Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/333

 opinion, as those objections were not founded on specu- lative theory, but deduced from principles which have been estabhshed by the melancholy example of othei* nations, in different ages — so they never will be remov- ed, until the cause itself shall cease to exist. The sooner, therefore, the public apprehensions are quieted, and the government is possessed of the confidence of the people, the more salutary will be its operations, and the longer its duration. ^

" The cause of amendments, we consider as a com- mon cause; and since concessions have been made from political motives, which ice conceive may endanger the republic, we trust that a commendable zeal will be shown for obtaining those provisions, which experience has taught us are necessary to secure from danger, the unalienable rights of human nature.

" The anxiety with which our countrymen press for the accomplishment of this important end, will ill ad- mit of delay. The slow forms of congressional discus- sion and recommendation, if indeed they should ever agree to any change, would we fear be less certain of success. Happily for their wishes, the constitution hath presented an alternative, by admitting the sub- mission to a convention of the states. To this there- fore, we resort, as the source from whence they are to derive relief from their present apprehensions. We do, therefore, in behalf of our constituents, in the most earnest and solemn manner, make this application to congress, that a convention be immediately called, of deputies from the several states, with full power to take into their consideration the defects of this constitution, that have been suggested by the state conventions, and report such amendments thereto, as they shall find best suited to promote our common interests, and secure to

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