The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-11-03
The CouventtOn.


Since cur last number was issued. little has
been done in the Convention, unless words be
regarded as deeds The subject which has prin-
cIpally engaged the attention Of the members
is the organization Of the Court Of Appeals
The speech, which of all speeches thus far
made has commanded the attention and excited
The mind, of all listeners. is the one made by
Garrett Davis in opposition TO the election OF
Judges. Mr.. Davis seems to stand almost alone
in his position, but the boldness with which he
took his position and the ability with which he
maintained it impressed favOrably even those
who differ most widely from him.
Mr.. Boyd has submitted the following impor-
tant resolution:
| Resolved, That the Legislature should have
the power "a majority of all elected to both
branches concurring) TO submit amendments TO
the constitution to The people; and II msjori-
Nv Of all the qualified voters Of the State hould
| vote in favor of such amendments at two sue
cessive general elections, II 'hould be part Of
the constitution; PrOUided, that but one amend
ment should be proposed at the same session Of
the Legislature. And, prnpided further, that no
amendment should ever be 30 proposed, or sub
mitted, which will give power to the Legisla-
ture 10 emancipate slaves, without the consent
| of the owners.
Mr.. Boyd submitted the following, and II WA
referred to the Committee on the Legislative,
Departments:
| l. Resolued, That the Legislature SHOULD
have no power TO incorporate companies with
general banking or trading powers, without pro
viding that the private property Of each indi'
vidusl stockholder should be made liable for al
the debts and obligations of such incorporation
without submitting ii TO the people for their ap
prOvsl.
have no power TO borrow money, except for the
purpose Of repelling invasion or suppressing in
surrection, without submitting the question, to-
gether with The amount to be borrowed and the
purposes for which it may be wanted, to the peo'
pie for their approval or rejection.
Mr.. Waller has presented petition from cit
subject Of Common Schools, which was referred
to the Committee on Education. When reports
on these important subjects shall have been
made, We may expect more interesting discus
sions than have yet been held.
II is somewhat remarkable that Convention
should be in session for the purpose Of remod-
cling the Constitution, OF altering in many es-
sential features the organic law Of great Com
monweaith, and that its deliberations, should
awaken comparatively little interest. And yet
as far as we can judge, this is the case in Ken.
lucky. No interest at all commensurate with
the importance Of the purposes Of the Conven-
ton, or Of the influences which must flow from
its action, seems to be felt through the State
A stranger might travel through Kentucky and
scarcely know that Convention was In ses-
sion.
How Is this indifference TO be accounted for
Does it indicate perfect confidence ON the part
Of the people in the men to whom they have
confded the responsible and weighty duty, a
confidence so entire as to make all anxiety un.
necessary II this be the case, our citizens
must certainly be the most con6ding of ali PEG.
pie, or the delegates must BE- the wisest and
most trustworthy Of men. Doubtless there
are good and able men in the Conve ntion, men
Of whom the State may be proud, but II the
members universally or generally are possessed
Of wisdom so profound rs to justify an un-
questioning, undoubting confidence, most Of
the speeches made have done signal injustice to
their authors. There may have been wisdom
in all the speeches, and especially in those made
in the discussion of the subject of slavery on
which the orators grew fearfully eloquent, but
II there were wisdom liz those speeches, A. Law
very, very deep. II is to be hoped for the sake
Of common people that in the discussions yet
to be had the wisdom will lie at less formida.
bic depth.
But however the Indifference may be account
ed for, it is to be regretted that such ndife
prevails. The subjects In the hands of the
members Of the Convention are too iraportan,
not to be regarded with great interest by every
citizen, and we sincerely hope that before the
time comes for decisive action upon the results
Of the deliberations of the Convention, the
minds of all our citizens will be aroused, and
that every subject involved may undergo the
most thorough Investigation, 80 that the act
whether Of adoption or rejection may BE- intelli.
gently and decisively done.