Excerpt from Address by Hon. Chauncey M. Depew, Delivered at Kingston, July 30, 1877, at the Centennial Celebration of the Formation of the State Government of the State of New York

Their examples, efforts and contributions in educating and nerving the colonies to the Declaration of Independence, in the event; which led to the recognition of the Republic, and in moulding the internal regulations and foreign policy of the new government, are the special pride of New York and the glory of the nation. No one can to-day read the Constitution of 17 7 7, without wondering how little we have been able to improve upon it in one hundred years. When we consider that purely represent ative government was then an almost untried experiment, this instrument becomes more and more an enduring monument to the wisdom and foresight of its framers. It begins with a preamble setting forth the causes which led to the formation of a separate government, and the authority conferred upon the convention by the people to do this work. It recites at length the Declaration of Independence, and the unanimous resolution of the con vention on the 9th of July, 17 7 6, indorsing the declaration and instructing the New York delegates in the Continental Congress to give it their support. By virtue of which several acts and recitals, says the preamble All power whatever in the State hath reverted to the people thereof, and this Convention hath, by their suffrages and free choice, been appointed and authorized to institute and establish such a government as they shall deem best calculated to secure the rights and liberties of the good people of this State.

Its first section, which was unanimously agreed to, is the key-note of its spirit. It ordained, determined and declared that no authority, on any pretense whatever, should be exercised over the people or members of this State, but such as should be derived from and granted by the people.

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