Morrison Waite

“ A state constitution is not a contract within the meaning of that clause of the constitution of the United States which prohibits the states from passing laws impairing the obligation of contracts. It is the fundamental law adopted by the people for their government in a state of the United States, and as such it may be construed and carried into effect by the courts of the state, without review by this court, except in cases where what is done comes, or is supposed to come, in conflict with the constitution of the United States. ”

“ This has not been doubted in the courts of Pennsylvania, as we understand. North Pennsylvania Coal Co. v. snowden, 42 Pa. St. 488, 492.
We cannot find that the other question was actually presented to the state court for decision. Certainly it cannot be found in the record in the form it has been stated in the brief of counsel here. ”