Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1865-11-24
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MISSOURI.

THB new Constitution of Missouri has
created quite a topic for Copperhead howl
and much Misrepresentation exists as to
the condition of sentiment in Missouri
which brought it to pass" United
States Senator Henderson, OF the Sd Of
this month, made a speech i'll st. Joseph,
from which we quote q clear explanation
of the origin of the stringent provisions
and q statement as to the character Of the
opposition now arrayed against it. Sena-
tor Henderson speaks calmly and to the
point:
The new Constitution, to oppose and
overthrow which a new party is now or
ganizing in the State, was adopted in
March last, when the rebellion yet ragged
against the United States. Grant and his
brave legions were yet laundering at the
defenses of Richmond; Sherman, with his
heroic army was marching in pursuit Of a
formidable foe; Dick Taylor held Mobile;
Kirby Smith occupied Texas and a good
portion of Arkansas, and the war few
dared hope would be brought to an end
within the year. Such was the condition
of affairs and the prospects ahead that
when the Constitution was framed that it
was deemed absolutely necessary to insert
provisions somewhat harsh and stringent,
in order that the political power of the
State might be retained in loyal hands.
These provisions would perhaps not have
been thought of had the rebellion been
closed.
But formed as it was in q time of wal
and great peril to the Government, he be-
lieved it about as good as could have been
devised. Before the vote on its adoption
by tho people, he had written a letter in
which his objections were stated, and he
had then said that he would go before the
Legislature and urge such amendments as
he deemed the altered condition Of affairs
seemed to justify. Some say principles
never change, but he believed that they
were sometimes so closely merged into ex-
pediency, that il was difficult to draw a
dividing line. He had fully intended to
urge amendments, but since the rebels and
their friends were banding together to
effect its immediate and total overthrow,
and were even threatening vengeance on
every Radical man who refused to join
with them in their crusade, he had about
come to the conclusion that the whole
Constitution might as well stand, he en-
forced for q year or two, until those who
come under its ban bring to the altar fruits
meet for repentance. Until he was salts
fed that they were ready to do this, he
should urge no amendments, certainly
lone granting the elective franchise to the
disloyal.
He thought the test oath, so far as it ap-
Piled to ministers Of the gospel, unwise,
but no truly loyal preacher need have any
scruples about taking It. It did not re-
quire them to worship at any particular
altar, or prescribe for them any particular
creed it only required that they should
be loyal to the Government, supporters of
law and order, instead Of disturbers Of
the public peace and breeders of sedition.
1t is claimed by the new party that the
great principle Of Liberty is outraged by
this Constitution. Liberty is that sort of
license which is restrained by law. It did
not grant liberty to plot treason, or to
war upon the general Government, but no
truly loyal man can ~truthfully say that
his right to life, liberty, and the pursuit Of
happiness is infringed upon.