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fore, that wise man, with his compatriots, made a pro-
vision in that instrument looking to the period when it
might become necessary to make alterations in its pro-
visions. This is in accordance with nature, moral and
physical, and the fathers provided the precise mode by
which the work of their hands can be adapted to the ever-
changing and advancing conditions of man.
But the Constitution and the great principles of civil
and religious liberty are not to be overturned and borne
down by a majority, in the midst of fury and of passion.
This was not their design, for when the will of a tyran-
nical majority is made law—is made the constitution of
the country—let me tell you, sir, that amid such circum-
stances liberty is gone and you have a despotism. [Pro-
longed applause.] The Constitution must be sustained
The Constitution of our fathers must be held to and not
given up, and must not be changed, except in the mode
and manner pointed out by the instrument itself. Wash-
ington, in his farewell address, after having made that
Constitution, and providing the mode and manner of its
alteration, says: "Submit to the law and the Constitution
as it is, until it is changed and modified in the mode and
manner pointed out in the instrument." And if this is
not observed, where is free government? There is none
of it left. How are you proceeding ? You are proceeding
In conformity with the first principles of free government,
to alter your Constitution in the mode and manner pointed
out. When we abandon this we at once give up the idea
and the great principle of man's capacity for self-govern-
ment, and surrender our government into the hands of an
arbitrary, despotic majority. Majorities can always take
care of themselves. The popular will should be obeyed
and should be paramount, but it should be reverently
done, according to the law and the Constitution. [Great
applause.] That is constitutional liberty. That is consti-
tutional freedom, and for these great principles which lie
at the foundation of government, so far as I am concerned,
without regard to the future or to consequences, I will
Still exert myself. [Applause.] My faith is strong, and
in my statesmanship, if I should be allowed the term in
connection with myself, I am a good deal like I am in my
religion. When my facts give out, when my reason fails
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