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Letter to Editor
July 15, 1824
The Rhode Island Republican
Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
Cassius criticizes a newly drafted state constitution for inadequately restricting the General Assembly's powers, citing ineffective clauses on legislative restraints, a flawed education funding mechanism, and a transitional government provision until May 1825.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
COMMUNICATION.
Two weeks labor in devising a written constitution, the great object of which was intended to put limits to the power of the General Assembly. What have they done to this effect? In restraining the legislature from passing laws, such as making new conditions of any grant, not thought of at the time of making such grant; of inhibiting corporations under Bank Charters, &c. or any retrospective laws, other than criminal.
Of Education—"A fund shall be created from all monies received for taxes on licenses granted under the authority of this State, for the support of free schools"—Now it happens that there are no "taxes on licenses granted under the authority of this State, for the support of free schools"
General Provisions—"The present Government shall exercise all the powers, not repugnant to this constitution, with which it is now clothed, until the first Tuesday of May, 1825" This must be a powerful instrument to have such restrictive force, before it goes into operation!
CASSIUS.
Two weeks labor in devising a written constitution, the great object of which was intended to put limits to the power of the General Assembly. What have they done to this effect? In restraining the legislature from passing laws, such as making new conditions of any grant, not thought of at the time of making such grant; of inhibiting corporations under Bank Charters, &c. or any retrospective laws, other than criminal.
Of Education—"A fund shall be created from all monies received for taxes on licenses granted under the authority of this State, for the support of free schools"—Now it happens that there are no "taxes on licenses granted under the authority of this State, for the support of free schools"
General Provisions—"The present Government shall exercise all the powers, not repugnant to this constitution, with which it is now clothed, until the first Tuesday of May, 1825" This must be a powerful instrument to have such restrictive force, before it goes into operation!
CASSIUS.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
What themes does it cover?
Constitutional Rights
Education
Politics
What keywords are associated?
Constitution Critique
General Assembly Limits
Education Fund
Retrospective Laws
1825 Transition
What entities or persons were involved?
Cassius.
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Cassius.
Main Argument
the letter critiques the new constitution for failing to effectively limit the general assembly's power, pointing out flaws in provisions restraining retrospective laws, an impractical education fund reliant on non-existent taxes, and a transitional clause that maintains current government powers until may 1825.
Notable Details
Quotes Constitution On Education Fund From 'Taxes On Licenses' Which Do Not Exist
References Restraints On Legislature Regarding Grants And Corporations
Notes Transitional Provision Until First Tuesday Of May 1825