Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-02-19

TEE PROSTITUTION AND THE LAWS.
An able constitutional commission presided over
BY the Nestor of the State has just closed its Ia
bors and has performed the duty assgded it doubt
less to much better advantage than could have
been done by any other method. 1t is matter Of
necessity that from time to time, such alterations
Of the constitution should be made as long expe-
rience has dictated or the rise of new interests
may require. It's adaptability in this manner pro-
vides for its successful operation, and gives new
cause for confidence in the stability and permat
nence Of our institutions.
Although no alteration has been proposed Of an
important political nature, yet by natural associa
ton, the occasion Of an amendment Of the consti-
tuition is suggestive of a subject, which we believe
10 pertinent to the times and not unworthy OF at
tention. The permanent success Of a civil gov
eminent is not ensured by its inherent perfection.
Times change, and we change with them
Forms may remain when the soul that animates
hem has changed its nature, or even after that
soul has departed 1t is possible for people TO
change their spirit and character, while the frame
work Of free government remains above them an
empty shell. Roman Emperors cheated the peo-
pie with the form and farce of An investiture with
the Roman consulship, long after their cruel ex-
ercise Of despotic power had trampled out every
real vcstge of the liberties which that dignity of
the republic represented. Such changes do not at
tract attention by their suddenness. They deceive
by . gradual advance. The first step is most
likely TO occur when a people having arrived at
that period when liberty is no longer an expert
ment, begin to exult in a sense Of security and to
repose Q confidence in the selfsustaining power Of
their institutions. They then lay aside the careful
cultivation of the virtues through which alone
their success has been attained. They give free
dom larger license, and authority-that authori-
ty which has been its only safeguard, less power.
Authority is the soul of law, and law is the ex-
preston Of liberty. Ii we ask what are the per-
sonal and civil rights Of free government, they
are found in the law. And the authority Of the
Law, supreme and undisputed, is the power which
protects those rights. When that authority has
lost its force, liberty exists but in name for liber
" means the security Of rights These are hence
forth the prey of the worst Of tyrannies, lawless
violence and crime. Lawless violence is arbitrary
power.
In the outset of free government the chief
danger which has been heretofore apprehended is
the overthrow Of the laws by the rise of personal
or oligarchic power. Such was the peril to which
the attention of our people was long directed, and
..eternsl vigilance" upon the actions OF rulers.
was impressed as ''the price," as it certainly was
one condition, of liberty. But that danger has
long been demonstrated TO be in this country,
with ordinary vigilance, more imaginary than
resl. There is about as much danger Of autocrat-
Z despos,sm in this country, as there is of food
The Aood must come frst,-a flood OF iawiessness
md civil eommotisn. That is the true and the