New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-03-10

fair consideration of all the argu-
ments for and against the proposed
measure-may be said to be not only
worthless, but injurious; because it
leads to that incessant unrest and un-
certainty, that want of fixity in policy,
want of respect for vested rights, and
that constant doing and undoing which
are every year more and more the
characteristics and curses of our legis-
lation, both congressional and state.
These brief illusions may clearly
indicate, outside of any party con-
si6eration, my objections to some fea
lures of the constitution which this
convention is now submitting to the
qualified voters of the state for their
action. But with all its faults, / con-
slider that it contains much more of good
than of evil, and shall therefore vote
for its adoption as whole, and heartily
recommend its ratification, believing
that it may prove, at least, stepping
stone to better days-and feeling, too,
that any change in this country at the
present time, whether in a political,
financial, social, or moral sense, can
not fail to be for the better.
Respectfully submitted, with the
request that it go upon the record
under the rule that member has the
privilege Of explaining his vote in
writing.
W. JASPER BLACKBURN,
Claiborne Parish.
Mr.. Crawford recorded the follow
ing reasons for his vote:
PROTEST OF t. S. CRAWFORD, OF
CALDWELL AND oUACHlTA.
The undersigned member of the
constitutional convention of the state
of Louisiana respectfully submits the
following as some Of the reasons which
impel him to vote against the adoption
of the constitution framed by this con-
vention:
l. In the bill of rights, social ca uaI-
ity is attempted to be enforced, and
the right of citizens to control their
own property is attempted to be taken
from them.
2. A judicial system has been adopt
ed, which; in my opinion, is radically
defective, and will render uncertain
and insecure the rights to property
and the lives and liberties of the
people.
3. A system ofpublic education has
been adopted, which, in my opinion,
will force heavy contributions from the
taxpayers of the state, and will entirely
prevent any public schools from being
carried into effect, and tend to pre-
vent the rising generation from being
educated, and to entail upon the state
a large class of ignorant inhabitants,
and will subject the state to the exclu-
siVe control of the ignorant and uned-
ucated.
A. A system of prescription is adopt
ed which attempts to deprive large
class of citizens of the privilege OF
voting or holding office who are liable
to pay taxes and assist in bearing the
burden of government, and the man
ner of restoration is calculated to ia
vite the mean and unprincipled to par
ticipate in voting and holding Office, and
to drive away the good and honorable.
5. The oath Of Office is inconsistent
with the constitution, is absurd, dis
graceful, and ridiculous.
| 6. The direct tendency of the constitution
as whole, is to engender and perpetuate a
| state of strife between the citizens of the
state, to such an extent as will lead to hos
tile collisions, anarchy and, the utter sub
version Of all law and governments; that
the adoption of the constitution will drive
many good citizens from, and prevent emf
| grafton To the state, retard her progress
destroy her internal improvements, blight
her prosperity, and destroy her peace and
happiness.
He respectfully asks that these reasons
be entered upon the journal of the conven-
ton.
T. S. CRAWFORD.
Mr.. Harrison recorded the following
reasons fer his vote:
In addition to the reasons assigned by
Judge Crawford, l vote against the consti
tuition because:
|. ! am opposed to any disfranchise-
ment
2. In my opinion, the whole plan of re
construction is agraian and adverse TO Chris
tian civilization.
(Signed) THOMAS P. HARRISON,
Of Morehouse and Carroll
MIR. Ingraham recorded the following rea
sons for his vote VI
vote yes with the profound conviction
that the constitution secures TO all people
Of this state equal justice.
Mr.. Twitchell recorded the following
reasons for his vote:
/ vote for the constitutions, protesting
against title eight, believing that in thl
present condition of the state a just division
of the public school fund among the chill
dren Of the state is the only proper course Il
be pursued.
| CSigned) NH. TwIToHELL.
! Mr.. Bertonneau moved that absent mem
bers be allowed to record their vote on th
adoption Of the constitution.
It was adopted.
| Mr.. NAPLES moved that the 2hraseolog,
Of article ninety-eight be changed so as t
read as follows
Arr. SO. The following persons shall b
prohibited from voting and from holdinI
any Office: All persons who shall have bee
convicted Of treason, perjury, forgery
bribery, or other crime punishable in th
penitentiary, and persons under interdiC
ton.
All persons who are estopped fror
claiming the right Of suffrage, BY abjnrin
their allegiance to the United States gov
ernment, or BY VIGOROUSLY levying wa
against i, or adheriDg to its enemies, Civ
ing them aid or comfort, but who have nc