The Portland daily press., 1865-02-28
Tuesday Morning, Feb. 2s, 1866.
A Democrat on the Constitutional Amend

~ DSAhOOA@v OAI bAO OVAouAo0p1OnoA AA4AOASl-
ment. E aaeE
Hon. Anson Herrick, member of Con-
gress from New York city, made a speech on
the Constitutional Amendment question, from
which we make the following extract:
THE POWER TO AMEND.
81 have no doubt of the power to make this
amendment to the constitution in the manner
proposed. By the adoption of that constitu-
tion, the states transferred to three-fourths of
their number their entire sovereignty, which
can be at any time exerted to augment or di-
minish the functions of the general Govern
ment, save 10 the two particulars excepted by
special limitation. Three-fourths OF the states
can, by an amendment of the constitution, ex-
ercise throughout the United States any pow
er that state individually can exercise with
in its own limits. ,.- a..ssa .GF
The institution of slavery is purely crea-
tion of law, and completely under the control
OF the state in which it may exist, at whose
pleasure it may be modified or abolished
What the state may do, the higher power to
which by the adoption of the constitution
the state voluntarily ceded its whole sover-
eighty, except in two particulars, is certainly
competent to do, whenever it chooses to as
sert its authority. In amending the constitu-
tioD, three-fourths of the states actually rep
AOoChb bAO WADAOS 61u buC cSCAb 10 AAfCobCQ
with all the powers that belong to his prin-
cipal.
Mr. Speaker never had any love for the
institution of slavery. / always regarded it
as moral, social and political evil and a
fruitful curse to any community in which it
might exist. In this sentiment believe that
fairly represent the views of the great bulk
of the Democratic party of the Northern
States. s .aq gNf
The two parties into which the people were
divided prepared for the Presidential election
with distinctly understood issue. The par
ty of the administration incorporated this
amendment in the platform of principles up
on which they entered the canvass. The op-
position boldly declared for cessation of
hostilities and national convention to redress
all grievances, settle all difficulties, and make
an honorable and lasting peace by satisfac-
tory compromise. 1t was well understood
that the principal business OF this contemplat-
ed national convention, should it ever assem-
Bile, would be to put at rest, at once and
forever, by the agency, of amendments to
the constitution, the vexed question of
slavery, which has disturbed the harmony Of
the country ever since its agitation was COM
menced, when Missouri applied for admission
into the Union. There was therefore no con-
fct of opinion between the two parties as to
the power to amend the constitution in re-
gard to the institution of slavery.
SLAVERY AND THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
Looking at the subject as a party man, from
party point of view, as one who hopes soon
TO see the Democratic party again in power.
this proposition seems to present a desirable
opportunity for the democracy to rid itself al
once and forever OF the incubus of slavery
and to Danish its perplexing issues beyond tht
pale OF party politics, no longer to distrac
our connsels and disturb the harmony of oul
movements. Every year and every day W.
are growing weaker and weaker in popular ia
vor, while our opponents are strengthening
because we will not venture to cut loose from
the dead carcass OF negro slavery. 1t is plain
enough to my mind that if the Democratic
party would regain its supremacy in the gov
ernment OF the nation, 1t must now let slav
cry Slide
: Why, Mr. Speaker, when the chosen repre-
eentatlves of The border states upon this fool
stand up and advocate this measure in the ell
oquent aud persuasive tones which we hav'
heard from the gentlemen from Delaware
Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri, who have
spoken in this debate; why, l ask, should th'
representatives of the democracy of the fre'
states any longer contend against an inevita
BILE result, especially when no advantage from
such contention is to accrue to either our par
ty or the country? Two gentlemen from Mis-
souri, state whose people have voluntarily
abolished slavery since tiis House Adjourned
last July, (Messrs. Rollins and King,l who, a
the last session, voted With me against this res
olution, both OF them being Shareholders, hav
spoken at this session ia favor of it. they
who are far better qualified than am to judg
of the Justice and propriety of this measure
have become convinced by the events of las
wear that the best interests of the country Wi
be promoted by the passage of this resolution
blythe present Congress. l agree with them
M. Speaker, and | have become likewise con
-inced that the best good of the old demo
cratic party will be enhanced by its adoption
Upon the consummation of this measure aney
organization Of parties will be inevitable, an
the slavery question being forever disposed O
other issues connected with the future inter
ests and policy of the government will divid
the people; and itneeds no prophet TO forete
the speedy triumph of the true democrac
with the great principles inscribed upon it
banner by Jefferson, jackson and other ps
triots and sages who have borne it aloft throug
the great struggles of tine past. f
Suppose, Mr.. Speaker, this House shoul
fail to respond to the popular sentiment
passing this resolution, and the Presiden
should call an extra session of the next Cor
gress, at which it should pass, as it undoubt
edy will, so as to become an issue in our stat
elections next fall. In the light of past ez
perience would ask my friends on this sid
of the House if we could reasonably expeC
to successfully meet the prominent questio
that would be forced upon our party. All car
didates for the legislature would be confront
ed with this measure, and all our election
would necessarily be conducted with specis
reference to il. In the State of New York.
this negro question should be put out of ou
politics by the adoption of this resolution i
season for the legislature now in session t
pass upon it, the democracy, doubt not, will
= - III l. q
legislature, and reclaim full possession of tn
governments of the Empire State upon the e,
piration Of Governor Fenton's term. But
this question remains at issue do not hes
tate to express my opinion that outside of tn
cities of New York and Brooklyn scarcely
senator or assemblyman could be elected nel
Novmeber In the state. - r hfl