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Defending the Constitution
legislature to call a convention. While every measure was taken to intimidate the people against opposing it, the public papers teemed with the
most violent threats against those who should dare to think for themselves, and tar and feathers were liberally promised to all those who
would not immediately join in supporting the proposed government, be
it what it would. Under such circumstances petitions in favor of calling a
Convention were signed by great numbers in and about the city, before
they had leisure to read and examine the system, many of whom—now
they are better acquainted with it, and have had time to investigate its
principles—are heartily opposed to it. The petitions were speedily handed
in to the legislature.
Affairs were in this situation, when on the 28th of September last, a
resolution was proposed to the assembly by a member of the house, who
had been also a member of the federal convention, for calling a State convention to be elected within ten days for the purpose of examining and
adopting the proposed Constitution of the United States, though at this
time the house had not received it from Congress. This attempt was opposed by a minority, who after offering every argument in their power to
prevent the precipitate measure, without effect, absented themselves from
the house as the only alternative left them, to prevent the measures taking
place previous to their constituents being acquainted with the business.
That violence and outrage which had been so often threatened was now
practiced; some of the members were seized the next day by a mob collected for the purpose, and forcibly dragged to the house, and there detained by force whilst the quorum of the legislature so formed, completed
their resolution. We shall dwell no longer on this subject: the people of
Pennsylvania have been already acquainted therewith. We would only
further observe that every member of the legislature, previously to taking his seat, by solemn oath or affirmation, declares ‘‘that he will not do
or consent to any act or thing whatever, that will have a tendency to
lessen or abridge their rights and privileges, as declared in the constitution of this State.’’ And that constitution which they are so solemnly
sworn to support, cannot legally be altered but by a recommendation of
the council of censors, who alone are authorized to propose alterations
and amendments, and even these must be published at least six months
for the consideration of the people. The proposed system of government