The true Democrat., 1854-08-02
Proposed Convention to Remodel
 the Constitution.

Our readers have seen the various arguments advanced for calling convention to "reform and remodel the Constitution" They have seen 1t often stated to how great an expense the assembling of such a convention will subject the State. The mere paying of the per d'en' and maleage of the members will constitute but a small portion of the burden that such move ment will impose upon the people. We have estimated the cost from fifty to one hundred thousand dollars. By the time all of the re- forms are made and the State is done paying 1 for them, we think one hundred thousand dol- lars will prove moderate estimate. Can any one predict the extent to which the changes and alterations of the constitution will be carried? Can they set limit to 1t? Already the advo- cates of convention have suggested and re- commended fifty alterations-some of them of trifing nature, and many of them, absolutely iniquitous. The re-establishment of banks in this State, for instance, is one, and there ara others to which 1t is unnecessary to allude- This one change is in itself sufficient to con. demn the whole movement. Arkansas has bod
 
 trial of banks, and to their bad manaoemont and corruption, are attributable all of the losses and burdens now saddled upon the people, It is true free banking only is proposed. But this is preparatory step to involving the State in projects extravagant and ruinous-but prepa. ratory step to leading our people into schemes of speculation and extravaganza that must eventually result in distress and misery We instanced last week the great distress inflicted upon the people of Memphis by the Memphis DanKs It IS but one instance of the power of banks to oppress and their readiness to exercise It. We want no such institutions in Arkansas no such engines of oppression. By the re. port of the secretary of the treasury if wos shown that, within the last four years ono hundred and thirty-ive millions of dollars in specie have been added to the currency of tbo country and that the whole Union. in conse- quence is getting into the condition to dsnenso With banks, and fall back upon the gold and silver currency contemplated by the constitu- tlons both Of the Union and of this State
 Have our citizens ever reflected unon the consequenceo of a total change in the fundament- al law of the State? The cost of it which will be enormous, is but one portion of the evil to be encountered. Our digest of laws will have to be revised, and then years of litigation in our courts must follow, before they will reach that perfection to which they have now been brought.
 The question is now before the people. It IS for them to decide whether they will autho- rize convention which must launch us mon a new and unexplored sea- There may be some among us who will profit by the change however injurious it may be to the State at large. We know that there are many who have nothing to loose and advocate chances because they may gain. But such sentiments are not patriotic, and they inspire but small portion Of the people of this State The inter- est of the State at large is at the heart of ma jority, and while such is the case there is no danger.