Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 2 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 770 pages of information about Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 2.

Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 2 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 770 pages of information about Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 2.

Our new constitution is powerfully attacked in the American newspapers.  The objections are, that its effect would be to form the thirteen States into one; that, proposing to melt all down into one general government, they have fenced the people by no declaration of rights; they have not renounced the power of keeping a standing army; they have not secured the liberty of the press; they have reserved the power of abolishing trials by jury in civil cases; they have proposed that the laws of the federal legislatures shall be paramount the laws and constitutions of the States; they have abandoned rotation in office; and particularly their President may be re-elected from four years to four years, for life, so as to render him a King for life, like a King of Poland; and they have not given him either the check or aid of a council.  To these, they add calculations of expense, &c. &.c. to frighten the people.  You will perceive that those objections are serious and some of them not without foundation.  The constitution, however, has been received with a very general enthusiasm, and as far as can be judged from external demonstrations, the bulk of the people are eager to adopt it.  In the eastern States, the printers will print nothing against it, unless the writer subscribes his name.  Massachusetts and Connecticut have called conventions in January, to consider of it.  In New York, there is a division.  The Governor (Clinton) is known to be hostile to it.  Jersey, it is thought, will certainly accept it.  Pennsylvania is divided; and all the bitterness of her factions has been kindled anew on it.  But the party in favor of it is strongest, both in and out of the legislature.  This is the party anciently of Morris, Wilson, &c., Delaware will do what Pennsylvania shall do.  Maryland is thought favorable to it; yet it is supposed Chase and Paca will oppose it.  As to Virginia, two of her Delegates, in the first place, refused to sign it.  These were Randolph, the Governor, and George Mason.  Besides these, Henry, Harrison, Nelson, and the Lees are against it.  General Washington will be for it, but it is not in his character to exert himself much in the case.  Madison will be its main pillar; but though an immensely powerful one, it is questionable whether he can bear the weight of such a host.  So that the presumption is, that Virginia will reject it.  We know nothing of the dispositions of the States south of this.  Should it fall through, as is possible, notwithstanding the enthusiasm with which it was received in the first moment, it is probable that Congress will propose, that, the objections which the people shall make to it being once known, another convention shall be assembled, to adopt the improvements generally acceptable, and omit those found disagreeable.  In this way, union may be produced under a happy constitution, and one which shall not be too energetic, as are the constitutions of Europe.  I give you these details, because, possibly, you may not have received them all. 

Copyrights
Project Gutenberg
Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 2 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.