The San Francisco call., 1899-10-27

and in May, 1887, there assembled in
Philadelphia a body of f1fty-fve men
charged with the momentous task of re-
vising the articles Of confederation Pat
rick Henry was not a member Of the Vir-
ginian delegation. He refused the most
urgent invitations TO participate in the
convention, for he had come to feel that
there was danger that the proposed re-
vision would make the union so strong
as to imperil the liberty of the people Of
the States.
Opposition to the Constitution.
The possible opposition Of the great
Virginia leader to the ratification by his
State Of the proposed constitution was
source of great anxiety to the advocates
of the stronger union, and when the con-
stitution was adopted by the convention
Washington sent him copy, with
strong letter urging his favorable con-
sideration. Patrick Henry replied: II
have to lament that 1 cannot bring my
mind in accord with the proposed consti-
tuition. The concern 1 feel on this ac-
count is really greater than I am able to
express"
The Virginia convention to consider the
constitution was convened on June 2, 17SS.
Madison, who is sometimes called the
father of the constitution" in recognt-
ton of his great services in the conven-
ton of 1857, led with consummate ability
a strong group of supporters. Patrick
Henry who had thrown himself in the
contest with his usual energy, marshaled
the forces of the opposition in mastery
attack But the eloquence of the great
advocate did not avail For twenty-three
days battle royal ragged. and then the
constitution was ratified by narrow ma
jority.
The struggle over the ratification of the
constitution was Patrick Henry's last
great battle in the arena of politics. Dur
ing his public career his legal practice had
necessarily been neglected, and, like many
other unselfish public servants he found
himself approaching old age with his pri-
vate fortune sadly impaired. Declining a
reelection to the Governorship in 1856,
after his fifth term, he returned to his
practice and soon repaired his fortune: In
i794 he retired from practice with
competency
In Retirement.
His strenuous opposition to the consti-
tuition cost him the friendship of many of
his former associates, and for time there
was a cloud between him and Washing
ton In a letter written soon after his
retirement he speaks thus OF his attitude
toward the Government he had tried to
modify:
ton l have generally moved in a narrow circle.
But in that 1 have never omitted TO lnculcate
a strict adherence to the principles OF 1t. And
| have the satisfaction to think that in no part
of the union have the laws been more pointedly
obeyed than in that where | have resided and
spent my time. Projects. indeed. of a contrary
tendency have been hinted to me; but the
treatment of the projectors has been such
to prevent all intercourse with them Tor a
In 1795 cordial relations with Washing
ton were re-established, and the President
offered his old friend the portfolio of
State. This honor he refused, and within
a few months he was offered the highest
judicial position within the gift of the
Presidenf-that of Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court. But Patrick Henry couId
not be wooed from his retreat He
courteously declined the Chief Justice
ship. and within a year he also declined
the Governorship of Virginia. Two more
appeals for service reached him from the
outside world. President Adams request
ed him to act as envoy to France at the
crisis of our relations with the French Di-
rectory, but Patrick Henry was now too
feeble to undertake the journey to Eu-
rope. The last appeal was from Wash
ington, and this he honored. The violent
attacks on the administration of Adams,
which took form in the Virginia resolu-
tfons of 1898. had alarmed Washington.
and he asked Patrick Henry to stand for
election to the Virginia House Of Repre-
sentatives that he might 'be 4pulwarK
against such dangerous sentiments as are
delivered there at present. Inc veteran
statesman consented, and emerged from
his retirement in 1893 TO deliver one more
speech with much of his old-time fire. he
was duly elected, but before the House
convened he died.
GA Mere Orator."
Patrick Henry ranged himself against
the wisest craftsmanship of his time when
he opposed the adoption of the Federal
constitution and history has proved MIN
uSrnnp His fame has suffered severely
in Consequences Many critics have re,
garded him as a mere orator of unusual
magnetism and fire, ana nave oeILeo LI nun h,,t
the higher qualities of craftsmanship, Dut
late later. research is tending to confirm the
opinion of his contemporary. John ADAMS,
who asserted that he was man oL asep
rejection. keen sagacity, clear foresight,
delrfi darssg enterprise, infexible .intrepidity
and Intainted integrity: with. with an Ii aFdent faf,n
zeal for the Liberties; I tRe NE nolod eecie so
R1els.4-x III Aas.4s~