The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1874-07-16
Facts for General Ewing to Ponder.
Special Correspondence TO the Enquirer:
HAMILTON, o., July 2, 1874

HAMILTON, o., July ., 1874
1t will be remembered that upon the ad-
iournment of the Constitutional Conven-
ton, the Hon. L. D. Campbell vas one OF
the members of that body who refused to
sign the Constitution presented, and also
that he at that time, or shortly after, an
nounced his intention of stating at length
the objections which he held, impelling
him to that course. 1t was generally sup
posed that be would give his views in one
or more speeches, addressed directly to his
constituents, and some surprise has been
expressed that he has not done so before
now. Meeting Colonel Campbell upon the
street, the Enquirer reporter asked after
his health, and learning that it was uncer-
tain how soon he might be able to take
the platform for set speech, the cores
pondent further inquired whether he would
have objections to a statement of his views
for publication. None at all, promptly
responded the Colonel. Come around
some time, and l will let you hear what l
have to say" To-day, therefore, in &C
ceptance of the invitation, an interview
was had at his residence, In which Colonel
Campbell expressed himself at some length.
HIS health is far from good, but he stated
his case clearly, and at times with some OF
the old energy so familiar to those who
have heard him IN by-gone times. The
conference opened in this wise:
Correspondent-It is generally known
that you not only voted against the Con-
stitution in the Convention, but withheld
your signature when il Was snhscrihed 70
by the Delegates.
Col Campbell voted against it be-
cause did not consider it as a whole any
improvement upon the present Gonshtu-
tion, nor as good as the old Constitution
of 1902 On the contrary, thought the
present Constitution better than it for va
rious reasons. My signature was with
held because of an indisposition to give it
what might seem to be quasi indorse-
ment.
Question-Have you any hesitation in
stating the N in features of your objec-
tions?
Answer-None whatever 1t was my pur-
pose when the Convention adjourned to dis
cuss before my constituents the merits ofthe
proposed law, but since that time the con-
dition of my health and the oppressive
character of the weather have prevented.
Besides l have been somewhat surprised
to find the general indifference which ex-
isted among the people upon the subject.
l am disinclined to obtrude my views up
on the public, either by speech or through
the press. l may have occasion before the
ratification election to discuss its merits
somewhat elaboIatelY.
Q-What is the first prominent feature
of the proposed Constitution to which you
object? --
Al read with considerable interest a
prepared speech recently delivered by Gen.
Ewing, q member Of the Convention, in
support of the amendments at Canal Do
YER in which, lawyer-hke, he displayed
all the amendments that he supposed to
be good, and carefully concealed those
which are faulty. He closes his speech by
saying: "If there was ever Constitu-
ton presented to the people of a State
thoroughly democratic in the best sense of
the word, this is it."
In my Judgment there never has been
presented to the people of this or any 9th
er Slate, since the formation of the Gov
ernment, Constitution more thoroughly
anti democratic and anti-republican than
this. This constitutes the general reason
for my opposition. 1 am somewhat amazed
that gentleman of Gen. EwiRg's reputed
ability and intelligence should, in the face
of the facts, have made such sweeping
declaration. Before specifying anything
in detail, let us inquire what are the char
acteristIc principles of democracy, or re-
publicanism-the words are synonymous
defined to be Government OF all the
people. A Monarchy or Empire is Gov
ernment where the powers are vested in q
single man. Therefore the more direct and
immediate the agency of the people IN
electing and controlling their servants, the
more democratic practically is the Gov
ernment, and the more nearly it approach
es the principles Of true republicanism.
The further we remove from the people
their power the nearer do we approach The
Monarehial or Imperial system. A de-
mocracy, in the strict sense of the term
would be that Government where the peo-
pie would themselves all assemble, and
through majority decide what should be
the law. That would be impracticable
Hence, all the powers of the people are
delegated to their representatives or agents
through the ballot. 0urs is representa-
tive democracy, or Republic.
Again, the great fundamental principle
upon which the entire superstructure ol
our Government, Federal and State. rests
is that God-given sentiment of the equal
ity of man which the immortal Jefferson
(whose Democracy is not even questioned
these latter days) embodied in the Declar
alton of American Independence, which
led to the Revolution and establishment
of our Great Republic. 1t has always
been held to be of vital Importance that IL
ordinary legislation great caution should
be observed lest this principle be invaded
If It be important in the enactment of or
dinary statutes that the principle of equa
and exact justice to individuals and t
communities should be secured, WheI
those statutes may at any time speedily
be repealed, is it not of tenfold Importance
that IN the adoption of a Constitution
which is TO be the fundamental law, anC
which may not be changed for half cen
fury, that this great idea shall not be vie
lated? Whenever Constitution or Law
makes discrimination against one clasl
of men and in favor of another, it is op
pressiva end ought not to be tolerated
such oppression, instead of securing tina
loyalty on the part of the eitizens which
Is necessary to the strength of the Gov