The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. XII, Part 49

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 438

USA > Pennsylvania > The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. XII > Part 49

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112 feet, overlooking the borough, the Delaware and Lehigh rivers and canal, the Morris canal coming in from the east with its inclined plane, and the rich and flourishing agricultural country for many miles around on this side of the Delaware, as well as in the adjacent parts of New Jersey; and in short, affords perhaps the most delightful prospect as well as the most eligible and healthy location which can be found in the country.

Easton is too well known to most of our readers to require a description. Suffice it to say, that it is at pre- sent inferior to very few towns in the state, in business, wealth, and enterprise. Situated as it is, at the junction of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers, and the concentra- tion of various works of internal improvement, the De- laware canal from Bristol and Philadelphia, the Lehigh Canal from Mauch Chunk, and the Morris canal from New York, with all these peculiar advantages, it cannot fail of becoming a place of great and increasing import- ance in future.

We might, if our time and limits would permit, find ample materials to enlarge upon the subject of the im- portance of the lower part of Northampton county both in an agricultural and commercial point of view-mat- ters of notoriety it is true at home, but which would doubtless prove interesting to our more distant readers. But while commenting upon these sources of prosperity, below the mountain it must not be forgotten, that the upper part of the county, notwithstanding the forbid- pen aspect of its wild and mountainous location, is by no means destitute of its share of natural advantages which are being rapidly developed by the assistance of art. The old proverb that there is nothing made in vain, is most strikingly verified in this case. For in addition to the vast quantities of lumber which our immense forests are capable of furnishing, some of our mountains are rich in inexhaustible mineral productions, which, as a source of wealth and improvement, vie with the agri- cultural productions of the country below the mountain.

On the whole, were we to inquire into the causes which have mainly contributed to the development of the resources of this part of Pennsylvania, we should be led to the irresistible conclusion that it is to internal im. provements, encouraged by the enterprise of many of our citizens, that the credit is due for this prosperity. But this state of things may be said to be but the dawn- ing of the prosperity that awaits this section of our country. We firmly believe that there are other im- provements which are destined at no distant period, still more to enhance the advantages and importance of the country. We shall allude more particularly to these hereafter, as time and circumstances shall permit .- Mauch Chunk Courier.

NEWTOWN FREE CHURCH.

At a meeting of the Trustees of the free and indepen- dent house of worship, in Newtown, held at the house of Joseph Archambault, the 24th of August, 1833, Silas Philips was called to the chair, and John Linton ap- pointed secretary. The object of the meeting having been stated, and the views of the different trustees upon the subject having been expressed, it was judged expe- dient to adopt the following preamble and resolutions:

Whereas, at a meeting of the citizens of Newtown, favorable to the erection uf a free and independent house of worship, held at the house of Jacob Archambault, on the 14th of August, 1830, it was on motion resolved, that John Linton, Silas Philips, John Bond, Amos Wil- kinson, Samuel Philips, Thomas Goslin, and James Di- vine, (since deceased, ) be and are hereby appointed a board of trustees, to receive and hold in trust, a title or deed, for a lot of ground, the liberal donation of Joseph Archambault, as a site whereon to erect the aforesaid building -- which deed was duly executed and recorded in the deed book, No. 55, page 474, &c.

And whereas in the aforesaid deed it is declared "that the aforesaid house of worship shall be free for the ac- commodation of all such ministers of the gospel as shall

render their services gratuitously-subject nevertheless to the direction and control of the aforesaid trustees, or a majority of them, in such manner as to prevent any improper conduct in and about the premises, or any as- cendency or engrossment of the aforesaid privileges, by any minister of the Gospel, or by the ministers of any religious denomination whatever, to the exclusion of others equally entitled to the use of the aforesaid free and independent house of worship."

And whereas it has been judged necessary, under existing circumstances, that certain rules and regula- tions should be adopted for the regulation of the afore- said premises, in addition to the provisions specified in said deed. Therefore

Resolved, That whenever and as often as any qualifi- ed minister of the Gospel shall be desirous of occupying the aforesaid house of worship for religious duties, he shall make known his intentions to the President, (Silas Philips, ) or if more convenient, to any one of the trus- tees, [specifying the day and hour when he wishes his religious duties to commence, ] who shall grant him the occupancy of the said house for the aforesaid purpose, provided a previous appointment shall not interfere with the time specified in his said appointment.

Resolved, That every minister of the Gospel, in pos- session of the aforesaid house, for the time being, and wishing again to occupy it, shall make a public declara- tion thereof at the close of his meeting, specifying the day and hour, when he wishes again to occupy the said building, and if there should be no previous appoint. ment for the said time, the occupancy shall be his to the close of his religious services.

And whereas it may so happen that a person residing at a distance, wishing to occupy the aforesaid house of worship, and having made an appointment in writing, directed to the President, or one of the said trustees, which said appointment may interfere with one already made, and no opportunity presenting for the trustees to apprise him of said previous appointment, in all and every such case it is recommended by the trustees, that the first applicant for the building do so regulate his proceeding that a portion of the time may be afford- ed for the second in application, to have an opportunity to communicate what is upon his mind. That in the language of Paul the Apostle, "all things may be done decently and in order."

It is further recommended by the trustees, that when- ever it may so happen that two appointments may inter- fere in the manner above stated, or otherwise, the mi- nisters so coming together do exercise towards each other, a spirit of Christian forbearance and brotherly love: believing, as they do, that the cause of truth can- not be promoted where a spirit for controversy, and contention for superiority prevails. "For one is your master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren."

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting, sign- ed by the chairman, and attested by the secretary, be published in both the county papers.

SILAS PHILIPS, Chairman. Attest-JOHN LINTON, Secretary.

Bucks County Intelligencer.

REFORM CONVENTION.

HARRISBURG, Aug. 26, 1833.

The delegates from the several counties assembled in the court-house at 10 o'clock, when the Convention was organized by the appointment of the following officers: George Kremer, of Union, President.

Mahlon Ortlip, of Philadelphia county, and John M'. Reynolds, of Columbia, Vice Presidents.

Henry K. Strong, of Dauphin, and Wm. J. Mullen, of Philadelphia, Secretaries.

On motion of Mr. Mullen, the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to report to an adjourned meeting, such subjects as are suitable to receive the ac- tion of the convention, viz.

Messrs. Kremer of Union, Earl of Philadelphia, Evans

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of Dauphin, Johnson of Luzerne, Bancroft of Columbia, and Yearick of Union.

On motion of Mr. Earl, it was

Resolved, That the said committee be instructed to report what parts of the Constitution ought to be taken up by this Convention, for the purpose of suggesting suitable amendments for the consideration of the people; and also to report the order of taking up for considera. tion those parts to be amended.

Letters from the delegates appointed by the counties of Mercer, Butler, and Tioga, assigning reasons why they could not be in attendance, and expressing the de- cided wish of the people in their respective districts, for a reform of the Constitution, were read.

Adjourned to 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

Convention met according to adjournment, at 3 o'clock. P. M.

The following delegates were in attendance.

Philadelphia-Wm. J. Mullen, Mahlon Ortlip, Tho- mas Earl, John F. Johnson, and Daniel M'Laughlin.

Dauphin County-Henry K. Strong, Benjamin Evens, and John Cameron.

Union-George Kremer, and Henry Yearick.

Columbia-John M'Reynolds and Le Grand Bancroft. Luzerne-Luther Kidder, and Ovid F. Johnson.

Huntingdon-Alexander Gwin, and John T.M' Ca- han.

Mr. Earl, from the committee appointed for the pur- pose, reported a number of subjects as proper for the action of the Convention.

After some discussion on the propriety of specifying particular amendments to be recommended to the con- sideration of the people, in which Messrs. Strong, Ort- lip, Earl, Bancroft, Mullen, Johnson, of I.uzerne, Kid- der, Kremer, and Yearick took part, the following reso- Jutions were agreed to.

Resolved, That the immense patronage vested in the Governor by the Constitution, is wholly unsuited to the form and spirit of our republican government, destruc. tive to the vital principles of election, and dangerously hostile to the rights, interests, and happiness of the people.

Resolved, That the absolute power of appointment reposed in our Governor, without check or control by any co-ordinate branch of our government, is contrary to the fundamental principles of democracy, and in theo- ry and practice nearly allied to despotism.

Resolved, That the unlimited exercise of the pardon- ing power by the Governor, is little short of a denial of justice to the people, and ought to be placed under a wholesome restraint.

Resolved, That the right of suffrage should be under as few restrictions as are compatible with the safety of our republican institutions, and that the restrictions on the right in Pennsylvania require revision.

Resolved, That the term of holding of offices for life is a relic of European aristocracy-the gem of an Ame- rican aristocracy, silently but certainly undermining our liberties, and paving the way for the establishment of a monarchical government in this country

Resolved, That the present Constitution, deprives the people of the power of electing many officers whose election properly and of right belongs to them, and that in this particular it violates the fundamental principles of all free government.

Resolved, That the long term of office and continued eligibility of the Senators of this state, are incompatible with the best interests of the people.

Resolved, That the Constitution of any free govern- ment should contain a provision for its own amendment and reform, and that the want of such provision in the present Constitution, has subjected the people to long hardship and misrule, and that it is deeply to be deplor- ed.

Resolved, That the people be requested to consider whether any, and if any, which of the following amend-

ments of the Constitution ought to be made; and that they instruct their delegates to an adjourned meeting of this Convention, in relation to the subject.

1. An amendment for shortening the term of the Go- vernor's office, and the period of his continued eligibi- lity.

2. A restriction in certain cases on the power of the Legislature to grant perpetual and irrepealable chart.rs of incorporation.

3. A prohibition of lotteries

4. A restriction on the power of the Legislature to borrow money beyond a certain amount, on the credit of the state.

5. A restriction on the holding of two or more offices or appointments at the same time, the joint emoluments of which shall exceed a certain amount.

On motion, the following gentlemen were appointed to draft an address to the people, viz. Messrs. Bancroft of Columbia, Kidder of Luzerne, Earl of Philadelphia, Gwin of Huntington, and Johnson of I.uzerne.

Adjourned to meet again at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

Met according to adjournment at 10 o'clock A. M. Mr Johnson of I.uzerne, from the committee appoint- ed for that purpose, reported the following

ADDRESS.

Fellow Citizens, -The present Convention has as- sembled in obedience to the will of the people, to take into consideration the most speedy and effectual means of securing the amendment, and reform of the existing Constitution of Pennsylvania. The short period which has intervened, since the proposition for holding a Con- vention at this time-the want of concert, in relation to it among the people, of the several counties of the state -the busy season of the year- and the active efforts of men interested, to defeat the measure, and to prevent the united movement of the friends of reform, have all contributed to throw in the way of the meeting of this Convention, obstacles and difficulties of such a charac- ter, as nothing but a firm confidence in the righteousness of the cause in which we are engaged, could enable us to overcome. In despite of every disorganizing attempt, we have convened, and we have adopted such a plan of operations, as we think, will most promote the object of our meeting under the circumstances in which we stand.

It appears to this Convention, scarcely possible to doubt of the imperfections of the present Constitution of the state; and just as little possible to doubt of the necessity of correcting these imperfections, wherever they may exi-t. For years the people have loudly and repeatedly demanded their correction-but the interpo- sition of official power, has as often succeeded in ren- dering their efforts at reform abortive. Every pretext has been made, and every artifice practised, to deter that portion of the people, who had not fully determin- ed the proper course to be pursued upon the subject, from a fair and candid examination of the defects, which are found in our Constitution. They were told that it was formed under the guardianship of the wise and pa. triotic fathers of the country, and that respect and ve- neration for them should sanctify their work, and stamp it with immortality. This plausible objection has doubt- less operated with many who have not bestowed due. reflection upon its fallacy.

This Convention yield to none, in sentiments of pro- found veneration for the framers of the Constitution, which we are now striving to amend and improve. We feel the deepest gratitude for their services in the dark days of the Revolution-and for their labors in the formation of the structure of our government, and the utmost respect for their opinions. We firmly believe, that were they here, at the present time, (most of them having paid the great debt of nature,) that they would be first to correct imperfections in their work, which

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never had been introduced, but for the peculiar circum- stances of the case, and their own inexperience. This objection to the amendment of our Constitution, may be advanced with equal propriety, to perpetuate the reign of every despot on earth. It is calculated to repress the spirit of intelligent inquiry, and to cast away as worthless all the valuable lessons of experience. We trust an argument which leads to these consequences, will meet with little encouragement in this free republic. A Constitution has been well defined to be, "the form, or first principles of government defineated by the migh- ty hand of the people." If this be true, the same hand that first delineated its features, may change them as the occasions of society require. The Constitution itself recognizes this wholesome principle, and the only ques- tion which we are called on to consider is, have such changes taken place in the condition of the country, as to call for corresponding alterations in our form of Go- vernment? was the present Constitution ever such an one as the happiness of the people demanded?

What was our condition in 1790, when the present Constitution was adopted? The country was just emerg- ing from the tumult and confusion of the Revolution- its population bore no comparison to it at the present time-few counties were organized-election districts were extensive, with scarce any means of communica- tion among the people of different parts-the principles of government were well understood by some of the leading men, but were not clearly comprehended by the people at large -- the bias of the best informed men's minds was favorable to strong and energetic government; and can we be surprised, that in this state of things, such a Constitution as the present was adopted? The cause of surprise is, that the Convention formed one as perfect as the present. Had the people possessed faci- lities of communicating upon the subject with each other, of examining the objectionable portions of the Constitution, and of fully understanding their import and tendencies, it is impossible, that they could have quietly received so imperfect a form of Government from the hands of the Convention, they would have- risen up in their primary assemblies,and denounced it in tones which the members of the Convention could not have misunderstood. Nay, had the same state of things existed at that day, that now exists in Pennsylvania, the people would have required strong and satisfactory rea- sons, from their representatives in the Legislature, for The Convention has thought proper, to obviate all objection to the amendment of the Constitution, by a Convention of the people elected for that purpose, to suggest some of the principal points in which it con- ceives the Constitution to be defective, or founded on erroneous principles, and to have it clearly and distinct- ly understood, wherein and how far reform is sought, abolishing the first truly Democratic Constitution, rear- ed under the auspices of the great Franklin, and of vest ing in the hands of the anti-democratic members of the Convention, that imposed the present Constitution upon the people the absolute power of dictating a form of government without "the consent of the governed." The very facts themselves, that the Legislature of 1790 | amendment is proposed. The principles which are re- dared to annihilate the first Republican Constitution of cognized in our resolutions, we consider as the great landmarks of reform, from which any Convention en- trusted with the alteration of the Constitution, will not be at liberty to depart. Applying those principles to the present Constitution of Pennsylvania, will be the test by which its imperfections are to be ascertained. No provision, which does not clash with these fundamental principles of all free government, will be touched or impaired. That the Constitution now contains many valuable principles of government, no one can deny. We acknowledge this truth with the liveliest pleasure- and we should be among the last men in the communi- ty, to disturb a single article of it, or to mar one feature of it, in which it even approaches towards republican perfection. No! let its excellencies remain as a monu- ment of the wisdom and patriotism of our fathers, and let it be our care, as it is our duty, to render them more conspicuous, by pruning away and correcting the im- perfections which have too much obscured them. Pennsylvania, without the constitutional right so to do, and that the Convention which established over the peo. ple, the present Constitution dared to take such a step, without asking the consent of the people, proves, be- yond doubt, that undue advantage was-seized, and that the people were brought under the yoke, because cir- cumstanc. s precluded them from asserting their rights. Time has wrought a change in the whole aspect of our condition. Our population is numerous-our people are enlightened-they have studied, and rightly under- stand the nature of this government and the particulars in which it is defective. We are at peace with the world, and as much at peace with each other, as people in a free republic can be. Now is the time to accom- modate our Constitution to our wants and our happi- ness. But it is said that attempts have been made, and that the people have been found opposed to the mea- sure. How is the fact? In 1805, when the matter was presented to the people first, the causes which induced You will readily perceive, fellow citizens, that al- though our resolutions suggest several important amend- ments of the Constitution, they all depend upon three grand principles: the adoption of the Constitution, with all its imperfec- tions on its head, were not yet wholly removed. The predominating party of the time was unfriendly to all

reform. The combination of its official influence th warted the wishes of the majority of the people, and their exertions were fruitless. In 1825, a Convention would have received the support of an overwhelming majority of the people, if the subject had been propos- ed in a proper manner. The votes were authorised merely to be given "for a Convention," or against it, without providing for its proceedings to be submitted to the consideration of the people. The people were ap- prehensive, if they surrendered their Constitution into the hands of a Convention, with no specific check upon its proceedings, that it would take advantage of the for- mer precedent, and fasten upon them such a Constitu- tion as would be as little suit able to their wants as the present. They, therefore, by a small majority, crushed the measure. When we consider the circumstances which the vote of the people was given in 1805 and 1825, upon the subject of reforming and amending the Constitution, it cannot fail to excite our admiration of their integrity and patriotism. When we see the rich and powerful extending their influence throughout all ranks of society, arrayed to maintain the reign of aristo- cracy and corruption, secure as it is under some of the imperfections of our present Constitution, and to sustain these, all the office holders, who subsist on the plunder of the public, with most of the presses in the country subsided and muzzled, thus preventing all agitation and elucidation of the subject; and when we see the people, in opposition to this formidable phalanx, stand nobly forth, and almost triumph over their enemies; it must inspire the patriot with the highest confidence in the virtue of the people, and in their ability to perpetuate to the latest time the free institutions of this country. It is a truth, which the the experience of all free govern- ments confirms, that "the people never intentionally do or approve wrong." Demagogues may mislead them, the influence of the powerful may awe them for a short season into submission, but give them intelligence, give them freedom of thought, and it is not within the com- pass of human agency to reconcile them to a bad form of government. If the great mass of the people of Eng- land understood their rights, her Constitution had long ago been purged of its corruptions. The people of Pennsylvania understand their rights, and with the aus- picious smiles of Heaven upon their exertions, they will - regain possession of those they have lost.

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First, The curtailing of the immense power and pa- tronage of the Governor.

Second, Confiding to the people the election of a number of officers, and the exercise of rights, which are vitally connected with their safety and happiness, from which the present Constitution debars them.

. And third, The abolition of the term of holding offi- ces for life.

We do not believe that a single man can be found amongst us, who values his reputation, or who regards the interests of the people, who can, or who dare refuse his assent to all of these principles, purely democratic as they are in their character. Ile who denies their truth, denies the possibility of republican government, for upon them the permanency of such government en- tirely depends. The people understand them so tho- roughty, that we deem argument in their support su- perfluous and unnecessary. They are self-evident, and carry irresistible conviction to every mind that contem- plates them. We therefore submit them to the unbias- ed judgment of the public without fear.

I.et it not be said that our resolutions contain a single novel proposition. We apprehend, that each and eve- ry measure recommended, has been sanctioned and re- duced to practice, with the happiest effects, in most of our states. The people of Pennsylvania are as enlight- ened, as honest, as incorruptible, as those of any other state in the Union, and if they are not wanting in that spirit of freedom which has ever distinguished them, they will soon be as free.

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The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. XII, Part 49

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870 Publication date: 1828 Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ; Number of Pages: 438

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 438