The north Iowa times. [volume] (M'Gregor [i.e. McGregor], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1857-01-02
TIKI CONVENTION.

Thu CONVENTION. Wv -
1t was remarked, up this way, some
weeks since, that no interest seemed to be
taken in the proceedings Of the approach
ing Convention. The presumption of the
people of other States is, that there are
radical defects in the organic Law of Iowa,
and that the Convention has been voted
for to remedy those defects. We have
briefly referred to few of the changes
which we think progressive policy de-
mands, but after a careful scrutiny of our
Exchanges, we are unable to discover an
expression of opinion upon any subject
admitted to be probable question of de.
bate in the body of Constitution-makers
shortly to assemble at the Capitol. AS
before remarked, the Express & Herald,
in one or two of its issues, headed its Edi-
torial columns with a condensed platform
of views, prominent among which was
Opposition to Banks of Issue" but not
withstanding this invitation to general
discussion, we have yet to see paper in
Iowa, except our own, that has shown
wish to allude to the Convention or its
objects farther than to say that it is COM
posed Of a majority of Republicans"
What does this mean? hejournalists
of this State are certainly not afraid to ex
press opinions. Or do they imaginet that
the Delegates have an instructive, or intui-
tive perception Of what is required, and
that there need be no agitation % We
think there should be some noise when a
New Constitution is born, and with all re-
spect for our contemporaries, we ask if they
have not exhibited extraordinary inditfsr-
enee upon the subject. e.... ,..a
The Express and Herald of the 2lst
Dec. in alluding to the Convention, pub
fishes proclamation inviting the people
of the whole state to meet by neighbor-
hoods, between now and the Sd Monday
in January, to discuss the questions likely
to come up in that body, and report their
wishes to the delegates who may represent
them. In this way public opinion will BE-
well ascertained, and a Constitution form
ed that will be likely to reflect the will OF
the people. This is a good suggestion,
but it should have been made before and
apaper occupying the position of the Ex-
press & Herald could have been of great
service in awakening public interest, had
its columns been devoted to discussion
of those principles which will probably
underlie the legal superstructure of the
State. The Newspapers are now invited
ito discuss proposed amendments as
much as possible before the meeting Of the
| Convention" Why did not the paper ex
tending this invitation, begin the discuss
ion Village Editors are difident race
of beings and do not like to speak before
older, larger, and ADLER journals than they
have the misfortune to preside over. W.
generally waitto see what course will b
pursued by our city guides. We do no
claim any modesty however in this partic
ular. Our opinions have been given to tn
public with as much positiveness as a lin
tied acquaintance with English will allow
but ''it's way we have" and we onl,
regret that we are yet without an indorse
or an opponent. It would have matteret
little to us how the discussion commenced
but it is now too late to begin. We are il
favor of Free Banks, annual sessions, Elk
clusion of negroes, increased salaries t
Public officers, and double the per diem t
members of the Legislature, and a gooi
many other measures not now remember
ed. We are opposed to State Indebted
ness, the Grand Jury system, Limited
Sessions, and some other projects that ar
advocated by individual acquaintance
If any body don't like our notions, le
him blow them up. Our columns ar
open. We want to hear what somebod,
!. else believes in. The election excitemer
has about terminated. The Country
once more '.saved !" Our congressme
: arc making ss5 day disputing as t
which party has done the most mea
: things, and why need we be silent in
matter SO vitality important as the on
which we have, in this rafting manner re
: ferred to. Contemporaries and correspor
dents are respectfully requested to "ru
! up their flags /"
EE McGREGoR.-It is known to GU
: citizens that Judge Potter has been at th
) trouble Of taking the census of the villag
' and that he designs to have issued from
: this Office, History of McGregor fror
it's early settlement, with all the statist
cal information usually found in such re