p. 18 | Amending the Constitution by W. A. C.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 28, 1909

Amending the Constitution

By W. A. C.

According to the terms of the Constitution of the United States, Congress, upon application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several States, must “call a convention for proposed amendments.” Thirty-one States have now signified their desire for such a convention, Idaho and Wyoming having been first to express themselves, in 1895, and Alabama, the last, having taken action only last August. This makes the required two thirds, there being but forty-six States in the Union. It seems, therefore, that according to the terms of the Constitution itself, Congress will be compelled to call such a convention.

The demand on the part of the States has very largely, if not entirely, been for an amendment providing for the election of senators by direct vote; but if a convention for this purpose is called, there seems to be no reason why amendments of every sort may not be proposed and considered. Referring to this matter, the Springfield Republican of June 24 said:—

“Whether such a national convention could be limited by the call to one particular subject of change is a question that has never been given opportunity for authoritative determination. If forecalled to amend in one particular, it may seemingly propose amendments in other particulars. But in any case the convention might easily be made a power for bringing under popular agitation various Constitutional changes not comprehended in the call.”

Speaking concerning this same matter, the Washington Post of October 9, says:—

“We think that the best Constitutional authorities will agree with us that any and all subjects may be laid before the convention.”

As to the importance, significance, and possible results of such a convention, the Post further says:—

“It is beyond the mind of man to prophesy what will be done with our Constitution the moment that its mantle of inviolability is laid aside. It is this fact which gives a profound and almost anxious significance to the fact that under the very terms of the Constitution itself the Congress of the United States may soon be compelled to call a Constitutional convention.”

In view of the proposed religious amendment already in Congress, and of what both prophecy and the spirit of prophecy have said concerning this nation, such a convention, if held, ought to be of more significance to us than to any one else in the United States.

W. A. C.