I voted for that section, because I tho’t
it nbstractly right then, and I think so
still, all the while, however doubting
the expediency of placing it in the con
stitution. As soon as 1 had so vot< d,
I wrote to several of my constituents
paaticulsrly on .i.. < subject, satin" II
it was seiiously ;cctionuble to (he
people, 1 would do all that I could to
get it struck out; yet they uniformly
wrote me not to change my vote. I
doubted, because the subject was en
tirely n new one—it had never been
discussed before the people—-tie pro
vision was not contained in the origin
al report of the committee—it came
upon us unexpectedly hy an amend
ment oflered in the convention
and it was not necessary to have it in
the constitution. A ebnstitulion should
constitute or organize the great depart
ments of government, and prescribe
their powers and duties, ami fi“ such
limitations to them as may bo neces
sary. This section was to ait only
upon individuals, and the object might
as well be lift to the Legislature, or
accomplished by public opinion, as it
has been done in the western part of
the Territory. The provision, too, is
one of that character which depends
entirely upon public opinion for its ef
ficacy, 11 A, B, and G, will take for
eign' bills, who else will know it, and
how will your law reach th* tu? Il I)
is opposed to taking them, 1 Jt A owes
him one hundred dollars, for which he
ean get nothing but eastern bills, and
he owes B the same amount, he will
take the bills and pay Ids debt. I on
fidently hoping at that time, Ibnl we
should frame a good constitution, I did
not wish to endanger its adoption by
inserting this provision, and thus lose
all bv grasping too much. Entertain
ing these views when I found that
public opinion came pouring in upon
us from all quarters against this section,
1 should have voted to strike it out,
my former vote and iny correspon
dents tu the contrary notwithstanding,
and such was known to he my deter
mination for several of the last w t cks
of theaesaion.
