Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1866-01-03
IL. H. WILSON, Editor and Publisher
Constitutional Amendment,


The amendment to the Constitution of
the United States, prohibiting slavery,
has been adopted. Mr.. Seward, Secretary
Of State, has issued a proclamation an
nouncing that twenty-seven States have
adopted the amendment. which is three
foar.hs Of all the States in the Union
Official notice has been received at his de-
partment to this effect. This result was
confidently anticipated, and We are %rejoic-
ed that our land is forever free from the
disgrace of human bondage. No longer
shall we hear the crack of the whip of
the slave-driyer, or the clanking of their
chains. Freedom reigns throughout the
land, and the pure principles Of the Dec
~laration of Independence are in perfect
harmony with the Constitution Of the
United States. The 6iscord which has
heretofore existed between our practice
and our profession, no longer prevails
While we have proclaimed freedom over
the whole land, we ought not to forget
that Justice to all is not SO universal as II
should be. We have taken one great step
in the right direction, and in due time,
have no doubt, we shall take others no less
important. We cannot expect to gain
everything at cnce. All men must be
made equal under the law, SO far as re.
CARDS their rights Of person and property,
and if the friends Of liberty and justice
are true to themselves aud the immutable
principles upon which these great rights
are founded, they will secure all that Is
needed to perfect the great system OF
American republicanism, which was the
purpose for which our revolutionary faith
ers made such immense sacrifices of life
and property.
Although but twenty-seven States have,
as yet, officially notified the general gov
eminent of their acceptance Of the amend
meut, Oregon and California have also
ratified it. New Jersey, although late,
ana Delaware will yield to the ~salutary
influences by which they are surrounded
and proclaim for freedom. Even Ken
lucky will not continue in her obstinacy
to reject it. 1t matters little, however,
what course these States may take, the
Constitution is now amended, and univer.
sal liberty is the result.
There are other amendments to the
Constitution which will be required to
complete the great work OF reconstrlc'
ton which is nov going on. These
amendments have been introduced into
Congress, and should they pass that oody
they will receive proper consideration
from the people and the State Leslsla-
lures. At a proper time we shall not hes
itate TO express our views upon these
amendments. At present we would mere
" remark that such are the momentous
events which have recently occurred. that
several changes are necessary In the Con-
stitution to bring it up to the advanced
state of public sentiment and the new
condition of national affairs. The WOE
derful revolution which has been effected
during the last few years cannot fail to
impress us with the belief that or future
prosperity as a nation, demands new priv
ileges and imposes upon us new duties
The Constitution should come up to our
present stand point and from this we
must infuse new life and vigor into our
free institutions. From US the world
must be taught the value and excellence
Of cur republic. We seek no visionary
changes. They are real, vital, and must
be well considered. They will be fully
discussed, and we have no fears but ma
ture deliberation will lead to a proper de-
c;riou on III ;hesc amendments