Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-01-04

purpose Of comforting upon one portion of the
States undue influence and power in the govern
meut, by depriviug another portion Of the states
Of rights long enjoyed aud essential 70 their
well being and equality in the Union. The dif-
iculty and embarrassment Of the convention that
framed the Constitution, arising from the diverse
interests OF the States represented therein, is
matter of history, but the patriotic men that
composed that convention, looking only to the
general good, and not TO local or sectional tn-
terests, presented to the American people, as the
result Of their labors, the Constitution under
which they and their descendants, until recently,
have lived prosperously and happy II Is Re-
lieved faithful observance Of it's provisions
would now more effectually secure the Just
rights Of all, than can be effected by amend
ments such as that now proposed. The circum-
stances under which this amendment is pre-
sented. is, to say the least unfortunate. The
Congress that proposed it is composed Of the
Representatives and Senators of only part Of
the States Of the Union, and grave doubts are
entertained by eminenty wise and patriotic
statesmen in reference to the authority Of such
Congress to initiate measures looking to an
alteration Of the fundamental law by which the
rights Of all the States are, hereafter, to be as
certained. have no hesitation in saying that
whatever authority the present Congress may
possess for the purpose of ordinary legislation,
propose amendments to the Constitution are we'll
worthy the consideration of the American people.
II the Senators and Representatives Of the States
unrepresented in Congress had voluntarily ex-
cluded themselves from participation in the legs-
aon Of the country the would be widely dheren
but such Is not the fact They seeking admission
into the halls OF Congress on the very day the revolution
proposing the amendment was passed. and had been for
long time before But in violation Of the Just rights Of
laon Of the plaines provsons Of the Federal Consttn-
tlo they have been and still purpossly and stud-
ousy excluded from the legislative councils ofthe nnon
and the right Of the excluded States TO representation 10
sought to be made dependent upon their adoption Of this
amendment The right Of the excluded States TO be
presented In Congress does not depend upon the adoption
rejection Of this amendment indeed upon the will
pleasure Of the Congress that proposed H. but exists
under this provisions U the Constitution aud the denial
Of this right is the exercise Of unwArranted arbitrary
p0wer,-s In word usurpalion aud revolution. Whelh-
or the American people will submit either 70 the denial
Of the right Of the Southern States TO representation or
that that right shall be made to depend upon the Will OF
party In Congress representing minority OF the people
of the country, questions that cannot long remain
Undetermined, Acqueecenee in such usurpaton will
inevitably lead to deapotlsm
Apart however from these considerations there are OBJ
jectons TO the proposed amendment inherent in itself
sufficient to warrant and demand its rejection by the lie
gsAture OF this State. The necessity OF the amendment
Is pfeulSsted py Congress upon the PropTe o. eurla
In aspect tho amendment Is framed with that view
but II apparent an Interior purpose, the bastowa Of
the elective franchise the African In this country
Is likewise contemplated In the proposed alteration Of the
Constitution. Neither OF these objects be accomplish
from the spirit Of the as formed by the
Of the Republic, and without manifest wrong and inus-
tce to the States to be affected thereby The possession
Of an undue preponderance Of political power by either
section Of the country would Inevitably tend to unjust
and oppressive legislation towards the other. So far
therefore 1t be accomplished equalization of
power between the two sections Of the country should be
maintaned Certainly 1t would not be the effort OF en-
lghened satssmauship to invest either with such
trolling influence would constitute II permanently the
governing section. Such however is the avowed object
Of the proposed amendment TO the Constitution. The
majority in Congress desires TO to II Northern
States, through this amendment the permanent control
Of the Government either by diminishing the number Of
representatives from the Sou hern States or by compelling
these States confer tho elective franchise the
population within their limits, through whose influence
and votea they hope to the control Of
the Legislation OF the country Incredible a. IL may APP
such Ia the proposition submitted by the American
Congress- through this amendment to the legislatures Of
this and other sates II may be gravely doubted leaving
out Of view the demand that Is made OF the Southern pe0
pethAt they shall osraelse and disgrace forever
Of the best men among them,-wheher the Congress Of
the Nation contemplated desired aequiescenee by
| the Southern people In these unjust and offensive de-
manda whether the rejection Of this amendment was
not desired that IL might be made the preex for usup
consolidation Of power In Congress composed exclusive
ly OF representatives from Northern States. Whatever
may have been the expectation object Of Congress- the
rejection OF this amendment Ia demanded alike by evey
consideration Of justice patriotism and humanity aud
to be hoped that the Legislature Of Southern
Border State will be found wanting In selfrespeet
regardless Of the rights and dignity the State thoy
represent as to hesitate to reject proposition SO unwor
thy Of consideration The issues upon which the mem
Der Of the present General Assembly eleoed and
the emphatic declaration Of the viii Of the people Of thu
State expressed at the polls at the election In
dlcates clearly that you will withhold your approvA
from proposition manlfsstly absurd and unjust a
that contained In the amendment referred to- that deem
II unnecessary ts submit 70 that eilec
COVE SALISBURY.
Dover, January I, 1851