Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-09-17
Constitution Day.

Back IN the morse ana buggy Gays,
i52 years ago to be exact, the Constl-
tuition of the United States was signed
by George Washington, President and
deputy from Virginia to the Constitu-
tional Convention, and the deputies OF
the dozen other States participating. 1t
was designed to set up Federal Gov
eminent. Into it, however, were woven
the principles of liberty and freedom
from tyranny for which men had strug-
eled for centuries.
These gentlemen of the "horSe and
buggy days" were quite plain and Spe-
cific in the lucid and simple language
they used. I'VE, the people of the United
States" they said. in order to form a
more perfect Union, establish justice,
insure domestic tranquility, provide for
the common defense, promote the general
welfare, and secure the blessings of lib
erty TO ourselves and to our posterity,
do ordain and establish this Constitution
of the United States
The Union formed under this Consti-
tuition and the liberties so guaranteed
have been protected and safeguarded
through a century and half. Where
efforts have been made to infringe upon
the liberties of the people they have been
defeated. The dual form of government
established in this country by the fathers
of the Constitution has been preserved.
AS the years have progressed, however,
and the Nation has grown great and
powerful and wealthy, there has been
an increasing demand for more and more
power to be lodged in the hands of the
Federal Government. Wisely the franz
ers Of the Constitution had foreseen the
demand that was to come. 1t is human
for those placed in Offices of authority
to crave power. Therefore a series of
checks and balances was definitely pro-
vided in the Constitution which would
effectively prevent the seizure of des-
potic power by any branch or indi-
vidual of the Government. The legiS-
lative branch-placed first in order-the
executive branch and the judicial branch
OF the Government were given distinct
others were not to be permitted to
encroach.
The gentlemen in Washington today
who believe the Constitution of the
United States to be outmoded are found
In the executive branch of the Govern
ment. They have so far been able to
lative branch. The judiciary has re-
sisted their attempts to avoid, evade and
change the Constitution without going
through the forms prescribed in that
document for its amendment. The
American people themselves are the
final judges. 1t is inconceivable that If
they understand fully what the planned
economy" Of the New Deal is and where
1t will lead, the people will ever consent
to having it foisted upon them. They
should understand, too that If the PreSi-
dent and the Congress are able to nullify
by their joint action any part of the
Constitution there is no reason why they
cannot nullify the whole of it.
The New Dealers have sought to ad-
vance the theory that the Constitution
may be set aside if and when an "emer-
gency" exists. Their legislation has been
based upon the so-called emergency"
powers of the Federal Government. If
that theory is adhered to, what is there
to prevent an Executive from proclaim
Ing an emergency whenever he desires
and, with a subservient Congress, from
taking away any rights and liberties of
the people he may desire? The answer
Is, nothing at all.
The New Dealers, through the Presi-
dent himself, put forward the idea that
the Constitutions thing of horse
and-buggy days" a check upon
progress in this country. 1t is an insidi-
Gus doctrine. The Constitution in reality
Is check upon the growth of dictatorial
power. upon tyranny. The people, on
this anniversary of the signing of this
great document, will do well to remember
that this is so.