Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-11-24
THE CONVENTION.
The Material that should Compose

The Material that should Compose
Il.
To the Editors of the Union and American:
In some localities have observed with
feelings of regret, a disposition manifested
on the part of some lin their zeal, which
is not dictated by very arise discretion,
to promote the advancement of their
friends) to appeal in strong terms, TO the
prejudices and sympathies of the people,
as to who should be returned as delegates
To the convention. In my judgment, this
policy is utterly iTecOncilable with the
public veal. Now if l rightly compre-
bend the nature and importance of the
convention, the utmost caution and care
should be observed by the people, in
choosing delegates to that body, eSchet0-
ing as much as possible, all sectional,
party and personal feeling. The cOnyen-
ton is not called for the purpose of an
tdqORi-iRg one class of our population
against the other. Neither is it called for
the purpose of advancing the political
aspirations of this man, that man or
the other; but it is called 10 revise,
alter, amend and reform the organic law,
in such parts as the eXigencies of the
country and the altered condition Of
affairs damaud, by reason of the
late tuplcdSdRtnes5. We do not
want a new constitution IN toto, although
the convention might have the power TO
make one The Constitution of 1885,
with the bill of rights, is as perfect as
human wisdom can make it, with some
amendments and alterations. There fore,
| say, with the utmost Difference to the
Judgment of others, that the people do
not need, nor do they want a new con-
stitution; but they want the present or
gauic law amended so as to eXpunge and
wipe out those infamous and frdudu-
lent amendments foisted upon it by the
corrupt and imbecilc faction which have
! controlled the legislation and policy Of the
State for the last four years. What we
want is this: We want the franchise
law, which deprived the free citizens of
| this State of their chartered rights and
immunities, expunged from the Constitu-
ton. We want the judiciary system
thoroughly reformed-in what way, the
wisdom of the convention must deter
mine. We want every office in the State
vacated, from a constable up, and new
elections ordered, so that the people can
| elect men Of their O1CR choice. We
want the taxes and revenues adjusted
| upon an equitable basis. This is
| about all the work the convention
will be required to do, and it can be done
in the short spell of one month, and then
submitted to the people for their ratitica
ton or rejection. The people are impa,
tient and FESTIVE under the existing system
of rule, and they do not want the work
| of reform INSTRUCTED by the introduction
of eXtrinsic matters before the COnven-
! ton. Let us have men in the Convention,
then, of energy, honesty and capacity.
These are the qualifications and qualities
which Jefferson required all incumbent,
of office TO possess. 1t makes no differ
cnce 10 the people whether the delegate tC
the Convention has gray hairs or dark
hairs upon his head. II makes no differ
ence to the people whether he has hereto
| fore served his country in peace or in war
! Ii makes no difference whether he was il
or out of the Southern army. That, il
and of itself, is no recommendation or dis
qualification. The great question is, Has
he brains and honesty9 The people mus
frOwn down any and all attempts Gf any
should be made) TO get up such hO6Gie,
for incompetent men to ride into the Con
ventiOn upon. Let the Convention BIZ
composed of live, active and fearless men
! regardless of age; men who are up will
the progress of the times, and who com
prehend the situation. NOX POPUu
| vp.N-nNy Nov % 1870