The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-10-19

be- in fact very little for It 70 do Biennai sessions
are more me likely to suffer from too much than too
little legislation. IL our general elections were
biennial, instead of annual, they would come often
enough for the peace, safety, morality and happi-
ness of the people, and the chang would RESULT in
prodigious saving of time, health and money.
There are other subjects which would neces-
sarily force themselves upon the attention OF
vention. The rights of political minorties are en-
tected by the funda mental law. How this can be
best accomplished is a question which is areaIy
engaging the attention of some of the best minds in
the State. Although Mr.. Buckalew is not of my
political faith am free to say that in my opinion
he is entitled to great honor for his patriotic efforts
The practice of comforting political patronage
upon courts of law, whose judges are elective is
tre eatenng evil, which is worthy of serious thought
Our syste m of public education is very imperfect
one, and compares untavorably in its results with
that of some other countries far behind us in liberal
ideas on subjects connected with political science
These are matters that need not be discussed here
but they are too important to be neglected in any
revision that may be made of our State consti-
tuition.
The proposition embraced by the resolutions in
wolves no question of party politics. 1t contem-
Ilates nothing more than the ascertainment of
the will Of the freemen of the State in relation
to the call of convention for the purpose indi-
Gated. 1t is impossible TO close our eyes to the ne
cessty of some popular endeavor TO check corrup-
ton in public places, which is confined to no party,
and has grown so bold, that it seems to challenge
the virtue of the people to open contest for
premaCy.
bad in other States Not only the Legislature of
New York. but the local judiciary of its great COM
meIcial capital is befoued by 1t, and the halls of
Congress are not free from its oathsome touch. But
our duty is at home, among our own people If we
do part faithfully we shall unve the old shield
scured, and make the pledge of "virtue liberty and
independence" which our Fathers inscribed uponit,
our pledge, to be kept hereafter inviolate.
MIR. Frederick Fraley, president of the Schuylkiil
Navigation Company, rose to second the re5olu
tions, using the following words:
l very cheerfully give my support to the resolu-
tiOns under consideration. The npcpscitV for
periodical consideration of the organic law of the
State bss been rendered so obvious by experience,
that 1t is unnecessary to go into any detailed argu-
ment 10 demonstrate it.
The statement of the fact that we have had three
revisions of the Constitution since the year 1770,
besides the partial changes that have been made
since 1888, under the legislative provisions for
amendment, shows that the changes which are con-
tinually going on caused by the increase of popu-
lation, the enlargement of material interests, the
advance of civilization, and the conflicts of corpo--
rate and individual rights, the relations of caDtal
and labor furnish forms for legislation, which,
If unguardedb by constitutional provisions, must be LETT
to the omnipotent discretion of legislators.
Did we rely they do in England on the con-
current action of the legislative and executive
powers for building up a constitutional system,
mitigated, If not wholly prevented, by the addi-
tional care which the people might then take in
the selection of their public servants but we rely
on the restraints o. our written constitutions to
protect us from legislative and executive encroach-
ments and we find, when it is too late, that great
rights have been sacrificed, or great wrongs done
by laws hastily and nconsiderately passed; often,
indeed, without going through the recognized forms
Such iooseness of Legislation is a temptation to
unprncipled men to steal power to amass wealth,
and recent experience tends to admonish us that
all ordinary vigilance is bsfed by the skill of such
assailants, and that sure protection can be found
only in strong and well defined constitutional lmi-
tations.
Evils of such magnitude being now universally
acknowledged, the question is how shall they be
remedied. The existing constitution provides for
periodical changes at the will of two concurrent
legislative votes and ratification by the votes OF the
PeSpe; BUT 5his PROCESS is ATTENDED with many
proposition for amendment may be, if it passes the
first stage, must not be in any way altered either
in Its second or final consideration, and hence
amendments made in this way are OF doubtful
utility.
for the amendment of the constitutions of 17I6 and
$780, Conventions composed of the worst and best
men of the State conservatives, theorists, radical
refoTmers, the advocates of appointment to office
by executive action or by popular election-all
meeting in council comparing their several views,
and careful scrutiny. The object of the present
movement in the League is to provide by law for
has come for it, few if any doubt; that both the
great political parties the necessity for it is ap
parent, in the action of their acknowledged jour
mails.
The support of such body this to the Legisa-
ture in the call for such convention is of great
importance. 1t is identified with the important
changes which have been made in the Constitution
of the United States-changes all in the direction
social condition and civilization. Pennsylvania
needs for the true development OF her resources
the enlargement of her facilities for intercourse by
railroads, canals, &C.; the perfect education
of her people; the protection of the rights
of labor; the encouragement of the introduce
prehensive, but uniform and stable: These
should be precise in their character and be pro-
tected from legislative encroachment or enlarge
ment by fixed constitutional provisions. The in
convenience of such strict limitations will be fully
compensated by the greater sanctity and security
that thus pertain to the grants OF life and power
which charters will then give.
MIR. Gibbons has touched ON another subject than
those hitherto embodied in our organic lawsIthe
representation of minorities. This is subject
worthy of the attention of all who value free inst
tutions of government or their permanency. Un-
the making of election Districts but this Is so par
tial, and so much affected by purely local condi-
sentatiOns can be readily provided for by simple
constitutional provisions, and among the many
forms that have been suggested the members of the
blishing a rule that will test the value of such q
just recognition of what is often full moiety OF
those entitled TO the elective franchise.
Let us go forward then earnestly and faithfully
in this good work, when the election of members To
the convention is authorized; let us choose our
wisest and best citizens to represent the city of Phi
ladelphia; let 60 into the work with the highest
aims for the public welfare, and from labors hay-
ing such objects our good old Commonwealth Will
continue TO have the affections of her sons and the
respect of the world.
by MIR. George l.. Buzby, who spoke as follows:
MIR. President-The movement TO secure cop-
ventiOn for the Introduction or such new provisions
into State Constitution as experience has shown
to be necessary, must receive the cordial support
of every good citizen. That in growing
nation new conditions and new wants musi
arise is a sef-evident proposition. When
we numbered three millions OF people in only
thirteen States our political system was necessa-
rily less complex than now, when we have forty
millions in thrty-seven States. The vast increase
of our population both by natural growth and
foreign immigration, continually suggests new
political problems for solution. Sc
many heterogeneous elements of humanity are
| cast upon our shores from all quarters of the
world, that our utmost faculty OF assimilation Ii