Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1867-02-21
REMARKS OF
HON. G.. WAYNE KINNEY,
MEMBER FROM BRADFORD COUNTY,

bill No. B, entitled Joint Resolution to
ratify the amendment to the Constitution
of the United States.
Mr.. KINNEY. Mr.. Speaker, the
proposition before the House sug-
gests change in the fundamental
law of the land While it's thorough
discussion would seem to be the Ia
Dor of statesmen-of men we'll versed
in the theory Of governmental pro-
pose nevertheless, briefly, to glance
at the subject as it appears to my
simple understanding. The Constitu-
tion itself has so carefully guarded
all approaches to it, in the way Of al
terations or amendments, that | have
no fears of any undue encroachments
upon it. All sovereignty resting in
the people of this Government, their
voice fairly expressed, may always
be relied upon as safe and whole
some. The danger consists in thwart-
ing their decisions or sitting their
expression. So much, sir, is the Con-
stitution venerated, that the growth
and advancement of our institutions
may be retarded from sheer conserv-
atism and reluctance to change
Such is notOriously the fact in rela-
ton to the church, and it seems to
me, sir, to be quite too true in the af-
fairs of State. 1t should be remem-
bered that no country named in his
tory can compare with this in all the
elements of advancement and great
ness but in many respects we are
still wearing the garments of youth,
and in danger of being dwarfed out
of fear of a change in our habiliments.
We seem afraid to trust ourselves in
repairing the damage caused by a
well known defect in our system, or
strengthen weak points developed
by the terrible years just passed.
We have witnessed the growth and
elimination of a rebellion of stupen-
dous proportions under this same
Constitution and yet there are those
who seem to think no change or mod
ification in it is necessary to prevent
a like occurrence. That men reared
in the same latitude and locality
should think SO unlike upon questions
of right and duty and Government,
may be set down as one of the anon
olies of our existence. That sys.
TEN of persistent drilling and educa-
ton should transform the adherence
of men, in generation, from de-
u.ocracy controlled by law to a disin.
tegration of our Republic, is among
the strange things we have wit
messed with sadness. The proud
and defiant Democratic party, which
had SO long controlled our Govern
ment, had become manipulated by
the immaculate teacher, John G. Cal,
houn, till it finally became the cham
pion Of rebellion The transforma-
ton had been so gradual and com
plete that it appeared to require no
sacrifice of principle to sympathize
with, if not directly to aid in, the over
throw of Republican institutions on
this continent
The seeds sown by that apostle of
evil, John c. Calhoun, bore in due
time legitimate fruit The doctrine
of State sovereignty, and the still
more dangerous sentiment he incul-
Gated of liberty unrestrained by law,
were nourished by the immaculate
Democratic party and rolled as a
sweet mOrsel under it's tongue. "The
cohesive power of plunder," held the
elements and cemented them into a
bond Of corruption, not dissolved till
the cup of denominations ran over
The persistent labor Of educating and
drilling the masses, was entrusted 10
worthy and willing hands, North and
South. Their appliances were some
times crushed, but what did it matter,
the great unterrified held domination,
and the reins of the Federal Govern
ment were firmly held by the slave
power. They dealt out crumbs from
the plantation table to their North
ern parasites, and in return their ad-
herents North did their bidding and
their dirty work. They were educa-
ted to love slavery and lick the mas
ter's hand. The ark of the covenant
between Democracy and slavery was
studiousiy preserved and guarded,
and became the bond of a great Dem
ocratic brotherhood. When Thomas
w. Dorr, of Rhode Island, wishing to
change the system of elective fran
chise in that State, wheeled the can
on upon the law-and-order citizens of
Providence, it was one of the first
lessons in the chapter of anarchy and
disruption, which grew rapidly into
gigantic proportions under the cult
walton of Democratic teachers Dem
ocratic presses everywhere applaud
ed, and when Dorr was finally incar-
cerated, they howled with terrible in.
dignation. The same party, with the
same presses, justified the quitting Of
this House by Democratic rowdies,
and pronounced it blow for liberty.
Jolly they were over the election of
members of this House through its
| windows and back doors. And when,
later, the mob dictated an election by
revolvers and bludgeons, few denun-
Citations emanated from their organs.
Their acquisition of Texas from sis,
ter Republic, wholly in the interest
of slavery,was a continuation of their
lawless history. In permitting the
slave power to stir up the difficulty
with Mexico, pouncing upon two
whole States as Texas, then carrying
the war into Mexico, and seizing still
more of her territory to indemnify
them for taking the two States, was
according to the most refined Demo
cratic idea Of extending the area of
freedom" The history of the repeal
Z e k1o a. a.