Evening star., 1935-09-17
Constitution
Country Celebrates l48th
Anniversary of its
Basic Law.

One hundred and forty-eight years
ago today the Constitution of the
United States was adopted.
First observance of this historic oc-
casion was not until 1887, the CEN
tenary OF its adoption. Not until
1917, when Constitution day was in
augurated, did the first annual ma
tional observance take place: then by
the National Society Of the Sons of
the American Revolution.
In September. 1876. commissioners
Of New York, New Jersey, Pennsyl-
vania, Delaware and Virginia, meet
ing In Annapolis, Md, petitioned
Congress to call a convention of dele
gate from the various State ito de-
wise such further provisions as shall
appear to them necessary to render
the Constitution Of the Federal Gov
eminent adequate to the exigencies
Of the Union"
Under the Articles Of Confeder-
alton, ratified in 1881, the Nation was
rapidly passing into a disorganiZed
condition and the dearly bought lib
critics vouchsafed the people as a re-
suit Of the War for American Inde-
pendence were in great danger Of be-
ing eliminated. 1t was this menace
that fathered the commissioners re-
quest.
Out Of it grew the convention in
Philadelphia, meeting after a de-
layed period on May 25, 1887, to re-
wise the Articles of Confederation.
George Washington was selected presi-
dent Of the convention.
Decision was reached, not to amend
the articles, but to draw up another
system to be known as the Constitu-
ton.
II provided: A government Of the
people, by the people and for the peo-
pie. in three parts, the executive. legis-
lative and judiciary, and also the Sc
curity of life, liberty and property of
all individuals living under its pro-
lection and their advancement in the
arts Of civilization.
The convention adjourned in Sep
tember, after several months arduous
work, with the 80 Commissioners pres
ent having signed the Constitution.
Pennsylvania had the largest repre-
sentation present, eight members. and
New York the smallest, with one
member.
After adoption it was sent to the
Congress sitting in New York, then
to the Legislatures of the IS States
and by them referred to a conven-
ton of commissioners elected by the
people in each States for their rati-
ncation.
The Constitution was declared by
the Congress as duly ratified on July
2, 1888, after ratification by nine
States. Delaware was the first State
to ratify, on December 7, 1887, and
Rhode Island the last, on May 90,
1870. Congress proclaimed the Con-
stitution in force on September 13,
1888.
Election rules were then set up,
George Washington elected first Pres
adent of the United States and John
Adams Vice President to preside over
the Senate. Washington took Office
on April 80, 1889.
New York was the first seat of the
Government in 1889, Philadelphia in
1870 and Washington third in 1900.
The Bill of Rights, the first 10
amendments to the Constitution, were
added because the conventions OF a
number Of States expressed at the
time of ratification that further de-
claratory and restrictive clauses should
be added. To date there are 81
amendments.
1.-The original copy of the Declara-
tion OF independence and Constitu-
ton may be viewed at the Library Of
Congress.