Proceedings and debates of the Convention of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania Volume 11-12; to propose amendments to the constitution, commenced at Harrisburg, on the second day of May, 1837 - Softcover

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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. 1838 Excerpt: ...from mere pique, revenge or malice? 1 believe that there is very little danger of injustice being done according to the state of things which now exists; and if I can imagine a case in which gross injustice woull be done, it would be that of publishing a libel against a man where he can have no remedy. It is a common thing for parties to say, just with a view to affright the jury, that they can prove every thing that has been alleged, when, if brought to the test, they could prove nothing. I know a case of this kind which occurred within my own experience. I offered the truth in justification. The court admitted it; and, when thus put to the test, I could not, to my great chagrin, prove a word of the allegation. Protection of reputation is one of the clearest rights of man; and the government that will not protect it, may do almost what they please with his property or his liberty. Is there not room enough now for all sorts of criticism on private character and reputation? Are we to throw open the door still wider, and to render the security for the reputation of men less than it is at this time? Sir, I trust not. Mr. Woodward said, that he had at first entertained some doubts as to the expediency of adopting the amendment, in the terms in which it had been originally offered; but that since the gentleman from the county of Philadelphia who introduced it (Mr. Doranjhad accepted the modification of his colleague, (Mr. Earle) he (Mr. W.) could not possibly vote for it. Mr. Doran begged to explain. The gentleman from Luzerne was entirely mistaken. He (Mr. D.) had not accepted the proposed modification; it stood before the convention as an amendment to the amendment. Mr. Woodward resumed: Then I was under a wrong impression. I am, however, opposed to both these...

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