The Convention of 1787 was composed of members, a majority of whom were elected to reject the Federal Constitution; and it was only after the clause declaring that "the power granted under the Constitution being derived from the people of the United States, may be resumed by them whensoever the same shall be perverted to their injury and oppression, and that every power not granted thereby remains with them at their will," was inserted in the ordinance of ratification, that six or more of the majority opposed to the measure consented to vote for it. Even with this accession of strength the Constitution was carried only by a vote of 89 to 79. (_From Editorial Article in Charleston "Courier," 1861_) _South Carolina secedes, 1860_ December Twenty-First RESOLVED.... As the powers of legislation, granted in the Constitution of the United States to Congress, do not embrace a case of the admission of a foreign State or Territory, by legislation, into the Union, such an act of admission would have no binding force whatever on the people of Massachusetts. (_Resolutions of Massachusetts Legislature, 1845. Nullification?_) _President Tyler urges annexation of Texas, 1844_ December Twenty-Second Bowing her head to the dust of the earth, Smitten and stricken is she; Light after light gone out from her hearth, Son after son from her knee. Bowing her head to the dust at her feet, Weeping her beautiful slain; Silence! keep silence for aye in the street-- See! they are coming again! ALETHEA S. BURROUGHS _Sherman enters Savannah, 1864_ _Reconstruction Act put in effect in Georgia, 1869_ December Twenty-Third The glory of your virtues will not terminate with your military command; it will continue to animate remote ages. (_President of Congress, to General Washington_) _Washington resigns his commission as Commander-in-Chief, Annapolis, 1783_ December Twenty-Fourth CHRISTMAS EVE The moon is in a tranquil mood; The silent skies are bland: Only the spirits of the good Go musing up the land: The sea is wrapped in mist and rest; It is the night that God hath blest. DANSKE DANDRIDGE December Twenty-Fifth To the cradle-bough of a naked tree, Benumbed with ice and snow, A Christmas dream brought suddenly A birth of mistletoe. The shepherd stars from their fleecy cloud Strode out on the night to see; The Herod north-wind blustered loud To rend it from the tree. But the old year took it for a sign, And blessed it in his heart: "With prophecy of peace divine, Let now my soul depart." JOHN B. TABB (_Mistletoe_) December Twenty-Sixth