Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-08-25
THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION.


The Maryland Constitutional Conyen-
ton, which has been in session for several
months, concluded its labors a few days
since, and directed the submission of the
new constitution to a vote Of the people
on the 9th Of September ensuing. This
body was called under popular auspices,
and elected by an untrammelled vote Of
the people, and was composed of some
Of the ablest and most experienced men
in the State. The facts warrant the as
sumption that the instrument it has pre-
pared is wisely drawn and adapted to the
condition of the people of Maryland.
We have not seen it in eSeaSo, but learn
through the Baltimore papers some Of its
leading features
A fearless hand has been laid upon
some Of the souorous phrases, which the
enthusiasm of half and three-fourths
Of century ago placed in the Bill Of
Rights which it is customary to prefix to
the specific articles Of our American
constitutions-sen distractions
merely, which have been made the pre-
text for the most degrading and PERM
cious demagoguery that ever cursed
a land 1t required courage, at
this time to omit the annunciation
Of that elf-eyident error that all men are
created equal, and TO renounce the eorol-
larry that all schemes Of government
should recognize the fact, but this body
has done it, and, in our opinion, has done
right Radical moboerats will rail at it;
and the rushing tide that is sweeping to-
wards the brink of the pure democratic
Niagara of Mr. Carlyle, at whose abyss
all governments viii be shattered into
anarchy, may overwhelm Maryland, but
it viii be in spite of manly resistance
that eompels admiration In the elimi-
nation of this erroneous dogma from the
declaratory portion of their constitution,
the body has entered wise and well-
timed protest against one of the dangers
which threaten the Republican system
its subsection TO the license and caprice
of the ignorant and depraved
II has, however, been as careful to pro
vide against dangers Of a diametricany
opposite character absorption Of all
power by the government In the light
of the past few years, Article A in the
words following is eminently proper
That the provisions Of the constitution
Of the United and Of this State apply az
well ia time Of war as 10 time Of peace,
and any departure therefrom, OF violation
thereof, under the plea of necessity, or any
other plea, is subversive of good gov
eminent and tends TO anarchy and des-
potism.
Another article provides that under
no circumstances shall tho Legislature
pass any lawSuspending the privilege Of
the habeas corpus" These are pertinent
to the prevention Of evils now being suf-
Tered on an extended scale, and are
necessary to the maintenance of sound
and stable popular government.
In regard 70 slavery, the following ar
ticle is submitted
Slavery shall not be re-established in this
State but having been abolished nnder
the policy and authority Of the Jailed
States, compensation in copsideration
thereof is due from the United States.
In accordance with this view, and the
former declarations and actions Of both
the Executive and Legislative branches o.
the Federal government on this subject