barley, thirty-two pounds of oats, shall be deemed and taken to be equal each to a bushel as aforesaid, of the said kinds of grain respectively. Provided, nevertheless, that the said kinds of grain may be bought or sold by measure, as heretofore. marquee of the commander in chief, pitched, (for the first time,) on that occasion, for the accommodation of the chiefs. The firing of a six pounder, and the display of a white flag, on the council house, immediately after guard parade and relief, was the daily signal for as sembling of the plenipotentiaries, who generally remained in session about four hours. The officers of the army, in full uniform, together with numerous warriors accompanying the chiefs, were the usual spectators of this very interesting scene. One or more of the chiefs, as subjects were proposed, daily delivered speeches, not long, but many of them distinguished by their force of reasoning, and dignified manner of delivery. Among these, the Red Pole held a conspicuous stand. Section 28. The several kinds of foreign salt herein after mentioned, may be estimated and sold by weight avoirdupois, as follows, to wit: Eighty-five pounds of coarse salt, seventy pounds of ground salt, sixty-two pounds of fine salt, shall be deemed and taken to be equal to each bushel as aforesaid, of the said kinds of salt respectively. Provided, that the said kinds of salt may be bought and sold by measure, as heretofore. Section 29. Anthracite coal may be sold by weight avoirdupois, or by bushel measure, as follows, to wit: The encampment of Indians was directly in front of Every bushel of coal shall contain eighty pounds thereof, the cantonment, with which a daily intercourse took every hundred weight shall be deemed and taken to be place by the officers of the army, who, in turn, receiv. one hundred and twelve pounds thereof, twenty-eighted and entertained the chiefs in their quarters during bushels, or two thousand two hundred and forty pounds the day. Red Pole, accompanied by Little Turtle, thereof, shall be deemed and taken for one ton. (the Miami chief, well known as principal leader against Section 30. All pecuniary penalties and forfeitures the unfortunate army of general St. Clair,) with whom imposed by this act, shall be recoverable in like manner he generally associated, often visited our quarters, acas debts of equal amount may be recoverd. companied captain Wells, the interpreter, (who was inhumanly butchered at Chicago, at the commencement of the last war with England.) Those visits were always interesting. The Turtle and Red Pole were uncommonly shrewd in their observations, and, frequently, in playful badinage, would elicit flashes of wit that would not disgrace the most polished circles. At the conclusion of the treaty, they retired to the homes of their respective tribes, and arrangements were immediately commenced preparatory to occupying the British posts, on our northwestern frontier, the delivery of which had been procrastinated from time to time, by various frivolous pretexts, and no doubt was the true origin of the prolonged Indian wars on our frontier. Section 31. Provided that nothing in this act shall be so construed as to interfere with any special provision, heretofore made by law, respecting the powers, duties, or emoluments of the regulator of weights and measures, or of the sealer of dry measures for the city and county of Philadelphia. From the Pittsburg Gazette. The communication of "An Antiquarian," which we published in our paper of the 5th of July last, in relation to this chief, of the Shawano nation, has drawn from Col. Marschalk, editor of the Mississippi Gazette, a long and interesting article, from which we make some extracts. Col. Marschalk was formerly an officer in the United States' Army; and, as such, was on the our northwestern frontier when Red Pole figured there, and was adopted by that chief, as his son under the name of Unda Quallamela, or the Industrious Beaver. The following are extracts: "Gen. Wayne visited the frontier forts in the fall of 1796. At Fort Maumee, then garrisoned by the company of the 2d sublegion, con manded by the writer of this article, he pitched his marquee within a few yards of the glacis, not pistol shot distance from the southwest bastion of the fort, on the very spot from which he had viewed the works, then manned by the British garri "Simply to state, that the Chieftain of the forest, son, commanded by major Campbell, on the 20th of whose remains lie so honorably entombed in the sacred October, 1794. On the bastion, at that time, a long 24 repository appropriated to the silent dead of more ci-and three 18 pounders, brass guns, were mounted, to vilized man, was among the number of celebrated war-gether with four wall pieces of 43 pound calibre, in riors who long contended in the field, and led his na- the case mates. Enraged at the hardy daring of the tion forth to battle against every opposing foe, and af-old hero, the British artillery officer was with difficulty ter being conquered in the decisive action of the 20th restrained from applying the match by the commandant. of October, 1794, under the walls of the British fort, The suite of general Wayne, at the moment, was his Miami, by the gallant hero, Anthony Wayne-that he aids de camp, major Debuts, of the 4th sublegion, was among the principal representatives of the Shawano captain Thomas Lewis, of the 3d, and lieut. W. H. nation, at the treaty of Greenville, where he was alike Harrison, (the present general,) of the first; also, colodistinguished by his oratory; that, unaccustomed to the nel Henry Burbeck, of artillery, and several others, rigors of a northern climate, he fell a victim to disease, whose names at present are not recollected. The fact on his return from a visit to 'his Great Father,' President of the intention to fire, we received from two gentle. Washington; where he had accompanied Little Turtle, men, who were in the fort at the time, and to the pitchBlue Jacket, and several other of the most distinguishing of the marquee, and recognizing the exact spot by ed chiefs, from the northwestern tribes; and had merited, by the dignity of his deportment and the urbanity of his manners, the respectful attention given to him while living, and the honorable memento which the now dilapidated monument exhibits to have been paid towards his remains. This much would, no doubt, amply satisfy the queries of the inquiring Antiquarian, as exhibiting a brief and correct notice of the son of the forest' thus distinguished. "Our acquaintance with him commenced at the treaty of Greenville, made by Gen. Anthony Wayne, with the confederated tribes of northwestern Indians, in August, 1795, where Red Pole was considered a chief of much influence. That treaty, being of great importance, was conducted with an uncommon degree of form and economy. A handsome council house was erected, expressly for the purpose, and the elegant the brave old general, we were eye witnesses, A number of chiefs and warriors visited the general during the three days he remained at Fort Maumee. The Little Turtle and Red Pole arrived the day follow. ing his departure from Detroit. Blue Jacket resided on an island, at the foot of the rapids of Miami. On visiting the fort, the Red Pole, addressing the writer, remarked, "my son, we are going to Detroit to see our father, general Wynd, and then to the rising of the sun to take our great father, general Washington, by the hand. The general has promised us a young chief to show us the path. The Turtle and Blue Jacket both love you, and we will ask for you if you are willing to go." The proposal was of course agreeable, as it of fered a prospect of visiting those dear friends, from whose society we had been excluded by six years' hard duty in camp, and the more particularly, as the contem plated reduction of the army to the peace establishment, and becomes acquainted with its situation by actual obthen conducted upon fair and honorable principles, servation, especially if the approach be from the north would, as a junior captain, leave us among the number or west; and notwithstanding he may be informed of the of supernumeraries; and the opportunity of returning fact that immediately below the Blue ridge lies a fruithome as an escort to our Indian friends, have been a ful agricultural region extending southward to Philapleasant tour of duty. We were, however, disappoint- delphia and Lancaster, which may be justly called the ed in our expectations. The Red Pole added, "We garden of the state, if the sight of his eyes be confined are going to the island to get drunk two days; we will to the mountains which are broken into various irregular then wash our heads and go to Detroit to ask for you. shapes by the river Lehigh and its tributaries, and the During the debauch, we were severely attacked by ague deep and narrow glens into which this region is cut and fever, and very reluctantly abandoned the propos- here and there, the very name of Northampton county ed tour, recommending to "our red father" and his as- will be so naturally and unavoidably associated in his sociates, our friend captain Richard Sparks, (the late imagination with the idea of roughness and sterility, that colonel) who accompanied them to the seat of govern- he will scarcely be able to conceive of it otherwise than ment; returning from whence, as we have stated, Red as being a mountainous, unfruitful, and desolate waste. Pole died at Pittsburg, where he was buried with mili- We speak from experience when we say that such is tary honors, and the monument erected over his re- the case, since we know how difficult it is to divest the mind of the unfavorable impressions which a few months residence among the mountains of the Lehigh, give to the general appearance and face of the surrounding country. mains. Connected with the recollection of our Indian "father" is an amusing incident of more recent date, and which may probably dwell in the recollection of some of the ancient citizens of Philadelphia. A number of chiefs visited Mr. Jefferson, during his presidency, among whom was the Young Wolf, (our adopted brother) nephew and successor of Red Pole. Among the amusements provided for them was a visit to the theatre. We were then on a tour of guard duty, with a detachment of artillery from Fort Mifflin. Learning that Indians from the lakes were in the city, and feeling a curiosity to ascertain whether any of our old acquaitances were of the number, we visited the theatre for that purpose. They were seated on a back seat of the large In approaching the Lehigh Water Gap, a scene is prefront box of the old Chesnut street theatre. Approach-sented to the eye of one who has any taste to admire ing the box we were recognized by "our brother," whatever is grand, picturesque, and romantic in nature, with a warm hug, imparting a plentiful quantity of ver- which cannot fail to excite a degree of admiration. million to both our cheeks, and a hearty yell, in which Here the river breaks abruptly through a narrow gap his associates, about 10 or 12, joined in full chorus. The in the Blue Ridge, which seems to have been cleft asuncurtain was up at the time, but the astonished actors der by nature for the express purpose of affording a stopped and gazed in silence at the scene. Several passage for the congregated waters above to escape to ladies were much alarmed, and Madam Rumor stated the mother ocean. In passing through the Gap, the that some did actually faint. The gentlemen beaux broad expansive valley of highly cultivated fields and were in full run to ascertain the cause of the alarm, and sloping woodlands below the mountains apparently found us sitting cheek by jowl among the Indians. We opens a new world to the traveller; so striking is the spent the evening with our young brother, and the day contrast with the mountainous region above The following entertained him with subaltern fare,at our post, beauty and richness of the country, however, is still insince which we have not heard any thing farther from creased as we proceed toward Easton. From Cherry. our tribe. ville to that place it is an elevated plain, with here and there a gentle depression for the small streams that make their way to the Lehigh and Delaware rivers. As far as the eye can reach may be seen rich farms, neat stone dwellings, commodious and well filled barns, and beautiful orchards, richly laden with fruit, affording a specimen of the independence which is characteristic of the German farmers of Pennsylvania. Indeed the general appearance of prosperity indicates that the in habitants are, what we believe they are generally acknowledged to be as honest, industrious, and frugal a set of people as are to be found in any part of the Union. In following the serpentine course of the valley from this place to the Lehigh Water Gap, which is about twelve miles, the river is as above this place, skirted with mountains, which cause it to take various abrupt turns and windings to find a passage between them; though near the mouths of several small streams which empty into it in East Penn and Towamensing townships, there are a number of fine farms and well cultivated fields; which is also the case for several miles up the valleys of these streams. Mus-qua-ki-na-ca, or Red Pule.In spinning this yarn, our readers will observe that the fit was uncommonly strong. However the remedy for its tediousness is with them-throw it down. Little Turtle.-We have some interesting anecdotes of this celebrated chief in M. S.-they may, or may not, according to circumstances, be forthcoming. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. Having withdrawn from the busy cares of our office, for a few days last week, to indulge ourself with an excursion to Easton, to visit the seat of Justice for this county for the first time since we became a resident in it, as well as to become better acquainted with that part of Old Northampton, which lies below the Blue mountain, we were highly gratified with the appearance of the country, and although our enjoyment of the excursion which we had long since promised ourself was somewhat diminished by a slight indisposition, we have considered the subject worthy of a few brief passing remarks. To a person who has no knowledge of the geographical situation of Northampton county but what is derived from an inspection of the map, it presents scarcely any thing to the imagination but a series of those huge mountains which strongly mark the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, stretching to the southwest through the state. This idea is still more forcibly impressed upon the mind of the traveller who comes into this part of the county, The German language is very generally spoken among them, though we are informed that English schools are becoming more frequently established and generally patronised, for the education of the young in the prevailing language of our country. We noticed several very neat convenient school houses in the different neighborhoods along the road, as well as in the little villages which are springing up here and there through the country. Many of the farmers send their daughters to the Moravian Seminary at Bethlehem, which is so justly celebrated for the acquirement of a good English education. At Easton, we were pleased to observe that among the various other improvements, the new Lafayette Col lege, which has recently been commenced, is rapidly progressing. This noble structure, which will prove a lasting monument to the enterprise of the place, is being erected on a lofty and commodious eminence on the north side of the Bushkill creek, and presents a front of 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 present 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 concentration of various works of internal improvement, the Delaware 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 importance in future. 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 aforesaid premises, in addition to the provisions specified in said deed. Therefore Resolved, That every minister of the Gospel, in possession 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. 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 We might, if our time and limits would permit, find tees, [specifying the day and hour when he wishes his ample materials to enlarge upon the subject of the im- religious duties to commence,] who shall grant him the portance of the lower part of Northampton county both occupancy of the said house for the aforesaid purpose, in an agricultural and commercial point of view-mat-provided a previous appointment shall not interfere with ters of notoriety it is true at home, but which would the time specified in his said appointment. 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 forbidpen 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 And whereas it may so happen that a person residing the vast quantities of lumber which our immense forests at a distance, wishing to occupy the aforesaid house of are capable of furnishing, some of our mountains are worship, and having made an appointment in writing, rich in inexhaustible mineral productions, which, as a directed to the President, or one of the said trustees, source of wealth and improvement, vie with the agri which said appointment may interfere with one already cultural productions of the country below the mountain.made, and no opportunity presenting for the trustees to On the whole, were we to inquire into the causes apprise him of said previous appointment, in all and which have mainly contributed to the development of every such case it is recommended by the trustees, the resources of this part of Pennsylvania, we should be that the first applicant for the building do so regulate led to the irresistible conclusion that it is to internal im. his proceeding that a portion of the time may be afford. provements, encouraged by the enterprise of many of ed for the second in application, to have an opportunity our citizens, that the credit is due for this prosperity. to communicate what is upon his mind. That in the But this state of things may be said to be but the dawn-language of Paul the Apostle, "all things may be done ing of the prosperity that awaits this section of our decently and in order.” country. We firmly believe that there are other improvements 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.-other, a spirit of Christian forbearance and brotherly 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 appointed 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 expedient to adopt the following preamble and resolutions: 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 ministers so coming together do exercise towards each love: believing, as they do, that the cause of truth cannot 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, signed 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. Whereas, at a meeting of the citizens of Newtown, favorable to the erection of a free and independent house HARRISBURG, Aug. 26, 1833. of worship, held at the house of Jacob Archambault, on The delegates from the several counties assembled in the 14th of August, 1830, it was on motion resolved, the court-house at 10 o'clock, when the Convention was that John Linton, Silas Philips, John Bond, Amos Wil-organized by the appointment of the following officers: kinson, Samuel Philips, Thomas Goslin, and James Divine, (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. George Kremer, of Union, President. 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 And whereas in the aforesaid deed it is declared "that the aforesaid house of worship shall be free for the action of the convention, viz. commodation of all such ministers of the gospel as shall Messrs. Kremer of Union, Earl of Philadelphia, Evans of Dauphin, Johnson of Luzerne, Bancroft of Columbia, ments of the Constitution ought to be made; and that and Yearick of Union. On motion of Mr. Earl, it was Resolved, That the said committee be instructed to Letters from the delegates appointed by the counties Convention met according to adjournment, at 3 o'clock. P. M. The following delegates were in attendance. Union-George Kremer, and Henry Yearick. han. Mr. Earl, from the committee appointed for the pur. pose, reported a number of subjects as proper for the action of the Convention. 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 Governor's office, and the period of his continued eligibility. 2. A restriction in certain cases on the power of the Legislature to grant perpetual and irrepealable charters 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 Luzerne. Adjourned to meet again at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. Met according to adjournment at 10 o'clock A. M. Mr. Johnson of 1.uzerne, from the committee appoint. ed for that purpose, reported the following ADDRESS. Fellow Citizens,-The present Convention has assembled in obedience to the will of the people, to take into consideration the most speedy and effectual means After some discussion on the propriety of specifying of securing the amendment, and reform of the existing particular amendments to be recommended to the con- Constitution of Pennsylvania. The short period which sideration of the people, in which Messrs. Strong, Ort- has intervened, since the proposition for holding a Conlip, Earl, Bancroft, Mullen, Johnson, of Luzerne, Kid-vention at this time-the want of concert, in relation to der, Kremer, and Yearick took part, the following reso-it among the people, of the several counties of the state lutions were agreed to. -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 character, 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. Resolved, That the immense patronage vested in the Governor by the Constitution, is wholly unsuited to the form and spirit of our republican government, destructive to the vital principles of election, and dangerously bostile 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 pardoning 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. 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 exist. For years the people have loudly and repeatedly demanded their correction-but the interposition of official power, has as often succeeded in rendering 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 Resolved, That the term of holding of offices for life is a relic of European aristocracy-the gem of an American aristocracy, silently but certainly undermining oured the proper course to be pursued upon the subject, 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 government 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 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 veneration for them should sanctify their work, and stamp it with immortality. This plausible objection has doubtless operated with many who have not bestowed due reflection upon its fallacy. This Convention yield to none, in sentiments of profound 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 [SEPTEMBI never had been introduced, but for the peculiar circum- | reform. The combination of its official influence 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 delineated by the mighty 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 question 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? thwarted 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 tion as would be as little suitable to their wants as the mer precedent, and fasten upon them such a Constitu present. They, therefore, by a small majority, crushed the measure. which the vote of the people was given in 1805 and When we consider the circumstances 1825, upon the subject of reforming and amending the Constitution, it cannot fail to excite our admiration of and powerful extending their influence throughout all their integrity and patriotism. When we see the rich ranks of society, arrayed to maintain the reign of aristocracy 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 compass of human agency to reconcile them to a bad form of government. If the great mass of the people of England 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. What was our condition in 1790, when the present Constitution was adopted? The country was just emerging from the tumult and confusion of the Revolutionits population bore no comparison to it at the present time-few counties were organized-election districts were extensive, with scarce any means of communication 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 facilities 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 assembles,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 reasons, from their representatives in the Legislature, for abolishing the first truly Democratic Constitution, rear- objection to the amendment of the Constitution, by a The Convention has thought proper, to obviate all ed under the auspices of the great Franklin, and of vest ing in the hands of the anti-democratic members of the suggest some of the principal points in which it conConvention of the people elected for that purpose, to Convention, that imposed the present Constitution uponceives the Constitution to be defective, or founded on 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 dared to annihilate the first Republican Constitution of 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, beyond doubt, that undue advantage was seized, and that the people were brought under the yoke, because circumstances 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 understand 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 accommodate our Constitution to our wants and our happiBut it is said that attempts have been made, and that the people have been found opposed to the meaHow is the fact? In 1805, when the matter was presented to the people first, the causes which induced the adoption of the Constitution, with all its imperfections on its head, were not yet wholly removed. The predominating party of the time was unfriendly to all ness. sure. erroneous principles, and to have it clearly and distinctly understood, wherein and how far reform is sought, amendment is proposed. The principles which are re cognized in our resolutions, we consider as the great landmarks of reform, from which any Convention entrusted 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 community, 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 monument 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. though our resolutions suggest several important amend You will readily perceive, fellow citizens, that alments of the Constitution, they all depend upon three grand principles: |