New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-04-18
Cutlass in hand and hatred flashiris ''''''
coward eyes made bold by victory.
TIE CONVENTION.


The State OF New-YOrlf has had, prior to The
year 1867, four Constitutional Conventions. The
first of these, held in IN, about one year after
the ratification of the Declaration of lndepcnd-
cnce, laid tho basis of our present twice-reyised
Constitution. BY this Convention suffrage was
restricted to eco and fi00 freehoders, accord
ing to the branch of Legislature voted Tor
The next Convention, that of 1901, simply en-
larged the Legislature to SO members in the
Senate and 100 in the Assembly, and defined
the powers of the Council of Appointment,
which possessed concurrent authority with the
Governor in making nominations. The third
Convention was held in 1921, and was elected
by impartial suffrage. Among its leaders
were such memorable men Is Daniel E. Temp
kins, Rufus King, Martin Van Buren,, belong
ing to the Democratic party of that time, ana
Chancellor Kent, ChiefJustiCe Spencer and
Peter Jay, the foremost of the opposition
The Convention was organized and entirely
controlled by the Democrats, Mr.. Tompkins
being its President, aud the worthieSt and
ablest of their opponents were purposely
omitted from the Craftsmanship of any of the
committees. After discussion extending
through several weeks, the Convention adopted
section touching the question of suffrage 1t
provided that no man of color, unless owning
freehold estate of the value of $3.50, with
taxes paid, should be allowed to vote. This
was a marked improvement on foregoing
Democratic proposition that none but white
adults should enjoy the franchise, but it was
gratuitOus falling off from the existing stand
ard of suffrage. The old Constitution further
more underwent amendment both III generality
and detail in all its important features.
The last of the four Conventions, and the
precursor of the one to DO held this year, met
in 1916, pursuant to efforts in the Legislature
to limit its power in borrowing money and is
suing State stocks The Hunker and Barn
burner factions of the Democrats possessed tins
Convention, which had for President ex-Lieut.-
Gov. John Tracey, and among its most pr0ml-
nent members Chief Justice Nelson and Charles
O'COnor, both well known at this day. On the
question of qualifications for the Governship
that of nativity was vigorously and success
fully opposed. IL was also decided that once
in twenty years the people may pass directly
upon the question of revising their Constitu-
ton, and it is in virtue Of this provision that
we are to have another Convention during the
present year. The Convention OF 1916 lasted
over seventeen weeks, and was tedious to both
its members. Its successor may have quite as
much to do, and, let us hope will do it fully
and ably. and without waste of words.
The fifth and latest of our Constitutional Con
vcntions, and in some respects the most i'm
portant since that of I'M, will be elected on
the fourth Tuesday, or 23d day of April, and
will meet as authorized by the enabling act,
on the first Tuesday or fourth day OF june
The rcctifcation of our Judiciary system; the
application of wholesome checks to legislative
haste neglect, and corruption the admlnlstra-
ton of our Canal interests and the general
system by which our Legislature are iii danger
of increasing our large taX-rate OF four mills
TO the enormous one OF tcn-these Will he
among the subjects of high moment
that must he reviewed by the Convention.
Especially will the question of the franchise
receive thorough discussion from some OF the
clearest heads and hearts of the State, and
we look forward 10 a certain victory for the
side of essential right. Both sides of the de-
bate are choosing some of their most intelligent,
if not their very strongest men. The good
men on either side cannot readily be too nu-
mcrous. The Convention will afford tasks for
wise heads, and an opportunity TO reform the
State. which those who know how tn value
good government, from seeing Its abuse, should
not allow to go by for want OF Judgment or
courage. Therefore, let no energy be spared
to make the approaching Convention alike an
able and earnest representation OF the mtelli-
gence of the people.