History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

CHAPTER XXXIX.
MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS—CANALS— SCHOOLS.
Revision of the Con- When the coiistitutioii of the State was
stitution. adopted in 1780, it was proposed that a
convention should be called in fifteen years
for the purpose of revising or changing that instrument,
should such a course be deemed necessary. The expediency
of such a revision was submitted to the vote of the several
towns in the State, in 1795. A special meeting was held in
Northampton on the 6"' of May, to " vote on the proposed
revision of the constitution in order to amendments." The
clerk's record of the action of this meeting reads : —
'' And after the Subject was duly considered, the Selectmen called on
those who were in favor of a revision to rise — but no one rose. They
then called on those who were against a revision to signify it— whereupon
125 voters declared against a revision."
The Constitution Similar actiou was taken by a great majority
Satisfactory. Qf other towus throughout the Commonwealth,
and no convention was held for the
purpose of revising the constitution for a quarter of a cen-
tury. When the provisions of the document came into
good working order, it was found to meet all requirements
in a most satisfactory manner. Having become reconciled
to its demands and growing prosperous under them,
the people began to regard it with reverence, and were un-
willing to submit it to the uncertainty of a general over-
hauling. The discontent that prevailed soon after its
adoption, had subsided, and the machinery of government
was running so smoothly that no one cared to tinker the
constitution. No farther movement was made in this
direction till 1820, when a convention was held and the
instrument was very thoroughly and carefully revised.