The Daily Dispatch: December 20, 1860., [Electronic resource]

---

---

Amendments to the Constitution.

The Philadelphia Inquirer expresses the opinion that the effort in Congress to embody all the propositions for a settlement of the secession controversy in the shape of amendments to the Constitution, to be submitted to Conventions of people of the States, convened for the purpose, is not only the right mode of proceeding, but is the only one that can effect a permanent adjustment of this distracting subject. The Inquirer justly remarks that no settlement can be durable that does not provide the guarantees against disturbance which are afforded only by constitutional provisions, placed beyond the reach of mere majorities, influenced for the moment by popular commotion or excitement. If the country is to have permanent exemption from the pernicious effects of slavery and anti-slavery agitation during our frequently recurring elections, the subject should be so comprehensively covered by amendments to the national organic law as will remove it from the control of party leaders, and, also, from the temptation to tinker at it in the construction of platforms. This being the case, and such fundamental legislation requiring the consideration of the people, the sooner Congress lays the subject before them, the sooner the troubles of the country will be at an end. To the people this whole subject will have to go at last.