eneral
government, they have fenced the people by no declaration of rights;
they have not renounced the power of keeping a standing army; they have
not secured the liberty of the press; they have reserved the power of
abolishing trials by jury in civil cases; they have proposed that the
laws of the federal legislatures shall be paramount to the laws and
constitutions of the States; they have abandoned rotation in office;
and particularly, their President may be re-elected from four years to
four years, for life, so as to render him a King for life, like a King
of Poland; and they have not given him either the check or aid of a
council. To these they add calculations of expense, etc., etc., to
frighten the people. You will perceive that these objections are
serious, and some of them not without foundation. The Constitution,
however, has been received with a very general enthusiasm, and as far
as can be judged from external demonstrations, the bulk of the people
are eager to adopt it. In the eastern States the printers will print
nothing against it, unless the writer subscribes his name.
Massachusetts and Connecticut have called conventions in January, to
consider of it. In New York, there is a division. The Governor
(Clinton) is known to be hostile to it. Jersey, it is thought, will
certainly accept it. Pennsylvania is divided; and all the bitterness of
her factions has been kindled anew on it. But the party in favor of it
is strongest, both in and out of the legislature. This is the party
anciently of Morris, Wilson, etc. Delaware will do what Pennsylvania
shall do. Maryland is thought favorable to it; yet it is supposed Chase
and Paca will oppose it. As to Virginia, two of her Delegates, in the
first place, refused to sign it. These were Randolph, the Governor and
George Mason. Besides these, Henry, Harrison, Nelson, and the Lees, are
against it. General Washington will be for it, but it is not in his
character to exert himself much in the case. Madison will be its main
pillar; but though an immensely powerful one, it is questionable
whether he can bear the weight of such a host. So that the presumption
is, that Virginia will reject it. We know nothing of the dispositions
of the States south of this. Should it fall through, as is possible,
notwithstanding the enthusiasm with which it was received in the first
moment, it is probable that Congress will propose, that the objections
which the people shall make to it being o