"Sharp-faced Rat," down to the "Green-eyed Rat" and all the little rats in the office. They had busied themselves this day by exhibiting to sundry members in this hall, he had been told, a seal which they proposed as a "coat of arms for the state," of which the following is a copy: (Mr. Judd here exhibited a caricature in the form of a seal with the following mottoes: Around the upper part of the circle was "Great Democratic Principles"; on the lower, "Jew the Printer"; and in the center, "One Cent.") Here, then, said Mr. Judd, is a facsimile of what these notable gentlemen had passed around this hall today. He meant the "Old Rat" and the second in the concern, the "Sharp-faced Rat." These were considered the head of the firm. He did not know but that they had acted according to their best judgment and sense in so conducting, for he had long thought and in fact he did not believe they had any common sense from the top to the bottom of the whole shop. These are the men, then, who propose "to give tone to public opinion," to take the lead in the ranks of Democracy! Aye, sir, and, said Mr. Judd, he had been told that one of the minor rats of that office had said to gentlemen, members of this convention, within two or three days, that "he (Mr. Judd) was to be written down in that paper at any rate"; that "they had the power to do it; they could write any man down in six weeks." The same rat also said that he was disposed to mourn over the deplorable condition of certain other younger members of the convention on account of their connection with the "doomed man," and various other expressions of like tenor. Now, sir, this is the press which claims all the Democracy for itself! They will "write down" or write up any man whom they please-or, in other words, they will put every man in their collar, in their traces, and will put the bit into his mouth, and whither they will, he must go. This insolent dictation may do for them; it may suit the meridian of "some" Democrat! But he would assure gentlemen that it did not suit "the great principle," or, if they would have it so, "the great Democratic principle." This "great principle," sir, is at war with all such ideas, in direct opposition-it was entirely antagonistical to all such doctrine. The "great Democratic principle" was in favor of the greatest good to the greatest number. And as such he would say this principle was alive and always to be found at home. Under all circumstances, in all places, this "great principle" would be found battling for equal rights, equal privileges, and equal participation in all public places-in short, always opposed to monarchy or special privileges to any. Now, sir, why not treat this matter coolly and dispassionately, and if anything was due these "rats," let them have their pay. He did not consider anything due them, but for the paper and ink, and for that he was ready and anxious to vote. While he said this, he would not allow them to come in here, or through this convention filch or steal from the public treasury. Mr. Judd said he believed he had said enough. He would therefore close by saying if the Argus and its "rats" were to write him down, let them come on. Oh, such Democrats!-Tri-weekly Express, Feb. 3, 1848.] On motion of Mr. King the convention adjourned until ten o'clock tomorrow morning. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1848 Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Read. Mr. Castleman moved that the reading of the journal of yesterday be dispensed with, which was agreed to. "Resolved, That Mr. Reed introduced the following resolution, to wit: the thanks of this convention be presented to the Hon. Morgan L. Martin for the able and impartial manner in which he has discharged the arduous and responsible duties of presiding officer." And the question having been put by the secretary, upon the adoption of the same it was unanimously decided in the affirmative. Mr. Lewis introduced the following resolution, to wit: "Resolved, That Thomas McHugh, Robert L. Ream, Thomas A. B. Boyd, and Frederick S. Walling be entitled to the thanks of this convention for the faithful and efficient manner in which they have discharged their duties as secretaries.” And the question having been put upon the adoption of the same, it was decided in the affirmative. Mr. Dunn, from the committee on revision and arrangement, made the following report, to wit: "The committee on revision and arrangement respectfully report the constitution as correctly enrolled. They also recommend the adoption of the following resolution: 'Resolved, That Daniel N. Johnson be and he is hereby allowed $75 for enrolling the constitution; and that the president certify the same for payment, out of the treasury.' And the question having been put upon the adoption of the resolution, it was decided in the affirmative. Mr. Lewis introduced the following resolution, to wit: "Resolved, That the gentlemen employed to report the proceedings of this convention by the several papers are entitled to the thanks of this convention for the ability and impartiality with which they have discharged their duties." And the question having been put upon the adoption of the same, it was decided in the affirmative. Mr. King introduced the following resolution, to wit: "Resolved, That the president of this convention be and he is hereby authorized to have the enrolled constitution with the signatures attached transcribed upon parchment, to be verified by his certificate, and that the same be deposited in the office of the secretary of the territory, and that a sum not exceeding $60 be appropriated towards defraying the expenses authorized to be incurred." And the question having been put upon the adoption of the same, it was decided in the affirmative. The report of the committee on revision and arrangement was then taken up. Mr. Case moved that the reading of the constitution be dispensed with, which was agreed to. The question was then put upon the passage of the constitution, and was decided in the affirmative. And the ayes and noes being required by the rules, those who voted in the affirmative were [affirmative 60; for the vote see Appendix I, roll call 242]. The constitution was then signed by the president and secretary and by the members of the convention. Mr. Dunn moved that the convention do now adjourn sine die, which was agreed to, when the President rose and addressed the convention as follows: GENTLEMEN: Having accomplished the work for which this convention was called together, it only remains to declare its final dissolution. The result of our labors, if approved, becomes henceforth the supreme law of our adopted land, and whether well or ill done it stands forth as the record of our united opinions upon the form of government best suited to the condition of our people. Following the example set by the Great Architect of the universe, we may without irreverence look upon the pages of our constitution and pronounce the work of our hands to be good. It abounds in the declaration of those great principles which characterize the age in which we live, and which, under the protection of Heaven, will-nay, must-guard the honor, promote the prosperity, and secure the permanent welfare of our beloved country. I should do injustice to my own feelings not to speak upon the present occasion in terms of high commendation of the order, respectful bearing, and courteous conduct which have marked our intercourse during our long and arduous session. All other considerations have apparently been merged in a uniform and united effort to study the public good and attain the favorable judgment of our fellow citizens. For the complimentary language in which you have spoken of the part I have borne in your proceedings you will accept my humble and hearty thanks. It affords a testimonial of which any man may well be proud and will be ever held in grateful remembrance. We are about to separate-many of us never to meet again on earth-and I bid you an affectionate adieu, with the fervent prayer that you may return in safety to your homes, that you may long enjoy the confidence and respect of your constituents, and that happiness and prosperity may attend you all through life. I pronounce this body adjourned without day. THOMAS M. MCHUGH, Secretary PRESIDENT CONVENTION |