Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-07-31
From The Memphis Appeal

We are not aware as to what reasons or
motives Influenced the last Legislature in
submitting the question of a new Constitu-
tional Convention to the people, but of one
thing we are satisfied. and that is, that the
times demand it. The banking system of
our State needs a thorough reform, if not an
entire eradication, and it is a question for the
people to determine whether they will longer
entrust this reform to future Legislatures or
whether they will make the reform more
thorough, permanent and secure by constitu-
tional restraints and prohibitions. The latter
method, in our judgement, is the most wise
and most certain and most secure means of
accomplishing the ends desired.
We may in future numbers enter more mi
nntely into the discussion of such reforms as
are most desirable and beneficial, but for the
present it is sufficient to say that we are will
ling to entrust the question to fhe assembled
wisdom of Convention of the people.
In addition TO reform in our banking sys-
tenn. conventional interest law is need d.
We learn that such law was opposed at the
last session of the Legislature by several
members, not becarse they were opposed to il
upoI principle hut for the reason that the
present Constitution declares that interest
shall be uniform throughout the State. Let
this objection be removed then by the new
Constitution. and let the legislature be EN-
powered TO enable the people To borrow and
lend money at a stipulated rate of interest,
as high as ten, twelve or fifteen per cent. per
annum. aud the country will feel instantane-
GUS release. Such u law will not only keep
what money we have at home in circulation,
but it will invite capital from abroad.
Another amendment Of the Constitution is
needed, prohibiting the Legislature from run
ming the State into debt, beyond specified
limit. for Internal Improvement or other pur-
poses. In times OF high prosperity. legisla-
tors are apt to become prodlgal of the public
funds and reckless of the public credit, and
hence the Importance of Constitutional re-
straints being thrown around them.
Aud again, as Constitutions are made to
protect the minorities from wrongs Inflicted
10y majorities. provision is needed in this
State prohibiting the assessment OF tax
upon one portion of the people by vote of
tie other, To carry forward such works or inn
proven nts as the majority may deem essen
tial or advantageous 10 the public or general
good Tue priuciple is radically wrong, and
ought to be prohibited by Constitutional en-
aciment
We have thus merely glanced at n few of
the questions that will probably engage the
attention 81 the Convention. Reflection aud
discussion will elicit Others, and we are happy
10 see that the people are taking the matter
seriously in hand. We think these questions
alone of sufficient Importance TO justify u
vote in favor OF the proposed Convention,
aud We hope the people throughout the State
viii follow the good example sel them by cur
friends in Hardemaa county. Let them not
cease to agtate the Question until the day
OF election, the "a OF SeptsInber, rs IL Is nov
in their pow,r TO relieve themselves Of a
brood Of evils inflicted upoa them by yrars
of rsckless aud aaMise legislation. A vote
win be- taken on the same day for Judge 60
supply the Vacancy oH the Sapreme bench.
occassioned ny tue death of the late W. X.
HARRIS, aud il should not be forgotten thai
the number OF votes required 10 authorize
the proposed Convention, is majority Of the
whole number cast Tor Governor al the Last
August eleeiioas. Then, We cay again, LEI
the people 90 10 work in earnest, bring out
the vote aud let have the Convention.