A Narrative of the Life, Experience and Work of an American Citizen (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896. Excerpt: ... my own taste and and necessities, taking my meals with his family. I had a very comfortable and happy home for seven years. In 1864 the ill health of his wife was such that my removal was desirable. I was chosen a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1853 by the united action of all the three parties. When the convention met, it was found to be composed largely of men from the small towns who had been elected by the coalition party, many of whom were poorly qualified for the position and led by a few political leaders, who determined before-hand in a party caucus what policy or measures should be supported by the party and what should be rejected. 1 did not attend any of their caucuses, nor did I take any part in the debates, except upon one subject--the system of representation. My speech on that subjeet attracted much attention and commendation at the time and is thought worthy of a place here, and it follows below as printed in the Debates and Proceedings of the House: --MR. HASKELL, of Ipswich. Notwithstanding the diversity of opinion, upon the subject now under consideration, I suppose we shall all agree to one proposition--that unless some plan may be devised, which shall be more just, equal, and more acceptable to the people than the present system, it will be better for us to retain the old system as it is. Most of the gentlemen who have addressed the Convention, seem to have taken it for granted that the present system is obnoxious, in a great degree, to the people, and that there is no danger of our framing a worse system. I do not concur in that view, or in the opinion which has been so frequently expressed, that there is great injustice and inequality in that system. I propose now to make a very brief examination of the plan proposed by..