Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-06-29
THE STOKES ORGAN ON TIE
FRANCHISE QUESTION.

On Saturday the State Journal
(Stokes organ) promised us that it
would so clearly and SO fully
define its position and the posi-
ton of its party and Gen.
Stokes on the franchise, that no
body could misapprehend it." And
admonished us meantime 70
arpossess our souls in patience We |
confess that our patience was not
quito a very severe test in waiting |
for the effort. In its issue Of yes
terday the State Journal attempts |
the self-imposed task. 1t admits
the, overshadowing Importance OF
" the great question of the fran
chise, and the Importance of
placing it on ''basis Of GER
tainty for the present and
stability for the future 1t frankly
admits that "whatever does not
make certain, speedy and secure
Northumberland of The excluded
| classes, ought not to be adopted,
for it win not put an, end to the
issue, nor allow other issues to re-
ceive due consideration" Our con-
temporary then proceeds with the
work of defining its position and
that of its party and Mr.. Stokes as
follows F @ Z
at must be admitted on all hands
that the franchise acts form part of the
constitution, and can only be altered,
changed or amended by an amendment
| to the constitution, adopted in some one
of the nodes provided for amending our
organic laws. 1t will not be pretended,
that the next General Assembly in its
character Of legislative body can amend
or annul single provision or feature, OF
1 the franchise acts. 1t cannot remove a
single disability or restriction; it cannot
enfranchise single one of the distranS
chised. This can only be done in the
manner pointed out by the bill of rights
In the constitution. .-asat- %
The next General Assembly may pros
pose amendments to the constitution,
covering the whole question of the trans
chise; but this mode does not come up
to the demand of the public mind, nor
does it effect that speedy justice winch
| is due to the DISTINGUISHED. 1t is obnOx-
ious for other serious objections. This
mode will require at least two years
to work any change.
1t is only necessary to state the par
ticulars ofthis plan in order to its cpn-
domination. 1t delays the work ofen'
franchisement; it will keep alive dis.
tracing issue for two years longer
thereby subjecting the rights of the dis
franchised to the excitement and under
tainty of another contest, and withdraw
| ing the public mind more or less from al
other issues; it will postpone the restor'
alton of peace and the re>union of socla
and political ties; in a word the delay
will ipiuriously affect the interest oftht
State. Gov. Brownlow adopts this plan
in his late cald, and seems, reluctant, Il
, do even this little. And Gov. Sentel
endorses this position Of Gov. Brown
: low, and makes it his own. .E :.
!, 1t has been suggested that the mex
| General Assembly could draw up reso
luton, converting the two houses into )
constitutional convention and proyidin!
, for an immediate vote of the people OF
the adoption or rejection of the resolu
ton, and, in this way obyiate the della!
} of the legislative plan and supersede tn,
calling of distinct independent conyen
ton. This plan has some plausibl
reasons in its support; but who vii
affirm that any amendment thus adopte,
, will stand, beyond doubt or dispute, tn
test ofjudicial Investigation? The inter
est at stake is too vital to involve it
destiny in any uncertainty. We want n
l quacking, no patchwork, no short cut
t no temporary bridging. 1t is posi-
bic, indeed probable that amend
J ments adopted in this way, would not b
. | questioned or disturbed; but there woul
be always, more or less, uncertainty i
; the minds OF the enfranchised as well a
| of extreme Radicals as to their validity o
} ! invalidity. .-...
/ at is, moreover highly impolitic an
, | unWise to convert the members Of tn
) | next General Assembly into a constitu
tional convention. They will have, MGR
or less, the prejudices and passions en-
= gendered in fierce political contest
| A. onA y,TonC .
prospective legislation, to promote an
foster, perhaps at the expense Of all othe
l considerations; the vacant SenatorshI
8 will come in for its usual proportion c
intriguing and maneuvering; and all tn
) shades and colorings of the rings" ant
all the forms and shapes of sehOolfun,
plundererS will be in and about the body
, Can the DISTINGUISHED afford TO give up
regular convention, where the work will
be sure, complete and fiual, and accep
instead legislative body, whose labor
are subject to so many diverse influence
and whose work when accomplished
may be annulled by the courts Of tn
country?
at is indispuGable that the calling 0
a convention, fresh from the people ate
the heat and passion of the present con
test have subsidized, is the only speedy
sure, certain and permanent mode Of en-
reimbursement. + Can
not the aspirantS for Governor and fo
the Legislature, and all shades Of party
be brought tC harmonic in favor 0
calling a convention ? Let nothing
now be required from any candidate
whatever may have been his antece.
dents, excepting his sincere promise
or pledge to use his influence anC
active cooperation in calling con-
vention. 1t will make no differ.
ence with the convention when assem-
bled, what may have been the views
and wishes of the candidates for Gov.
ernor or for the Legislature, or what may
then be their views and wishes. Its
members will not in any wise be re
sponsible to the Governor or the mems
bers of the General Assembly for their
action; they will be responsible 10 the
people who elected them, aud whose
views and wishes they will carry out
without any particular reference to the
views and wishes of the Governor or the
members Of the legislature Let the
aspirants for Governor and their friends
who may run for the Legislature, in the
different counties and districts announce
distinctly that they are in favor Of calling
a convention, and it cannot make fsath.
erIs weight of difference in practical