The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1871-05-26
Theory Of the Constituti0n---War
Legislation.

The speech of Hon. WM. s. GRuEsBECx
on the Constitution, delivered ut bar
dinner given in Cincinnati TO tho Hon:
IL. ii. LEAvlrT, on his retiring from the
Judgeship of the United States Court,
in March last, has excited good deal
Of comment all over the country. BY
request we give it in full, and it will be
found good reading. Mr.. GRoEssEtK is
one of the ablcst and purest Of our public
men, and the sentiments contained in
his brief speech OH the Constitution;
and the changes in it through war legis-
lation, are tersely, ably, and cloquently
depressed: Mr.. GRoEsDEcK said:
"It is a great satisfaction to. have any
fright we value clearly defined and put
down in writing. If we make con-
tract Of any importance, we want IL In
writing. How we cherish the deed that
makes good our right 10 the homes
where we dwell. We feel that there is
insecurity and uncertainty about any
rights which have not been affirmed aud
|carcfully certified. 1t is Of inestimable
importance to a people that their sacred
rights Of life and freedom, their personal
and political rights, and the methods OF
administration that arc TO affect thcnt
should be plainly stated and fixed III cn-
during form. Tyranny makes no ac-
acknowledgements and signs no papers'
Absolute governments reject constitu-
tional law, and but few OF the limited
governments, even at the present day
larc administered under written cOIistis
tutions. This brings me, Mr.. President,
Ito yout toast. .sTle Constitution Ut the
Itnited States,"
1t is in writing the whole Of IL. Tint
is great excellence which we can not
overcstimate. 1t Is the work Of distin'
guishcd patriots and sagcs, and the ut
lInost care and patience and wisdom have
been best ow edupon its preparation. 1t
LAYS the foundation of the Government
OH tho acknowledged sovereignty OF tbs
people, and all the superstructure is ftIy
framed 10 this idea. Powers arc ncces-
sariIy granted and distributed 10 the
different departments, that they may
manage the interests confided 10 them;
but they arc granted sparingly, and are
10 be held and used as sacred truet.
All that remains nrc carefully reserved
to the States and the people. The SOW
ereignty Of our nation is no mystery,
nor does ii dwell ut the Capital. We
> wear Il upon our shoulders as garment.
1t is with the farmers in the field, Will
, the artisan ut his toll, with the shopmaM
at his desk; It is here at home with US.
Such is tho theory Of the Constitution
10; the United States. Nor is this all.
Remembering the wrongs that have been
done IN the past centuries under the
name OF religion, established by the
States, Il declares that no religion shall
be established here that conscience shall
be free. Remembering how people have
been oppressed and forbidden TO crit!-
cise or complain. il declares the speech
shall be free and the press free. and all
shall be secure in persons, houses, and
effects against unreasonable search or
seizure tho soldiers shall not dominate
tile men Of peace; nor shall any be
wantunly deprived of life, liberty or
-. property, and trials shall be public and
)" by an impartial jury. Eut ] will ~.
/, undertake in a company of distinguish
cd lawyers 10 set forth What is written
lin the Constitution. 1t is enough to say
ii il framed in the interests of the people.
and tnakes The Government theirs and
subject TO their control. !.
nm Ii has brought us many blessings, and
eco the duty j. upon us all TO respect, main
-. tain and preserve it. Great charged
49, have recently occurred War las re-
49,. 1ccntly been among us. aud has done ii
S &c work, and has done il violently. This
iro was to be expected, for war is violence,
49,. and but seldom marches by the Chart Of
the statute book; but nevertheless war
legislstes. History Is full of its enact
ulcnts. It has lcgislatcd here its work is
ble fixed, and let us hope ended. We shall
the not 90 backward, nor should we; for;
rae after all, true democracy should be i'm.
yor partial, generous and humane. Nor will
his we dcspond or linger in the shadows OF
the the past. Our nation is yet young. The
q future Is still bright before US, and sum-
hen mons No TO renewed labor. The Con.
res. Istituti0m remains All excellent Consfl-
nan tuition; tho country remains-a glori'
Gus country.
Mr.. President, have briefly respond.
ias ed to your toast, and'you will allow me,
the lin conclusion, TO bespcak froin all
,ew lcloser walk with the Constitution. That
l at lis ono Of the reforms much needed u
ave lthc present time. am sure you VII
sid ALLOW me 10 say that many Of the evil
cat. now troubling as are the results OF to-
AVS much indifference towards the Constitu
men ticm, and You will allow ME further +
exbress thc hope that the people will
with the least delay, change the rcccn
, OF practice Of administering II, and retur
'any 10 a stricter Interpretation and NOR
has faithful observance Of all its directions.
this ''''''' ------------..--------
at M In several Of our exchanges are t
Jos. be found notices Of debates that are
lc Of take piacc between proicssed minister
ch of the Gospel Of Christ upon the doc
trines OF the churches which they N
llou.., dhri,,g this and the coming m9htI
aatcs of tic summer. Ii these doctrinaf gel
over tlcmcn would conGnc themselves