The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-11-02
THE INFAMOUS MISSOURI CONSTI'
TUITION.


THE INFAMOUS MISSOURI CONsTI-
TUITION.
II is known to our readers that, last WIN
ter, state constitutional convention, IN Mis-
souri,, composed of radical republicans. cleo
ted under military rule, formed a new con-
stitution for that state, which, tor Its imam
GUS attempts to crush out the liberties OF the
people, never had an equal in this country.
This constitution was declared adopted, by
the secretary of state after an exciting can
yass. in which it is believed ajority of
the people voted against it. That it wss de-
clared adopted, by the most shameful frauds
in the Office of the secretary of state, Is charg-
ed by the press of Missouri.
The opposition to that constitution OF Mis-
souri, is of the most decided, determined
kind, and SO unpopular is it that already the
people have commenced movement for its
amendment.
On the 26th ult., an immense state conven
ton was held in St. Louis, presided over by
Hon. Samuel t. Glover. and st which speech
es were made by the most eminent men from
all parts of the state, among them Maj Gen
Francis P. Blair, Jr.
In order that our readers may clearly uu-
derstand the points in controversy, we pub
lish the able speech of Mr.. Glover, on taking
the chair. The st. Louis Republican says ::
The convention was called to order, pursu-
suant to adjournment, by the temporary
chairman, when Mr.. Switzler, of Boone, an
nouncad no IN IN rOitrna a n min ad Tn m
tify Hon. S. I. Glover of his election as pres
ident of the convention had performed that
duty, and that Mr.. Glover was present.
Thereupon, the chairman introduced Mr.
Glover to the convention. The delegates,
seeming to recognize in the newly-eIected
president q type and representative of the
opposition to the infamous new constitution
1.-THE overthrow OF which was a part of the
business for which the convention was called
himself learned and eloquent opponent of
that instrument he was received with long
continued and vociierOus applause When
quiet was restored. Mr.. Glover addressed the
delegates, in m5st eloquent terms, on the
subjects which brought them together.
SPEECH OF Mr.. GLOVER.
Gentlemen of the convention
1 sincerely thank you for the great honor,
the most unexpected honor of being elected
to preside over your deliberations. | can as
sure you that had not the smallest sntici-
patton of such an event. | shall ask you,
gentlemen of the convention, to extend to me
your kind Indulgence, and accept from me,
instead of the proper discharge of the duties
of the Office you have placed in my hands
my best intentions to serve you. 4 shall GER
tainly endeavor to preside with impsrtiality
and fairness; but shall beg you not to forget
that | never before was placed In such po-
sltion, and am almost entirely unacguainted
with Its duties
1t Is true, gentlemen, as has been stated
by my friend, Capt. Able, that / have taken
some part in the controversy which has aris-
en- in reference to the new principles of gov
eminent which have been set up in Missouri
L have watched for some time past the cur
ront of our political affairs In Missouri and
elsewhere, and without knowing precisely
how it happened, have found myself, like
others, involved in this unhappy conflict. i
can scarcely see how man who has had any
regard for his own rights or the rights of 9TH
ers, or the good OF his country, could fail to
become profoundly interested in events so ex-
traordlnary as have transplred here in the
last few years. | am glad, gentlemen, that
you are here. 1t has been equally impossi-
bile for you as for me not to be solemnly i'm
pressed by the condition of things But it
seems strange, yes, more than strange, that
the people Vi MiSsOurl should nave to face
the complications of this day. In revolutions
men live fast. Opinions are formed and
abandoned. and action is taken and reversed
with q rapidity which is astounding to them
selves. In such times we look for the most
grotesque images, and the most startling con-
illusions. The friends of freedom to-day be-
come her deadly enemies tomorrow, and the
extremes of liberty and despo,ism are often
very near together. In my childhood / read
with uncommon interest the history of the
French revolution. l have read the same
history In my maturer age. / never read it
without wondering at the amazing inconsist-
ency of men. 1 never read it without a sense
of rejoicing that my own people and my own
nation were 20 superior 10 the French.
was reared in the belieEthat about the Anglo
baxon-especialy the American type--there
was something better, nobler, OWNER than
was found in any other type of man. But,
my friends, am afraid that this was only q
oeiosion A traveller who passed round the
world declared that he never saw but two
persons, one was q man and the other a wom-
an The traveller intended to suggest that
Al men and women are much alike. You