Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-03-13

THE CONSTITUTION

An appeal to the passions of mankind sa
more ready way to incite community to ac-
tion, than a resort to reason. When passion is
inflamed. like an infectious disease, the circle
widens and widens until all who are within its
influence become feveTish, and fer the while
reason loses its sway. Such appeals though
the most efficient the most dangerous, for
man blinded by passion may destroy his only
substantial good. or in fleeing from anticipa
ted i'll rush upon evils ten times more terrible.
These thoughts force themselves upon us when
we review our history, particularly that of the
last few months. Our government was crca-
ted to establish justice, ensure domestic
tranquility, provide for the common defence,
promote the general welfare and secure the
blessings of lberty"-nobler, better objects
than these could no people have adopted
they are sunnlum bOnum-comprise all tempo
raj benefits which man should seek or desire
The prosperity or adversely of any individual
has a greater or less effect on the whole com.
munity. The success of the many is the OBJ
ect to be attained, aud its attainment proves
beyond cavil that the government has per-
formed its mission. The sun has never shone
upon freer, happier or more prosperous peo
pie than we have been, and if we are but wise
and study and practice the teachings of those
who conceived and projected our glorious
Constitution, that brilliant luminary will, as in
its regular course if lights our eastern shores,
disclose the progressive strides which we are
making towards our manifest destiny and the
solution Of the probem-man' capability Tor
self government. Our Constitution was a
compromise. 1t was the product OF careful,
prayerful delberation. If it was not perfect,
its comprehensiveness and excellence was the
marvel of thinking men and the subject of
their panygeric. Unless impious hands des-
troy it and demolish the fair fabric of a gov
ernment which has been raised upon t-whlst
jot or little remains it should be respected
and obeyed, it declares itself to be the su-
preme law of the land. 1t is our ark of safe
ty. When a flushed and victorious majority
seeks to override the few and trample their
rights in the dust, the minority can fly TO the
Constitution, invoke its protection and it will
palsy the arm of majority intent on wrong.
Our fathers displayed foresight in providing a
means of changing the organic law of the land
by amendments to the Constitution and thus
removing all reasons for revolution. Their
wisdom is apparent By the checks which pre-
vent amendments in time of intense excite
ment. They believed the sober second thought
of the people would correct the dangerous po-
sitions assumed by men during popular COM
motions. Let us, like them, view men who
pander to the prejudices OF a community as
enemies of themselves and of the people. If
our Constitution does not suit the exigencies
of the times let US divest ourselves of passion,
and as reasonable, thinking men, with an eye
sipgle TO the good OF our aohoLc people, take
the proper steps and make such amendments
as are necessary and then trust to Providence
for the future.