Tag Archives: U.S. Constitution

kudos to the chief

Posted on June 24, 2016 by SUMPTER

On July 22, 1866 President Andrew Johnson reported to Congress that his administration had sent the recently passed Constitutional Amendment to the states for ratification. He used the occasion to explain his opposition to the amendment. He thought it was … Continue reading →

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southern states’ side

Posted on June 22, 2016 by SUMPTER

In early June 1866 Congress passed what would become the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. 150 years ago today President Andrew Johnson reported to Congress that the amendment had been dutifully sent to the states for their consideration. … Continue reading →

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for what it’s worth

Posted on December 18, 2015 by SUMPTER

As has been well-documented, William H. Seward did not think the United States Constitution was the most important law in the country. Especially in the context of determining whether slavery should be eradicated, he believed there was “a higher law … Continue reading →

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Whose Maryland?

Posted on September 12, 2015 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this week Gotham’s Times thought it was pretty funny that a presumed states-rights Democrat would appeal to the federal Constitution to negate Maryland’s election law. From The New-York Times September 8, 1865: The Democracy and State Rights. … Continue reading →

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constitutional amendment

Posted on January 31, 2015 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today the United States House of Representatives approved an amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolishing slavery throughout the United States; the Senate had earlier voted in favor of the proposal. Although three-fourths of the states would have … Continue reading →

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constitutional

Posted on October 18, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this month voters in Maryland narrowly approved a new state constitution that outlawed slavery. The votes of Maryland soldiers serving in the Union army proved to be decisive. President Lincoln probably was pleased with the Maryland vote … Continue reading →

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The Good Ship America

Posted on January 28, 2013 by SUMPTER

Eventually Headed for Peaceful Waters – if a Democrat at the Helm Peace Democrat James Wall has his work cut out for him in the five weeks he’s going to be in the United States Senate. From the Richmond Daily … Continue reading →

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Constitutional Theorizing

Posted on January 12, 2013 by SUMPTER

If States’ Rights are obsolete, why can’t we make New England one state? From the Richmond Daily Dispatch January 14, 1863: New England’s rights Considered — her Undue preponderance Objected to. A New York paper, taking up a subject that … Continue reading →

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Reprising John Dickenson

Posted on March 10, 2012 by SUMPTER

John Dickinson’s The Liberty Song was published in 1768 and contained this verse: Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all, By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall; In so righteous a cause let us hope to succeed, For … Continue reading →

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Constitution as Marketing Tool for Wonder Drug

Posted on October 24, 2011 by SUMPTER

Radway & Co. took out a large spot to promote its products. The ad seems kind of modern. Here’s bits of it. From The New-York Times October 23, 1861: A FREE GIFT; TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. WHAT THE FEDERAL TROOPS … Continue reading →

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