1788: "The Agreeable and Interesting Intelligence of the Ratification"

In the edition of the The Vermont Journal printed on July 14, 1788, there were several articles from June, reporting on New Hampshire's ratification of the Constitution of the United States, and report on Fourth of July celebrations. 

New Hampshire's convention voted to ratify the Constitution on June 21, 1788, and was the 9th state to ratify, meeting the needed number to proceed with establishing a new government according to the Constitution. 

PORTSMOUTH, June 24.

On Sunday morning last, we received the agreeable and interesting intelligence of the Ratification of the New Constitution by the Convention of this state, whereby we have, in effect, laid the top stone to the grand Federal Edefice, and happily raised the ninth pillar. The joy which this event diffused through all ranks of citizens in this metropolis, is hardly conceivable—

"Joy sat on every face without a cloud,

"As in the day of opening Paradise."

Mutual congratulations took place, and public thanks was returned in all the churches. It being Lord's day, so other testimonials of joy took place until Monday morning, at one o'clock, at which time the bells rung a joyful peal, several citizens paraded the streets with music, saluting the members of the Convention (who had returned from Concord) other patriotic characters, &c.

The ratification took place on Saturday last, about two o'clock P.M.

When the question was put, there appeared for the ratification,

Yeas - - 57

Nays - - 46

_______

Majority - - 11

Upon the ratification being declared several of the minority declared, that as the Constitution had been ratified by a majority of the Convention, they would endeavor to influence their constituents to acquiesce with the decision.

The Convention having ratified the new Constitution, were of opinion, that the following amendments and alterations in the same, would remove the fears and quiet the apprehensions of many of the good people of this state, and at the same time guard against an undue administration of the federal government, they therefore recommended that they be introduced into the said Constitution.

1st. THAT it be explicitly declared that all powers not expressly and particularly delegated by the aforesaid Constitution, are reserved to the several states, to be by them exercised.

2d. That there shall be one representative to every 30,000 persons, according to the census mentioned in the Constitution, until the whole number of the representatives amounts to 200.

3d. That Congress do not exercise the powers invested to them by the 4th section of the first article, but in cases when a state shall neglect or refuse to make the regu'ations therein mentioned, or shall make regulations contrary to a free and equal representation.

4th. That Congress do not lay direct taxes, but when the money arising from the import, excise, and their other resources, are insufficient for the public exigencies; nor then, until Congress shall have first made a requisition upon the states to assess, levy and pay their respective proportions of such requisition, agreeably to the census  fixed in the said Constitution, in such way and manner as the legislature of the state shall think best; and in such case if any state shall neglect or refuse to pay its proportion, pursuant to such requisitions, then Congress may assess and levy such state's proportion, together with interest thereon at the rate of fix per cent per annum, from the time of payment prescribed in such requisition.

5th. That Congress elect no company of merchants, with exclusive advantages of commerce. 

6th. That no person shall be tried for any crime by which he may incur an infamous punishment, or loss of life, until he be first indicted by a grand jury; except to such cases as may arise in the government and regulation of the land and naval forces.

7th. All common law causes between citizens of different states shall be commenced in the common law courts of the respective states; and no appeal shall be allowed to the federal court in such cases, unless the sum or value of the thing in controversy amount to 3000 dollars.

8th. In civil actions between citizens of different states, every issues of fact arising in actions at common law, shall be tried by a jury, if the parties of either of them request it.

9th. Congress shall at no time consent that any person holding an office of trust or profit under the United States, shall accept of a title of nobility, or any other title or office from any king, prince or foreign state.

10th. That no standing army shall be kept up in time of peace, unless with the consent of three quarters of the members of each branch of Congress—nor shall soldiers in time of peace be quartered upon private houses, without the consent of the owner.

11th. Congress shall make no laws touching religion, or to infringe the rights of conscience.

12th. Congress shall never disarm any citizen, unless such as are or have been in actual rebellion.

Information being received that his Excellency, President LANGDON, was to arrive in town yesterday afternoon, Col Wentworth's corps of Independent Horse, Cap. Woodward's company of Artillery, and Col. Hill's company of foot, severally paraded, and together with a very large number of gentlemen in carriages and on horseback met his Excellency at Greenland, and escorted him into town, where he was received by a great number of citizens, who complimented his return with several federal cheers. during the procession's moving into town, the bells were rung and every testimony of joy exhibited which a grateful people are capable of expressing, or a federal patriot worthy of receiving.

When his Excellency and suite arrived within a mile of the town, Capt. Woodward's company of artillery honored him with a federal salute.

NEWPORT (Rhode Island) June 26.

Union and Federalism.

Tuesday evening we received by post the highly interesting intelligence of the ratification of the proposed Constitution for the United States, by the State of Newhampshire, which makes Nine State and thereby ensures an establishment of that well-organized Government. On Wednesday morning the day was ushered in with the ringing of the bells; the shopping were drest in their colours and from many houses in the town were displayed the stripes of America. Application being made by a number of gentlemen to his Excellency the governor, that permission might be given to fire the guns at fort Washington and hoist the standard of the State, his Excellency very politely granted the request, and ordered the gunner of the Fort accordingly. At one o'clock nine 18 pounders were fired from the Fort...as a compliment to the nine States, which was re-echoed by loud huzzas. It was with pleasure we observed the general joy and unfeigned congratulations of our fellow citizens on this auspicious event. 

WINDSOR, 14.

Hanover, July 5, 1788.

Yesterday being the 4th of July, was celebrated at Hanover, in the State of New Hampshire, the memorable epoch of American independence, and that important event, the establishing of the new Federal Constitution by the decisive resolution of the late Convention of state state, the ninth in the measure. 

Numerous were the spectators from abroad on this pleasing occasion. The procession was formed on the parade adjoining the college building, in the following order, 

1 . A French horn.

2. Fourteen divisions representing and bearing the standard of the thirteen States, and the state of Vermont.

3. A white tripod; the legs emblematic of virtue, agriculture, and commerce, which make...national peace and wealth. The legs concentered in a ball, denoting the stability and union of the American confederacy. From the ball arose a standard, on which was placed the flag of the States; and on the ball was a portraiture of Apollo, with his eyes turned obliquely up toward the flag, with the following label, HERE MY SONS WILL PROSPER. 

4. A band of music

5. The President and officers of the university, the clergy, and other gentlemen occasionally present.

6. The artillery

7. The infantry with drums and fifes.

8. A large concourse of well-wishers to the new measures.

The procession marched round the squares, and then formed into a circle on the parades; in the most of which Mr. Lakeman delivered an oration on the advantages that may be expected to result from the new Federal Constitution, and the glory and felicity which await America from the establishment of it... At the close of this, fourteen cannon were fired, in honor of the thirteen states and the state of Vermont. To these were added nine other discharges, to celebrate the virtue and patriotism of those which have already adopted the new government.

The following toasts were proclaimed on the occasion

1 . May the government of all nations be so constructed and administered, as shall secure the rights of mankind.

2. The United States of America

3. The Convention who formed the Federal Constitution.

4. The nine states who have adopted it.

5. May the other states be soon united in the measure.

6. The virtuous allies of the United States.

7. General Washington, and the officers of the late American army.

8. President Langdon, and the State of Newhampshire.

9. President Sullivan and the members of the Convention of this State, who turned the key stone of the federal structure

10. May the spirit and laws of the confederacy be subservient to the interest of agriculture.

11. May the manufacturers and commerce of our new empire be always free from oppressive laws, and unembarrassed by exclusive privileges. 

12. The American Virtuosi, who have enlarged the the stock of philosophy and science.

13. The advancement of virtue and arts through the world.

14. The Governor and State of Vermont.

The arrangements of the affair were conducted by Col. Ebenezer Brewster; and the strictest order was observed through the whole.

In the evening was a beautiful illumination of the college and other principal buildings.

Source:

The Vermont Journal, published on July 14, 1788. Pages 2-3. Accessed through Newspapers.com