Mr. JACKSON.
I am of opinion we ought not to be in a hurry with respect to
altering the constitution. For my part I have no idea of speculating in this
serious manner on theory; if I agree to alterations in the mode of administering
this government, I shall like to stand on the sure ground of experience, and not
be treading air. What experience have we had of the good or bad qualities of
constitution? Can any gentleman affirm to me one proposition that is a certain
and absolute amendment? I deny that he can. Our constitution, sir, is like a
vessel just launched, and lying at the wharf she is untried, you can hardly
discover any one of her properties; it is not known how she will answer her
helm, or lay her course; whether she will bear in safety the precious freight to
be deposited in her hold. But, in this state, will the prudent merchant attempt
alterations? Will he employ two thousand workmen to rear off the planking and
take asunder the frame? He certainly will not. Let us gentlemen, fit out our
vessel, set up her masts, and expand her sails, and be guided by the experiment
in our alterations. If she sails upon an uneven keel, let us right her by adding
weight where it is wanting. In this way, we may remedy her defects to the
satisfaction of all concerned; but if we proceed now to make alterations, we may
deface a beauty; or deform a well proportioned piece of workmanship; in short.
Mr. Speaker, I am not for amendments at this time, but if gentlemen should think
it a subject deserving of attention, they will surely not neglect the more
important business, which is now unfinished before them. Without we pass the
collection bill, we can get no revenue, and without revenue the wheels of
government cannot move. I am against taking up the subject at present, and shall
therefore be totally against the amendments, if the government is not organized,
that I may see whether it is grievous or not.
When the propriety of making amendments shall be obvious from
experience, I trust there will be virtue enough in my country to make them. Much
has been said by the opponents to this constitution respecting the insecurity of
jury trials, that great bulwark of personal safety; all their objections may be
done away, by proper regulations on this point, and I do not fear but such
regulations will take place. The bill is now before the senate, and a proper
attention is shewn to this business. Indeed I cannot conceive how it could be
opposed; I think an almost omnipotent emperor would not be hardy enough to set
himself against, it. Then why should we tear a power which cannot be improperly
exercised.
We have proceeded to make some regulations under the
constitution, but have met with no inaccuracy unless it may be said, that the
clause respecting "vessels bound to or from one state be obliged to enter,
clear, or pay duties in another," is somewhat obscure, yet there is nor
sufficient, I trust, in any gentleman’s opinion to induce an amendment. But
let me ask what will be the consequence of taking up this subject? are we going
to finish it in an hour? I believe not; it will take us more than a day, a week,
a month—it will take a year to complete it! and will it be doing our duty to
our country to neglect or delay putting the government in motion., when every
thing depends upon its being speedily done?
Let the constitution, have a fair trial, let it be examined
by experience, discover by that test what its errors are, and then talk of
amending; but to attempt it now is doing it at risk, which is certainly
imprudent. I have the honor of coming from a state that ratified the
constitution by the unanimous vote of a numerous convention: the people of
Georgia have manifested their attachment to it, by adopting a state constitution
framed upon the same plan as this. But although they are thus satisfied, I shall
not be against such amendments as will gratify the inhabitants of other states,
provided they are judged of by experience and not theory. For this reason I wish
the consideration of the subject postponed until the first of March, 1790.
(From The Congressional Register, vol. I, page 416 --
Courtesy of the Library of Congress)
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