The Convention was permanently organized by the appointment of John Tyler, of Virginia (once President of the Republic),
1841-1845. |
 |
| John Tyler. |
The regular business of the Convention was opened by Mr. Guthrie, of
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urged the adoption of the Crittenden Compromise.
Pennsylvania declared its willingness to make any honorable concession for the sake of peace, but did not desire any amendment or alteration of the Constitution.
It was ready to fulfill every duty prescribed to it by that Constitution, even to the full execution of the Fugitive Slave Act. Delaware simply declared its devotion to the Union, and instructed its delegates to do all in their power for its preservation.
Ohio was willing to meet its fellow States in convention, but felt satisfied with the Constitution as it was; while Indiana instructed its delegates not to commit that State to any action until nineteen of the States should be represented, and until they had communicated with the General Assembly of their State, and received permission to commit it to proposed measures.
Illinois wished it to be understood that its willingness to confer was not a committal of the State to any proposed policy.
It was anxious for conciliation, but saw no reason for amending the Constitution for the purpose.
Kentucky would be satisfied with the Crittenden Compromise, according to the Virginia model.
Tennessee was willing to adjust all difficulties by the same process, but with enlarged franchises for the slaveholders; while Missouri instructed its delegates to endeavor to agree upon some plan for the preservation or reconstruction of the Union.
Its delegates were always to be subordinate to the General Assembly or the State Convention of Missouri.
as the presiding officer, and Crafts J. Wright, of Ohio, son of one of the delegates from that State, as secretary.
Mr. Tyler delivered a short address on taking the chair, in which he said:--“The eyes of the whole country are turned to this assembly, in expectation and hope.
I trust that you may prove yourselves worthy of the great occasion.
Our ancestors probably committed a blunder in not having fixed upon every fifth decade for a call of a general convention to amend and reform the Constitution.
On the contrary, they have made the difficulties next to insurmountable to accomplish amendments to an instrument which was perfect for five millions of people, but not wholly so
for thirty millions.
Your patriotism will surmount the difficulties, however great, if you will but accomplish one triumph in advance, and that is a triumph over party. And what is party, when compared to the work of rescuing one's country from danger?
Do this, and one long, loud shout of joy and gladness will resound throughout the land.”
At the conclusion of this address, Mr. Wickliffe, of Kentucky, offered a resolution that the Convention should be opened with prayer.
It was agreed to, and the Rev. Dr. P. D. Gurley officiated.
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