The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1905-06-24
FOUNDERS Of nation
NOT ALL DEMOCRATS 5
Tom Watson Unearths Some
Strange Quotations From
Daddies of Nation.
In Great Constitutional Con-
vention But Ten Dele
gates Trusted People.

Those foolish persons who have been
taught in school and in the public
prints that the founders Of our Con-
stitution were sincerely desirous Of es-
ia ablishing system of government in
which the will Of the people should
find free expression, will be shocked
and undeceived when they read its
debates and proceedings as recorded
by James Madison, one of the dele
gates from Virginia. When one comes
to learn of these fifty-flve delegates
that rot more than ten are on record
as voicing the slightest degree Of con-
fidence in the wisdom of the people
or their fitness to rule, he is likely to
take a new view of the Constitution
framed by them, and he is able to ac-
count for the innumerable ills which
we are compelled to suffer.
I will quote a few expressions OF
opinion from delegates who. welded
the greater influence in the construc-
tion of the Constitutions:
Roger Sherman-"The people should
have as little to do as may be about
the government"
Elbridge Gerry--"The evils we ex-
ocracy, the worst of all possible evils. "
John Dickinson-"A limited mon
archy is one of the best governments
ir the world"
Rufus Knight is immat aterial to the
people by what government they are
possessed, provided they be we'll en-
ployed."
Alexander Hamilton-'The British
monarchy is the best government in
the world" and he doubted If any,
thing short of it would do in America.
Their House of Lords is a most noble
institution" He acknowledged himself
not to think favorably Of republican
government. INEQUALITY in property
constitutes the great and fundamental
distinction in society,""
Cunning Bedford-"Are we to act
with greater purity than the rest of
mankind? Our votes are actuated by
interest and ambition"
Governor Morris.-"The senate must
have great personal property; 1t must
have the aristocratic spirit; it must
love to lord through pride. To make
it independent it should be for life.
Property is the main object of society,".
John Rutledge-"Property certainly
is the principal object of society"
Pierce Butler-"Slaves should have
an equal representation in govern
ment which is instituted principally
for the protection of property, and Is
of itself to be supported by property
Charles C. Pinckney-"Property In
slaves should not be exposed to dan
ger in a government Instituted for the
protection of property
George Mason-"It would be as un-
natural to refer the choice of proper
character for president to the people
as to refer a test of colors to a blind
man."
James Madison-"In future times a
great majority of the people will not
only be without landed but any sort
of property. If they combine, the
rights of property will not be safe in
their hands,"
James EllswOrth-"AS population
grows, poor laborers will be SO plen-
ty as to render slaves useless
The thirteen delegates from whom I
have quoted were the dominating char
acters in that. convention, and 1T is
possible to cite innumerable passages
expressing the same distrust and con-
tempt for the people. 1t should be
understood that the great mass of the
people had no representation In that
secret conclave, and that half a. cen-
tury passed before it's proceedings were
made public by act of congress.-Tom
,Watson's Magazine.