North Carolina, whose soul is so
contracted, whose heart is SO utterly de6ti-
tute Of every emotion Of patriotism as to
be unwilling to contribute his just propor-
ton to the support Of the government
which protects lis life and his property. [
say let him go; he will leave the State for
the good Of the State. | am now ready to
bid him hearty goodbye, and when he
takes up the line Of lnarcb from the 'Oid
North State" because he is unwilling eth
CT to sustain her interest or credit with his
means, or her honor with his life, for one
will bid him God-speed.
And, Mr. Speaker, / have but one re-
quest to make OF those who leave, aud that
is, that when they arrive at their journey s
end, and are asked why they emiyrated,
and they assign as the reason, that they
wore required to pay their fair, equal and
just proportion Of the taxes necessary TO
support the government, that they do tell
from whence they calne--do not hail from
North Carolina.
The ninth objection to altering the con
stitution is, that constitutions are made for
the protection OF minoriies, and therefore,
ought not to be changed. [ admit that
~eoaat lsltisalls I1l: la.eteetian
Of 1Elf17oTIsIes as welt as of maj orftcs. and
well as maiorities but that is no argu-
ment in favor OF the restriction in the con
stitution which the bill under considera-
passage OF the bill for the object of the
bill! is, not to put the minority in worse
condition than the majority, bat to put
chem on an equality with the majority
Ii all the citizens and property OF the State
II pli4a "a
to taxation, and the bill under considera-
tion proposed to alter the constitution 50
as to discriminate against the minority and
in favor Of the majority, then the oDjec-
ton would hold good but the object OF
the bill being 20 break down discrinina-
ton in favor of y minority, and to estab-
lish a perfect equality between them and
the majority, the objection fails. And
the minority certainly cannot complain at
being placed on al equality with the ma
jorlty for while the rights of minoritlts
oaglst to be respected and protected, they
cannot reasonably expect more protection
or greater privileges than majorities; ii is
enough if they arc respected and protect
ed as equals.
Tie tenth objection to the passage OF
the bin is, that It is dangerous to make
frequent alterations in the constitution
The constitution, Mr.. Speaker, framed
in 1776 by the representatives OF the peo-
pie, by their authority and designed to be
most conducive to their happiness and
prosperity, seems to have answered the
purpose for which it was framed, for fifty
| nine years. It was admirably adapted to
the condition and circumstances of the
people for whom it was framed, and by
l.vhen it was adopted, and we cannot too
Isnuca admire the wisdom and patriotism
Of those to whom was entrusted the duty
| of framing it. Butthe condition and cir
cumstances of the people having under
gone a change, it was thought expedient
/ aud necessary to alter the constitution in
1885. I am sorry that | have TO say, that
the alteration in reference to taxation was
no improvement. But as the constitution
was made by the people, for the purpose
LOT promoting their happiness and prosper
ify, they have the unquestionable right,
and ought to alter it, whichever it fails to
lsaccomI3lish the object for which it was
/ framed. N statesman ever supposed that
a constitution framed in 17F6, OF even in
1885, would be adapted to AL the circum-
stances and meet all the wants of the State
/ ii 1860. It was doubtless expected that
succeeding generations would alter it to
suit themselves But suppose they did
not contemplate ifs alteration, have we
| not as much right TO alter tile constitution
i as oilf fathers had to frame It in 1716, OF
/ as those who saltered it in 1885, 1t then,
Mr. Speaker, we have the right to alter
| the constitution, and the interests Of the
people demand it, what danger is to be ap-