The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1869-08-27
The Peoples Contention.

A number of influential papers in the
State are opposed to the calling of a
convention of the people, by the Leg
isIature: some are not committed for or
against it, and the balance, comprising
the majority, are strongly in favor of
holding it. About four-fifths of the
members recently elected to the Legis-
lat of Tennessee were elected by
the people mainly upon one issue, viz:
the calling ola convention of the peo-
pie, for the purpose of erasing from the
constitution AID statute books certain
obnoxious laws, chief of which was the
DISTINGUISHING law. Gov. SHNTER re
ceived the votes of about one hundred
thousand men because he had an
nounced himself in favor of a cOnven-
tior of the people. So, in our opinion,
whatever the Legislature may think
of the necessity of authorizing the con-
vention, they are as much pledged to
it as they are to vote against the enact
ment of any more Radical laws.
Fears are entertained by some that
the people will do a great many foolish
and incorporate things, if they are
entrusted with the privilege. If such
fears are not groundless, republican
government is a humbug, and should
be abolished.
But they are Idle and unfounded.
The people will take careto send to the
convention men that will do no rash
thing, and who will do no more than
is necessary to be done. They will
appoint men who will bring no dis
credit upon the sincerity of the people,
or bring reproach upon the State.
Judge II. S. LEE, a Memphis Radi-
cal, has written letter in which he
recommends that men he selected to
represent tie people in the convention,
without reference to party affiliations,
and suggests that the following fea-
lures be incorporated in the new con-
titution:
First. Manhood, Or universal sufi-
rage.
Second. The perfect equality of all
men before the law; and in regard to
the privileges, immunities and duties
of citizenship, without regard to race
color. creed or condition.
Third. General amnesty for all past
political offences.
Fourth. Restrictions upon the debt.
creating power of the Legislature.
Fifth. Provisions for funding the
present State indebtedless, and provid'
ing a sinking fund for the future.
Sixth, Prohibition upon the Legis'
lature loaning the credit of the State to
corporations or public enterprises,
without submitting the same to a vote
of the people.
Seventh. Adoption of means to COM
mel railroads that have received State
aid to relieve the State of the load o.
debt thereby incurred. or in default to
sell the roads to pay the same.
Eighth. Equality of taxation as be.
tween the commercial and agricultural
branches of industry.
Ninth. Encouragement of foreign
immigration.
Tenth. A thorough fee school sys'
tenn.
Eleventh. A Lieutenant Governor
to be elected by the people.
Twelfth. Nesting the veto power IL
the Governor.
Thirteenth, Making the offices o
Secretary of State and Comptrollel
elective by the people.
Fourteenth. Doing away with The
frequency of popular elections.
Fifteenth. Liberal provision In re
gard to the requirements of State citi'
zenship.
ufactures.
Seventeen. Equality of married wo
men with the husband, as to the right:
of property and the custody of theil
children.