COMMENTARIES, 17 JUNE 1788

are not rich, not invested with high state offices, not in the receipt of
state salaries? &c. &c. &c.
Two objections much insisted upon previous to the election might
be added: That the members of the senate and assembly shall not be
inhabitants of the state wherein they are chosen. That drafts shall be
made out of the militia to replace the French soldiers who were killed
or died in the service of the United States!-
It is reported that a number of gentlemen of character and abilities
are coming from the eastern states to attend the debates in conven-
tion-much light it is expected will be thrown upon the subject of the
new constitution, and who knows but the strength of reasoning and
the powers of eloquence which may be displayed against it may induce
our eastern neighbors to rescind the adoption they have made? In old
times wisdom came from the east, perhaps now it resides in the west.
Some persons suppose that the federal members will be so terrified
with the apprehension of the arguments that will be brought against
the constitution that they will move for an adjournment-these appre-
hensions it is supposed will be greatly increased by the 34 consolidated
objections from Albany! Should the federal members thus shrink from
argument and reason, they will inevitably lose the confidence of the
people.
(In 1775 the then colony of New-York was the last that adopted the
proceedings of congress5-Will the antifederalists imitate that laudable
example by making the state of New-York the last also to accede to the
new constitution? Was not the cry at that time, united we live, divided
we perish!-Have we not conquered by union, and must we not be
preserved by union?
The withholding of the western posts is a loss to the county of Albany
of thousands every year. Do the politicians of that county think that if
New-York is a separate state they will be more likely to obtain them,
than by a general firm government of the United States, if America was
so happy as to have such an one?)6
The Antis, instead of saying they are against the new constitution say
they are for the old. If they mean the old federal constitution, they are
consistent, but they must then shew that it is adequate to the purposes
of the union. If they mean to insinuate that being for the new consti-
tution is being against the constitution of this state; it is hoped that the
federal members, who framed the state constitution, will be able to
shew a perfect consistency, in being a good citizen of the state of New-
York and an advocate for a general government also.
(If the state of New-York should reject the constitution, the anti-federal
leaders will be handed down to posterity, either as the wisest and most

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