Indiana State sentinel., 1861-01-16
Reforming the consultation.

When the old Confederacy had in the opinion
of some of the States, failed 10 effect the objects
for which il was formed, our forefathers, like
sensible men, set about its reformation without
any threats of coercion or talk of war. They as
sembled a convention, which formed the present
Constitution, and provided for Union when rat
fed by nine States, and between all the States
ratifying. There was as much objection 10 the
Confederation as there is now TO the present
Union, and there was as much opposition 20 is
dissolution exists at present against the disin-
tegration of the present C0nfeleracy. But, not
withstanding all this, our forelathers proceeded
with their work, and brought peace and Consti-
tuition which won the admiration of the world the
nullifying States of the North excepted.
We know no reason why the example of our
forefathers can not be followed at the present
time-why convention. OUTSIDE of the present
Constitution and appointed by the State Legisla
lures, can not assemble forthwith and prepare
Constitution be submitted to all the States, and
binding between the first ten. twelve, or fifteen
States that ratify Il.
Ii NAV be urgel that States rot contiguous
might ratify. and tha; the new Union wouhd not
be composed Of contiguous and c0;erm nous
States. We do not think the-e is any danger Of
this, for the delegates would know the sentiments
and wishes of their States, and would guard
against this danger. The Southern States. With
out consulting the North, should appoint dele
gates TO such convention, and the Constitution
then agreed upon should be submitted 90 all the
States for ratification or rejection. The subnlis-
sion of such Constitution 10 the NOrthen States
would present am issue to the conservative ami
abolitionists which would enable the Union me.l
20 rally and defeat the deStructives. The Ssates
not ratifying would be out of the Union. divided
among themselves in local position vel po-
litical opinion. Under existing affairs, the Black
Republicans having possession of the organiEa
ton of the Northern States are enabled TO smother
the conservative sentiment; but the submission OF
new Constitution, with the certainty Of lis ad0p-
ton by the South and the permanent dissolution
of the present Confeleracy, would introduce rev
olution into every Nortisesn State. which would
result in the overthrow Of Black Repnblcanism
There are many thousands of persons at the
North, who despise Black Republicansm much
as do the people of the South These men are
poweress at present, but the submission of Con
stitution for ratification rejection would present
an issue which would enable the Northern Conser
vatives to rally and destroy Black Republicanism
Such Constitution would form new confedc
racy of the Southern States, into which ans
Northern State, willing 70 comply with the term.
of its ratification, could enter, and some of th,
Northern States would ratify such Constitution
for between the manufacturing, tariff States oi
New England, and the farming, free trade States
of the North west, there is nothing common save
Black Republicanism-aDd this would be sur
rendered by some of the Northern States rathel
than submit TO New England policy.
Such Constitution would unite the South and
divide the North, il would transfer the battle
ground 10 the North, and so divide and distract
those States that the South would not be mo
lested.
We have not undertaken 10 intimate what
changes should be made IN the present Constitu-
hat
improved; but its revision by a Convention is
necessary in order to ascertain If the wisdom OF
the States can suggest Improvements. Richmond
Enquirer.