season of the year, I cannot be satisfied pruned and the dead branches re- the peace and threatened the existence without expressing my commendation moved, that she may have still more and perpetuity of the nation, to re capacity for improvement and growth. of the work you have accomplished. assert the principle of the Declaration In framing a Constitution, settling. of Independence, the brotherhood of questions affecting great interests, it man, and to re-organize the State upon cannot reasonably be expected that the the granite basis of equal rights and work will in every respect be acceptable justice for all. With the new Conto all. I do not claim that your labors Time will not permit me to refer stitution sanctioned by the people, have resulted in the formation of a to all the changes you have made. this much desired work will be perfect instrument; but I cheerfully I will speak of but one. We accomplished. The wrongs of prejudeclare, that in my judgment, the Con- have recently witnessed the sublime dice and caste will be swept from of our laws, and stitution you are now about to submit spectacle of millions rising in arms every section to the intelligent people of this to put down treason and rebellion. throughout this grand Commonwealth State for their ratification, is taken as The ground has shaken with the tread never more shall man be deprived of a whole, a decided improvement of mighty armies. Freedom and op- the rights of manhood by reason of upon the Constitution now in pression marshaled their forces and class, color or creed. force. As far as seemed practicable, struggled for the mastery of a Conti- As we prepare to take leave of each you have preserved the form and lan- nent. The loyal North, pouring upon other, I am reminded that, in the ordiguage of the existing Constitution. the South like an avalanche, vindicated nary course of human events, we shall Innovation is not always improvement, the integrity of the Republic, planted all probably never meet again. In this nor is change synonymous with excel- its banner in triumph over every inch State, two Constitutional Canventions lence. Enlightened reason and the of its soil, and through victory secured have preceded this one. Members of stability of our institutions demand peace. In this contest, Michigan bore each, full of honor and years, are asthat fundamental provisions of the an honorable part. When the first sociated with us. Their long experiorganic law which have proved satis- alarm sounded, her sons rushed to the ence, their words of true wisdom, factory and become settled and under-rescue. On many a hard-fought field, have contributed greatly to guide us stood by a course of judical decisions, they exemplified their valor, and proved to correct conclusions. Many of their should not be disturbed for light and that the leaping blood of the fathers former associates have passed within transient causes. But the circum- had not curdled in the veins of the vail. Long may they be spared to stances of the State, and the spirit and the sons. Some came home witness the prosperity and share the improvement of the age have demanded maimed and wounded. Such there blessings of a State they have helped changes. Since the Constitution of are here to-day, members of this to create. Inspired anew with love of 1850 was adopted, the State has more Convention, bearing on their bodies country, of justice and truth, may we than doubled in population. Its wealth honorable scars that attest their all go from this Hall firmly determined has increased five-fold. By the energy patriotism and valor. Others pined that our efforts shall promote the right, and enterprise of its people, it has be- and starved in gloomy prisons under a and ever tend to advance the public come great in material value, while its treatment worse than the barbarity of good. humane institutions, its University, the savages, while others on bloody Gentlemen, from the bottom of my the first at the West and rivaling the fore- battle-fields sleep the sleep that heart I thank you for all your kindmost at the East, its model schools and knows no waking." The memory of ness. Health, happiness, prosperity, school system, and its numerous their heroic deeds, the lessons of this attend you. I wish you a speedy and churches, bespeak advancement in terrible war, all the blood and treasure safe return to your families and friends. all that elevates and ennobles man. that it has cost us, remind us that the I pray that He who holds us in the With freedom of thought and freedom safety of a State lies in a strict adhe-hollow of His hand, through whose of labor, with active brains and loyal rence to righteousness and justice. goodness we have been kept during hearts, truly the State has grown into That nation that perpetuates oppres- our session from severe sickness or majestic proportions, and now presents sion shall perish from the earth. From death, may preserve your lives, and one of the grandest developments of their graves our illustrious dead appeal lead you in ways of pleasantness and progress in the history of the na- to us to destroy every foot-print of paths of peace. I have only now to tion. Although in her youth, she has caste, to annihilate every vestige of pronounce the Constitutional Convendemanded that her Constitution be that great wrong that has disturbed tion of 1867 adjourned without day. In remarks of Mr. LONGYEAR, Vol. II, page 654,third column, end of first paragraph, "Even the forum is not in dispute," should read, “Even the form of the question is not in dispute." In remarks of Mr. FARMER, Vol. II, page 365, second column, end of second paragraph, "I shall vote for this amendment," should read, “I shall vote against this amendment." In Vol. II, page 366, first column, eighth paragraph, "The amendment of the committee of the whole was concurred in," should read, "The amendment of the committee of the whole was not concurred in.” INDEX. ALEXANDER, LORENZO P.,-Continued. 111 452 motions, etc., by,.. 73 76 .Vol. I, 93 124 557 resolution limiting debate, offered by,.. Vol. II, 551 Vol. II, 600, 1002 adjournment over and recess,... Vol. I, 93, 136, 137 ...Vol. II, 510, 512 appointed a member of committee on sup- amendment and revision of the Constitution, ar- ... Vol. I, appeals from decisions of boards of super- 972 petitions presented by, (See Petitions.) visors,. Vol. I, 502 276 report on mileage presented by,... .Vol. I, 296 city representat'n on boards of supervisors, Vol. I, 409 Vol. II, 957 .Vol. I, 43 county buildings, etc., taxes for,. ...Vol. I, 421 debate, limitation of,... . Vol. II, 551 dueling, disfranchisement for,.. deserters, etc., disfranchisement of, Vol. II, 291, 778 electors, qualifications of,... ..Vol. II, 293 Vol. II, 423 homestead exemptions, . Vol. I, 521 235 hour of meeting,. postage of delegates,. Vol. I, 124 Vol. I, 152; Vol. II, 572 Jameson's Constitutional Convention, resolution .Vol. I, 50 ...Vol. II, 237, 339, 545 ...Vol. II, 999, -1000 23. 16 passed,.. ..Vol. II, 383 BILL-HOLDERS of insolvent banks, preference of, Vol. I, 168 365 Legislature, pay of presiding officers,.. Vol. II, 364 - 584 178 841 Vol. I, 33, 52, 53 appropriation, (See Appropriation bills.) BILLS, PERLEY, a delegate from Lenawee county, sessions of the Legislature, Vol. II, 50, 52, 53, 55, 720 ....Vol. I, Vol. I, 299 appointed a member of committee on order of slavery, prohibition of,.. Vol. I, 612 proceeding,. Vol. I, appointed a member of committee on finance suffrage for people of color, Vol. I, Vol. II, 714 . Vol. I, 608 appointed a member of committee on intoxica- supervisors, etc.,. Vol. I, 464; Vol. II, 312, 313, 318 ting liquors,. Vol. I, 31 taxation, uniform rule of, . ..Vol. I, 274, 275 motions, etc., by,.. Vol. I, 295, 296, 451, 509, 536, township officers,.. BIRNEY, JAMES, a delegate from Bay county, Vol. I, 614 appointed a member of committee on order of Vol. I, 5 72 appointed a member of committee on executive 31 adjournment over and recess,....Vol. I, 29, 441, 598 appointed a member of committee on arrange- 31 motions, etc., by,..... Vol. I, 1, 3, 31, 39, 175, 282, 310 284 570 petitions presented by, (See Petitions.) Vol. I, 123 reports from committee on arrangement and corporations, granting and repealing charters resolution for separate submission of liquor of,.. .Vol. I, 149, 171, 262, 266 question, Vol. II, 875 remarks by, on— adjournment over, etc.,. Vol. I, 137; Vol. II, 556 debates and journals,..... Vol. I, 62; Vol. II, 3, I; 970 afternoon sessions, denominational schools,. Vol. II, 727 Agricultural College, chaplains in the Legislature,... .Vol. I, 253 Vol. II, 375 |