Oh, cork your American Perry!”
But there was no such thing as corking Perry until he had captured the entire British squadron, consisting of two ships, two schooners, a brig, and a sloop, with all on board, including forty-one killed and ninety-four wounded.
THE TWO U. S. CONSTITUTIONS.
Belmont, Iowa.
Please point out the difference between the first Constitution of the United States, under which the Revolutionary war was fought, and the present Constitution.
O. T. K.
Answer.—The Articles of Confederation conferred upon Congress none but delegated powers and recognized the absolute sovereignty of the States. Aside from the right to make war and peace, regulate foreign intercourse, receive and send embassadors, control the coinage of money, and settle disputed boundaries, Congress had no power to act without the consent of nine of the States, each casting one ballot. It could not levy taxes, and before 1787 the war debt had destroyed the financial reputation of the United States abroad. The States were divided in their interests, and at the last Colonial Congress but eight of the States sent delegates. Not the least of the weaknesses of the confederation was the non-provision for a chief magistrate, or for a national judiciary. To meet these needs it was found necessary to frame a new constitution, systematically organizing a permanent form of government. This document arranges the powers of government under three heads—legislative, executive, and judicial—and places the supreme power in the people of the whole country, instead of vainly endeavoring to maintain a multitude of independent States. It replaced a disjointed confederacy of jealous States with a Nation.
CHAPLAINS IN ARMY AND NAVY.