Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/324

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300 SKETCHES OF THE

the constitution, and who brooded with correspondent anxiety, over the most effective means of procuring amendments, moved in the committee of the whole house, the following preamble and resolutions:

" Whereas the convention of delegates of the people of this commonwealth, did ratify a constitution or form of government for the United States, referred to them for their consideration, and did also declare that sundry amendments to exceptionable parts of the same ought to be adopted; and whereas the subject matter of the amendments agreed to by the said convention, involves all the great, essential, and unalienable rights, liberties, and privileges of freemen; many of which, if not can- celled, are rendered insecure under the said constitution, until the same shall be altered and amended:

" Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that for quieting the minds of the good citizens of this commonwealth — and securing their dearest rights and liberties — and preventing those disorders which must arise, under a government not founded in the confidence of the people — application be made to the congress of the United States, as soon as they shall assemble under the said constitution, to call a cmwention, for proposing amendments to the same, according to the mode tlierein directed.

" Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that a committee ought to be appointed to draw up and report to this house, a proper instrument of writing, expressing the sense of the general assembly, and point- ing out the reasons which induce them to urge their application thus early, for the calling the aforesaid con- vention of the states.

" Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee.

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