The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1870-11-30
GIVE Us A CONVENTION.

will occupy the attention Of The Lesisla-
ture at i,s'coming session, will be fhs re-
mOvsl of the disabilities imposed upon a
great portion of our citizens by the Ed.
Maxwell amendment to the Constitution.
This question is now engaging the at
tention Of the various Democratic papers
throughout the State. and their various
correspondents; and while all arc hon
e'tly seeking the same end. yet there is q
diversity ofopiniOn as to the bes. manner
Of accomplishing that much desired re-
form.
OF the various plan, that are proposed,
We think there are but three that will
meet with any considerable ssT0E; asd
they ar.-
lss. The Legislature declaring that the
Amendment Of 1866 does not ditqaaiify
any me who aided the GOnfederacy from
voting, until be has been convicted Of
participating 10 the rebellion BY proper
tribunal.
sud. To adopt wha. is known MS the
Flick Amendment"
Srd. A Constitutional Convention.
To the 6rst proposition some are op.
posed on the grounds tina. he Amend.
Ihens CT IS was adopted by fraud.
and is therefore without any binding eff.
feet. Yet il would DC bad pr.seden,
for OUT Legislature to declare say part o!
:ae organic Law invalid.
To .be rsroud proposition uhe Flick
.a~entprn') there arc many who oppose
it upon principle; and many upon the
ground, tbs, the failu.e of the Governor
to publish it as required by tn, Ccns,i:u.
ton. renders it extremely doubtful
whether /, would have sny validity. e7cn
should the Legislature adop, it.
The .aird proposition is for Cens.i,.
utioaal Convention /; AND we believe upon
,Liu proposition. and this only. can we
harmonic the diversity Of opinion spoken
Of above; aad for several reasons We favor
i,s immediate call.
lss. B.cassc se believe all can be
brough. to harmonic upon it.
End. Because ns believe Convention
is absolutely necessary, il order to make
Constitution suitable to the wants and
wishes Of the people Of the State.
Sd. The present Constitution was
formed during a great war, when excite
men. and passion was running SO high
that i. was almcs. impossible for men Of
the calbrc who composed the Convention
ef '63 to form Constitution suitable to
the wants snd interest, Of the State.
Hence the miserably patched up affair
(cal!ed State Cons,i,ution) under which
We live to-day. 1t is bu. conelomera-
ton Of the Constitutions Of the Puritan
States Of New England and it would be
an utter impossibili,y to re,pa:ch it in a
manor to rid it Of ,!a. Praise God
bare bones" tEsng which pervade' the in-
struncnt throughout.
We say. then, Give d, s Convention !.
Let thst Convention ripo the present.
Constitution DOT Of e1is.ence-replaee il.
With one Of enlarged views, looking to
the wan. and spssdy development Of our
young State.
We eau. By proper Legislation make
oSrs q rich and prospsrou, State. We
have the brains amcng Us to do it, if the
people viii be but true to their own iu-
,ereE,s, and discard the prcjudiccs and
auimOsities engendered BY the late strife.
What We want to accomplish this il,
harmony and good feeling among al
casscs-and then, and then only shall
We experience that peace and prosperity
which the bes, interests Of West Virginia
30 loudly demands.
Give US = Convention