Smyrna times., 1875-03-03
eILU2I e Gus.
For the "Smyrna Times.
Adeuuateness and Clearness.


Man has been defined as "a tool-usng ami |
nal" His implements may be taken as the |
guage of his power and the measure Of his ex-
porations and conquests in the domain of
Nature.
These words admit of various constructions
the tools which man uses may stand for his
word, his language, which shall show his
capacity for influencing the world which he
occupies.
One of the requisites, perhaps the first
essential then to the proper investigation of
the true process of life is that mans words
be adequate to convey the meaning intended.
When his words fail we have no other means
left by which to judge of the impression in
tended than his actions in connection with
these words This applies not only to indi
viduals but also to nations and is exemplifed
in the history of the world.
In fact, in point of logical sequence, ade
quateness occupies the highes. ground ade,
quateness is supplemental to clearnesS.
To illustrate: At the time of the adoption
Of the Federal Constitution its language was
clear and precise enough, yet now, through
various interpretations, 1t seems inadequate
confused as opposed to precise; obscure as op
posed to clear it is indeed inadequate to
further base intriguers in their designs the
obscurity arises not from any fault in the instru
ment itself, but from the desire Of the inter
prefer.
If we view it in the light of past history and
Judge of it with reference to the debates and
resolutions at the time of its framing, its ade-
quateness to the present time becomes emi-
nently apparent; looking at it with the same
spirit as those of 1877 did, its meaning is patent
to the dullest mind Look at one disputed
point; that of the confederacy of States, and
let US see whether it was a compact of the
States or the people OF the United States as a
g., Il Al ~ 10
we can get some idea of the error which may
creep in by false Interpretation (prOmpted by
passion).
In the celebrated resolutions of Virginia in
1898, Mr.. Madison, one of the prime movers
in the adoption of the Constitution, used these
words: THAT the assembly doth explicitly and
peremptorily declare that it views the powers
Of the Federal Government as resulting from
the cODlpdct to ,chich the States are parties "
Ii was conceded both by Story and Webster
that if the Constitution is a compact to which
the States are parties, then the States have a
right to secede from the Union at pleasure.
This example is useful in showing the ade-
auateness Of the Constitution to fair inter
prefer, and also the extent to which men may
and have gone in their varying opinions
putting interpretations upon an instrument
directly opposed to the ones intended by the
very trainers.
For Webster while he has been called tht
great expounder Of the Constitution, while
right in many Of his premises, yet not follow
ing these to their proper conclusions and o0
tanning the legitimate results, has also deserved
and received the name Of the great Contour
der; for he stood on directly opposing ground
in 1880 and 1888.
ages, attached themselves to a few persons
who, either by the quality Of that idea the
embodied, or by the largeness Of their reception
have obtained the position of leaders and law
yers." But life is a sincerity. In lucid intel
walls we say, LET there be an entrance Opene
for me into realities | have worn the fool
can too long" We will know the meaning {
our economies and politics.
We are too apt to follow great men too far
it is but natural to believe In great men ma!
more. the search after greatness is the drea
of youth and the most serious occupation
manbood. INIT in this search we are too oftC
wrapt Nm in what has the glitter OF greatne
SO that we lose sight of the true greatness-o
liberty of search AS an example OF TINS
have but to look at the political dslusion OF u
day; what can be more repuIslVe 70 III: =
trammeled mind than behOlding the MAORI
of a marty under dictatorship OF SOldlS
President endeavoring to perpetuate his powt
using them as his tools, Notwithstanding .
will Of the peopIe is No with reference to
mandates See him using .hem in tht'
attempts to pass acts which shall ensure
authority-see them attempt to suppress :
first guarantee of iberty-ths right OF Haos
Corpus
The mind of an American freeman can b
shudder at the boldness and baseness OF
attempt.
The American people Deed and must alwa
have President adequate to all exlgencl
one who will meet the questions OF the q
with a comprehensive mind and not descend