Evening star., 1921-01-02

charge, in the period 1868 certain
points of similarity to the controversy
as to whether the United States should
become a member of a league of ma
tions as proposed in a covenant agreed
to at Versailles.
Patrick Henry was certainly the
most vigorous and vociferous op-
ponent of the Constitution in the
( Virginia convention. He spoke oftener
and longer than any other delegate.
George Mason of Gunston Hall seems
to have put forth the weightiest rea-
sons against the adoption of the Con-
stitution and to have put those rea-
sons in calm and cool language. What
seems to the Rambler to have been
the most effective reply to Patrick
Henry was made by Henry Lee of
Freestone Point. Soon after the or
ganization of the convention Mr.. Ma
son arose and said:
Mr. President, hope and trust, sir, that this
convention, appointed by the people, on this
great and important occasion, for securing as
far possible, to the latest generation the
happiness and liberty Of the people. will freely
and fully investigate this important matter.
For this purpose humbly conceive the fullest
and clearest investigation indispensably neces-
sary, and that we ought not to be bound by
any general rules whatever. The curse de-
nounced by the divine vengeance will be small
compared with what will Justly fall upon US
if from any sinister views we obstruet the full
est inquiry. This subject. therefore. ought to
obtain the freest discussion, clause by clause,
before any general previous question be put,
nor ought it to be precluded by any other
question.
Mason was for going slow with
consideration of the matter. Lee
wanted prompt action. He said that
the convention would be compelled to
ADJOURN not later than June %. as the
legislature would meet on the 23d.
and the Constitution. he believed,
was very fully understood by every
gentleman present. having been the
Grafton by most persons on the con-
tinent and of the peculiar meditation
of those who were deputed to the
convention"
The first long speech favoring rati, !,
Thers faton weae two from Deputies SeRoss
George and Wilson. and, as both
were ratifiers, the Rambler cannot
tell from the record which it was
that spoke first for the Constitution.
The first speech against ratincation
came from Patrick Henry, and the
Rambler makes the following extract
from it as reported in Jonathan Ell
lots Debates:
The public mind as well my own is ex-
tremely uneasy at the proposed change Of
the number Of those who wish to be thoroughly
acquainted with the reasons Of this perilous
and uneasy situation, and why we are brought
hither TO decide on this great national ques-
tion. consider myself but a servant to the
people of this commonwealth, as sentinel
over their rights, liberty and happiness. and
l represent their feelings when say that they
are exceedingly uneasy at being brought from
that state of full security which they enjoyed
to the present delusive appearance Of things.
year ago the minds Of our citizens were at
perfect repose. Before the meeting Of the
late federal convention at Philadelphia
general peace and q universal tranquility pre-
vailed In this country, but since that period
they are exceedingly uneasy and dfsquieted.
Mr. Henry said: This proposal Of
altering our federal government is
Of a most alarming nature. II this
new government will not come up to
the expectations of the people, and
they shall be disappointed, their lib
erty will be lost and tyranny must
and will arise He said that 'the
is demonstrably clear, and the dan
mind very striking. I have the high
est veneration for these gentlemen,
but, sir. give me leave to demand
what right had they to say We, the
people? (alluding to the preamble
of the Constitution). My political
curiosity, exclusive of my anxious
solicitude for the public welfare,
leads me to ask who authorized them
to speak the language Of We, the
people, instead of We. tho states>?
The federal convention ought to ha0e
amended tho old system: foT thtD purei
pose then 2n1nsGolelI I4a4aHnEe1e4he.