THE CONSTITUTION SAYS "SHALL."
The last General Assembly disregarded the command. The letter and the spirit of the Constitution were cloven down together.
Sir, I am not a student of subterfuge, nor the votary of chicanery. It is no part of my duty to obscure the mistakes of the last General Assembly, nor declare by my vote that a glaring departure from an explicit mandate of the Constitution is of no consequence. I prefer to obey the Constitution, and take all the consequences of compliance with its mandatory provisions, Choosing the Constitution for my authority, my defense and guide, I have no hesitancy in declaring that the Constitutional amendments, which were doubtless acted upon by the last General Assembly, are not before this House and can not be Constitutionally brought before this body. Why? Because the Constitutional injunction, by virtue of which the amendments could be referred to this body, was disregarded.
I hold that the Constitution can not be unconstitutionally amended. I maintain that in such matters the partisan ought to take a back seat, and that patriotism should come to the front. Here loyalty to the Constitution should be enthroned. Here the great truth that the Constitution is the supreme law, should be recognized in all its majesty and power. Here, instead of seeking to dwarf its authority, there should be displayed on all sides a purpose to magnify its influence, if this is done, if gentleman can be persuaded to listen to the simple declarations of the Constitution, there can be little doubt as to results. When the Constitution says certain things shall be done, what member of this House will be willing to go upon the record by his vote, declaring that they need not be done?
I am aware that much has been said about giving the people a chance to vote upon the amendments. Sir, if I were to indulge in boasting, it should be my chief glory to declare that in all things I am one of the people.
