Opis: Amendments of the Constitution, Submitted to the Consideration of the American People (Classic Reprint) - Lieber Francis

Excerpt from Amendments of the Constitution, Submitted to the Consideration of the American People

The following pages, but just now brought to the notice of the Publication Committee of the Loyal Publication Society, were written for the most part, at a period in our great struggle, when the question of abolishing Slavery, by amendment of the Constitution, first began to be mooted. Fortunately for the honor and well-being of the country, the great object of their eminent author in preparing them, has been so far accomplished that by an act of the late Congress the first step towards such an amendment was taken. That amendment, however, has not yet received the ratification of the requisite number of the State Legislatures to constitute it a portion of the fundamental law of the nation.

Besides, there are several other amendments of the Constitution set forth in these pages, which seem to be required by our present national exigencies, that are well worthy of the serious attention of the country. But, in the view of the committee, their chief value consists not so much in the particular amendments suggested, however important these may be, as in the clear, philosophical exposition of the nature of our fundamental law, and the enlightened and statesmanlike view of the Constitution as the frame of the National Government. For to speak the truth, some very erroneous impressions of these, have been hitherto entertained, by people not otherwise ignorant, amounting even to a kind of superstition.

And not only with regard to the origin of the Constitution have these false and superstitious impressions been entertained, like those of the youthful pupil referred to by Dr. Lieber, but with regard also to a peculiar and mysterious virtue and force, which it was supposed to embody, and through which the people of the United States, without regard to any higher law or power, were believed to be exempt as well from all the penalties of National unrighteousness, as from all the changes and revolutions inevitable to the rest of mankind.

Doubtless, passing events, so pregnant with instruction, will do much to clear away this pernicious popular self-conceit and error. The thoughtful suggestions and views contained in the brief treatise of Dr. Lieber, as the committee believe, will conduce to a like end - a more enlightened and just understanding and appreciation of the nature and objects of the National Constitution, even if the amendments suggested should not be at once accepted.

It is for these reasons that they deem it of importance to give it to the public.

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Szczegóły: Amendments of the Constitution, Submitted to the Consideration of the American People (Classic Reprint) - Lieber Francis

Nazwa: Amendments of the Constitution, Submitted to the Consideration of the American People (Classic Reprint)
Autor: Lieber Francis
Wydawnictwo: FB &c Ltd
Kod paskowy: 9781330571729
Języki: angielski
Ilość stron: 48
Format: 15.2x22.9cm
Oprawa: Miękka

Recenzje: Amendments of the Constitution, Submitted to the Consideration of the American People (Classic Reprint) - Lieber Francis