The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1861-03-08
The paoiA cation.

ltocc Nouseutiou yestFes"J S"'bS W
happy termination in the adoption of a
series Of proposed amendments TO the
Constitution Of the United States. In
telliaence of the fnct has already been
transmitted by the electric telegraph to
all parts Of the land, and has doubtless
diffused thrill of joy such asit is given
to a patriotic people to feel only in those
supreme moments which mark the epochs
In their civil history. 2ers
The popular mind, in its yearning for
some programme of Cancellation which
promised TO combine and rally all hearts
to the reinforcement Of the Constitution
and to the preservation Of the Union,
had turned wistfully and anxiously 10
the Commissioners of the States con-
vencd in response to the invitation of
Virginia. While, perhaps, there would
have been no good or sufficient reason to
despair of the Republic because OF tenn
porary failure on the part of the Dele
gates thus assembled to concert measures
satisfactory to all, it will be admitted OF
every hand that the adoption of such
propositions. under some circumstances
not the most propitious to harmonious
deliberations, deserves to be everywhere
received as a most gratifyingevidence Of
that conciiatory temper and spirit which,
in spite of the irritations and corrosions
of our 1, ta ar,k;tto,aJ ,aot;o,aI oo,+,o
versies, still pervade the great mass of
the American people, insomuch that
their Representatives, when brought to-
gethar at time of great excitement,
have been able, after the interchange of
thought and opinion, to unite upon the
terms of great pacifcation.
These terms, which the reader will find
subjoined to this article, have been stated
in the shape of amendments to the Con-
stitution of the United States, and will
now DC submitted to Congress, under the
fifth article of that instrument, which. it
will be rendered, is in the following
words:
"The Congress, whcncrer tpo.hiras of both
Houses shall deem it necessary, shall pro-
pose amendments to this Constitution, or.
on the application of the Legislatures of
two-thirds of the several States, shall call
Convention for proposing amendments,
which, in either case, shall be valid, to all
intents and purposes. as part of this Con-
Mre;tomths Of lie sercrat States, or by Con-
ft.,.,of fL,
The other mode Of ratification may Je proposed
by Mc Congress"
The function of Congress being thus
explicitly defined in The performance of
this great transaction, we cherish the
earnest hope that its members now in
session, Notwithstanding the short period
of time which yet remains before the ex-
piration of the present term, will give
to the people of the severOl States an OPP
portunity to pass judgment upon the ac-
ceptabiity of the amendments proposed
by the Commissioners of the States
They proceed from body which, wheth-
er regard be had to the auspices under
which it was originated, the manner in
which its constituents were appointed
by the several States, or the distinguished
character of its members is certainly en-
tiled to expect for its recommendations
an attentive and respectful consideration
at the hands of those who in the National
Legislature represent the States and the
People OF the Union. Whatever may be
the individual opinion entertained by
any member Of the present Congress re-
specting the eligibility of these PROPOSE
tions, in whole or in part, he may in any
event, with entire consistency and in per-
feet conformity with his duty as repre-
sentative, aid in transmitting them to
that tribunal whose ratifcatiyn they must
receive before they become integral parts
of the national charter. Who will deny
to the people of the States an opportunity
to express their wishes in respect to the
adoption of these amendments? What
party shall assume to set itself up in con.
tempt Of that popular arbitrament which
sooner or later it must confront? If the
people are opposed to these propositions
they will so express themselves, and the
propositions will fall to the ground. II
the people. on the contrary, are inclined
as we feel assured is the case, to ratify
these amendments, they will deeply re-
sent the action of any party which pro
ceeds on the theory of baking theil
wishes. ....... ,.-.- ... ....-..
For ourselves we are free to say thatwe
gladly accept and cordially recommend
these propositions as a basis OF adjust
ment. We urge them now upon the
preliminary action of Congress, and We
shall urge them for final ratification by
the several States. We see in them a
ground upon which conservatives in the
North and In the South may make a
common and determined stand against
the continuance or revival in any form.
of the sectional agitaiions which have SO
long vexed the nation until at last they
have partially destroyed its integrity. If
we do not misconceive the purport and
mission of these propositions, they are
destined, BY the popular aaAension they shat
receive, 10 strike death dlo,o at poltieat ultra-
ism, vhsiher. finding is Representatives u, Ms
NORTH orm tie SSutA. By their acceptance
or their rejection the candidates for pop
ular favor in the immediate future must
be prepared to stand or fall. Sooner or
later the will OF the people will make
itself heard. in the final deliberate adop-
ton or in the final deliberate rejection