2d. Congress, by a vote of two-thirds, may at any time alter or amend the Constitution.
TEMPORARY PROVISIONS.
1st. The Provisional Government is required to take immediate steps for the settlement of all matters between the States forming it and their other late confederates of the United Slates in relation to the public property and the public debt.
2d. Montgomery is made the temporary seat of government.
3d. This Constitution is to continue one year, unless altered by a two-thirds vote or superseded by a permanent Government.
[9]. From Lalor’s Encyclopædia of Political Science, published by Rand & McNally. Chicago, Ill.
[10]. Official Journal of the Convention, pp. 9 and 10.
[11]. The text of Webster’s speech in reply to Hayne, now accepted as the greatest constitutional exposition ever made by any American orator, will be found in our book devoted to Great Speeches on Great Issues.
[12]. These were afterwards seized.
[13]. The attempted removal of these heavy guns from Allegheny Arsenal, late in December, 1860, created intense excitement. A monster mass meeting assembled at the call of the Mayor of the city, and citizens of all parties aided in the effort to prevent the shipment. Through the interposition of Hon. J. K. Moorhead, Hon. R. McKnight, Judge Shaler, Judge Wilkins, Judge Shannon, and others inquiry was instituted, and a revocation of the order obtained. The Secessionists in Congress bitterly complained of the “mob law” which thus interfered with the routine of governmental affairs.—McPherson’s History.