does this injunction
import? I appeal to men of understanding, whether it is not obviously the
language of distrust, calculated, as far as such a thing can influence, to
prejudice the public opinion against the new constitution; and, in effect,
by a periphrastic mode of speech, recommending the rejection of it?
"_Teach_ the members of the Convention (Cato _very modestly_ goes on) that
you are capable of supervision of their conduct; the same medium that gave
you this system, if it is erroneous, while the door is now open, can make
amendments _or give you another_." O excellent thought, and happily
advised! Be clamorous, my friends--be discontented--assert your
prerogative--forever assert the power and _majesty of the people_. I am not
willing to suspect any man's intentions, when they aim at giving
information; but when they come abroad, couched in such _magisterial_
terms, I own I feel some indignation. If this demagogue had talents to
throw light on the subject of legislation, why did he not offer them when
the Convention was in session? If they had been judged useful, no doubt
they would have been attended to. But is this _now a time_ for such
insinuations? Has not the wisdom of America been drawn, as it were, into a
focus, and the proffered constitution sent forth with a unanimity that is
unequalled in ancient or modern story? And shall we now wrangle and find
fault with the _excellent whole_, because, perhaps some of its parts
_might have been_ more perfect? There is neither virtue or patriotism in
such conduct. Besides, how can Cato say, "that the door is now open to
receive any amendments, or give us _another constitution_, if required?" I
believe he has advanced this without proper authority. I am inclined to
believe that the _door of recommendation is shut and cannot be opened by
the same men_; that the Convention, in one word, is dissolved; if so we
must reject IN TOTO, or _vice versa_; just take it as it is and be
thankful. I deny the similarity betwixt the present constitution and that
of the United Netherlands. Cato would have drawn a very melancholy
picture, but it won't apply. In my most humble opinion, it has a much
greater affinity with the government, which, in all human probability,
will remain when the history of the Seven Provinces shall be forgotten.
Cato tells us (what all America knows by this time) that the new
constitution comes sanctioned with the approbation of General Washington;
and, though h