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Editorial
December 1, 1820
The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser
Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
Editorial covers Congressional interest in Mr. Cobb's retrenchment resolutions reducing government expenses and forces. It critiques the House Committee's favorable report on the Missouri Constitution, deeming it unsatisfactory and tacitly unconstitutional, urging repudiation of its objectionable features until a republican majority prevails.
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CONGRESS.
The proceedings of this body will be read with increased interest. Mr. Cobb's resolutions contemplate the adoption of an extensive system of retrenchment, by the reduction of salaries, the abolition of useless offices, the curtailment of the ample appropriations for the erection of fortifications and for the gradual increase of the Navy, and by the diminution of the land and naval forces of the Republick.
The Constitution of Missouri will unquestionably produce an animated discussion. We unite with every true republican in the wish that the will of the majority may prevail, and that the Constitution of Missouri may be repudiated till its objectionable features are expunged. On this interesting subject, the New-York Commercial Advertiser has the following remarks:
It will be seen that the Committee of the House of Representatives to whom was referred the Constitution of Missouri, have reported in favour of its acceptance. It will also be seen by the remarks of Mr. Lowndes which follow the resolution, that the Committee were not united in the Report. The Report is intended to be an artful document; but for ourselves, we consider it neither clear nor satisfactory. The Committee commence by telling the House, that they "have not supposed themselves bound to inquire whether the provisions of the Constitution referred to them be wise or liberal"-a point which we should think very important to be ascertained, before the Constitution of any State should be received. They say, moreover (with what reason we will leave it to others to judge) that "of all the articles in our Constitution, there is probably not one more difficult to construe well than that which gives to the citizens of each State, the privileges and immunities of citizens of the several States." This is certainly one of the plainest provisions in the Constitution.
We consider, however, that an important point has been gained by this Report. The COMMITTEE HAVE TACITLY ADMITTED THAT THE CONSTITUTION OF MISSOURI IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
The proceedings of this body will be read with increased interest. Mr. Cobb's resolutions contemplate the adoption of an extensive system of retrenchment, by the reduction of salaries, the abolition of useless offices, the curtailment of the ample appropriations for the erection of fortifications and for the gradual increase of the Navy, and by the diminution of the land and naval forces of the Republick.
The Constitution of Missouri will unquestionably produce an animated discussion. We unite with every true republican in the wish that the will of the majority may prevail, and that the Constitution of Missouri may be repudiated till its objectionable features are expunged. On this interesting subject, the New-York Commercial Advertiser has the following remarks:
It will be seen that the Committee of the House of Representatives to whom was referred the Constitution of Missouri, have reported in favour of its acceptance. It will also be seen by the remarks of Mr. Lowndes which follow the resolution, that the Committee were not united in the Report. The Report is intended to be an artful document; but for ourselves, we consider it neither clear nor satisfactory. The Committee commence by telling the House, that they "have not supposed themselves bound to inquire whether the provisions of the Constitution referred to them be wise or liberal"-a point which we should think very important to be ascertained, before the Constitution of any State should be received. They say, moreover (with what reason we will leave it to others to judge) that "of all the articles in our Constitution, there is probably not one more difficult to construe well than that which gives to the citizens of each State, the privileges and immunities of citizens of the several States." This is certainly one of the plainest provisions in the Constitution.
We consider, however, that an important point has been gained by this Report. The COMMITTEE HAVE TACITLY ADMITTED THAT THE CONSTITUTION OF MISSOURI IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
What sub-type of article is it?
Constitutional
Slavery Abolition
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Missouri Constitution
Congress Proceedings
Retrenchment
Objectionable Features
House Committee Report
Constitutional Debate
Republican Views
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Cobb
Committee Of The House Of Representatives
Mr. Lowndes
New York Commercial Advertiser
Missouri
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Debate Over Admission Of Missouri Constitution
Stance / Tone
Opposition To Objectionable Features In Missouri Constitution And Support For Republican Majority
Key Figures
Mr. Cobb
Committee Of The House Of Representatives
Mr. Lowndes
New York Commercial Advertiser
Missouri
Key Arguments
Mr. Cobb's Resolutions Propose Retrenchment Through Salary Reductions, Abolition Of Useless Offices, Curtailment Of Appropriations For Fortifications And Navy, And Diminution Of Land And Naval Forces
Wish That Missouri Constitution Be Repudiated Until Objectionable Features Expunged
House Committee Reported In Favor Of Accepting Missouri Constitution But Not United
Committee's Report Is Artful But Neither Clear Nor Satisfactory
Committee Not Bound To Inquire If Provisions Are Wise Or Liberal
Provision On Privileges And Immunities Is Plain
Committee Tacitly Admitted Missouri Constitution Is Unconstitutional