nd honor of the whole
nation, will not overcome.

In a country embracing the central and most important
portion of a continent, among a people now numbering over
thirty millions, diversities of opinion inevitably exist;
and rivalries, intensified at times by local interests and
sectional attachments, must often occur; yet we do not doubt
that the theory of our Government is the best which is
possible for this nation, that the Union of the States is of
vital importance, and that the Constitution, which
expresses the combined wisdom of the illustrious founders of
the Government, is still the palladium of our liberties,
adequate to every emergency, and justly entitled to the
support of every good citizen.

It embraces, in its provisions and spirit, all the defence
and protection which any section of the country can
rightfully demand, or honorably concede.

Adopted with primary reference to the wants of five millions
of people, but with the wisest reference to future expansion
and development, it has carried us onward with a rapid
increase of numbers, an accumulation of wealth, and a degree
of happiness and general prosperity never attained by any
nation.

Whatever branch of industry, or whatever staple production,
shall become, in the possible changes of the future, the
leading interest of the country, thereby creating unforeseen
complications or new conflicts of opinion and interest, the
Constitution of the United States, properly understood and
fairly enforced, is equal to every exigency, a shield and
defence to all, in every time of need. If, however, by
reason of a change in circumstances, or for any cause, a
portion of the people believe they ought to have their
rights more exactly defined or more fully explained in the
Constitution, it is their duty, in accordance with its
provisions, to seek a remedy by way of amendment to that
instrument; and it is the duty of all the States to concur
in such amendments as may be found necessary to insure equal
and exact justice to all.

In order, therefore, to announce to the country the
sentiments of this Convention, respecting not only the
remedy which should be sought for existing discontents, but
also to communicate to the public what we believe to be the
patri