Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-04-04
CONsTITUrI0N.


In commenting upon The passage of the
Tipplins bill, and critiGising the action Of
the House upon il, the UNION AND AMER
IcAN of the 20th closes in the following
language
ssWithout regard crEeferencs to the merits
Of tIIis bill, this legislation is clearly, un-
mist akably unconstitutional. Our objsc-
tions may be technical; but If we under
stand the Democratic faith and doctrine, it
is to b. teclRicGL upon ali questions of con-
stitutional construction. A simple seep to-
day, if not stopped, nsy be a mighty ere
vase to-lnorrnw. Stand By the constitu-
ton, always ~
If the paople could impress upon our
Legislators, the Importance OF the little
sfseeps," they might feel safe in their con-
stitutional liberties, at all times, and under
all circumstances, but 1t has so happened,
since the war especially, that our Federal
Representatives have not regarded the little
breaks in the Constitution; and one breach
followed another until the Constitution of
our Fathers is nothing but q perforated
parchment. Ii consequence of this reckless
disregard Of these small breaches cur Con-
stitution is almost thing of the past, and
through these breaks have poureu, for the
last eight years, food of unconsd .utional
acts, which have wrested from millions of
people their simple inheritance, self govern
ment.
A strict and technical construction of
the Constitution should be the policy OF
every party-without this construction
there is no safety in republicaDism.
1t is the duty of the people, to put fortd
an united effort TO strike down the very
first attempi az overriding the simplest
provisions of the Constitution either State
or Federal t ss
In Kingdoms or empires allegiance is
sworn 10 the reigning monarch, but IN this
country it is TO the Constitution OF the
United States. There is not d representa-
tive of the State or nation who has ever
taken bis seat as sucb, but has taken this
oath of fealty to the Constituion-itis is not
to the President or government, or Con-
g;ess, but TO the written Constitution.
The people have right to expect, and
demand Of th.ir representative, strict and
religious observance Of this oath, and for
violation of it there is no excuse.
The violation of this obligation by trusted
men of The nation, is wbas has diSgraced
our OIea glorious constitutional govern
ment. not only in the estimation of Euro
pean uations, but in our own. To ouy a
seat in the council of our State or nation,
is in'quiious, TO sell vote therein is be-
traying The peop.e, but to deliberately vio-
late the constitution, is not only betrayi. &
the confidence of the people, bat striking at
their dearest rights as free citizens.
Let the people trust no one who takes
the initiative steps in such legislation. Men
who wish 10 do violence TO the established
rules of government, will take the most
tritling precedents to base their acts upon,
and step by step, one advances a little
further than his predecessor ia these en-
croachments till the people are deprived Of
their liberties-their Constitutional Govern
ment. Let the people stop the "seep" by
nipping in the bud the hopes and aspira-
tions OF the one who not only seeks to over
throw their liberties but deprive them of
any government. Let no such men be
trusted.