172 HISTORY OF OHIO. 



is erected, and the councils of state, assembled within doors. 

 These truths are applicable to all men, and for a few survey- 

 ors, lawyers, farmers and school masters, assembled in conven- 

 tion, to forsee all future emergencies ; or, that any people should 

 be so reasonable as to forego all their inveterate habits of 

 . thinking, acting and feeling, for the purpose of giving any new 

 form of government, afair experiment, ought not to be expected; 

 or, if we do expect it, that will be found a vain expectation. 



Our system was borrowed from various sources and the 

 several parts, show clearly from whence the framers sever- 

 ally emigrated; from New England, Pennsylvania and Vir- 

 ginia. 



Time and experience have shown clearly, that there are 

 some provisions, which not being inserted in the instrument, 

 their absence calls loudly for their speedy insertion, by a new 

 convention. 



And what is surprising, is the fact that no efforts have yet 

 been made, to obtain, the greatest and principal amendment, 

 imperiously demanded, if we wish for permanency of a repub- 

 lican form of government, in Ohio. 



Our general assembly have too much power, and, in times 

 of peace, they assemble quite too frequently, and sit too long. 

 Whole millions have been wasted, in useless legislation. With- 

 out more restraints, on the lawmaking power; without an 

 absolute prohibition, against electing their own members to 

 offices; this constitution, cannot last long, because, our repub- 

 lican from of government, can only last, while the people are in 

 love with it. Take from it, the affections of the people, and, 

 like a mist, in a clear morning, it is gone, in an hour. We 

 will not attempt to point out all the evils, which this power, in 

 the general assembly, has produced. A volume, would barely 

 enumerate them. During the term, for which any member 

 is elected, he ought to be ineligible to any other office. 



Owing to their ill will towards Governor St. Clair, the 

 members of the convention, made our governor a mere cypher. 

 He can pardon criminals, appoint the adjutant general, sign 

 commissions, and fill temporary vacancies, but he has no voice 



