The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-04-27
Amending the Constitution.

Amending the Constitution.
There are various propositions before the peo-
ple of South Carolina for Convention to
amend the State Constitution, and several al
terations or amendments have been suggested
But there are difficulties to be met in calling
such Convention, and the powers of such
body might be used adversely to the peoples
interests. Besides, delay must ensue, if the
Convention was called, before any corrective
measures could be made applicable to our pc
culiar situation. In this extremity, we are in
clined to think that another mode of amend
ment might be adopted, which is entirely prac-
ticable and would result satisfactorily. For
example, the Legislature at its next session
might agree to such amendments as are desir-
able and expedient, and cause these amend
ments to be submitted to the people at the next
general election. Then, at tho next session OF
the Legislature thereafter, two-thirds of that
body agreeing thereto, the amendments would
be duly ratified and become part of the Con-
stitution. In this manner, the reforms needed
would: go into practical operation on. or before
the lat of January, 1873. 1t is slow process,
at best, but this is the most expeditions and
satisfactory, in our Judgment This plan
would have an advantage over all others pro-
posed, by reason of the fact that the amend
ments must emanate from the dominant party
in the Legislature, and if beneficial to the peo-
pie at large, there you'd bcno political contest
over their adoption or rejection. Hwould like
wise inspire confidence among the masses, and
bring the issues directly to their attention. In
the case of Convention, party lines would be
strictly drawn, and really good measures be de-
feated thereby. And this is not all. The col
ored majority in this State would inevitably
control that Convention, as it would be impos-
sible to diyest their minds of fear and preju-
dice to the extent of trusting its guidance to
the native white citizens. Their lessons in pol
itics are not so easily forgotten, and in discus
sing remedial measures, it would be we'll for us
all to bear this in mind.
Hence, we favor that plan marked out by the
Constitution itself, to secureimportant and nec-
essary amendments through the agency of the
Legislature. But the question arises, will the
present Legislature agree to such amendments :?
Emauating from the proper source, and urged
by the best men in the Radical party, practical
reforms might be accepted by the General As
sembly, even as at present constituted. 1t de-
pends very much upon the efforts of those men,
possessing the confidence of its members, and
who perceive the necessity for absolute changes
in the Constitution. At least, this course does
not conflict with the proposed Convention; and
if it would prove more acceptable to the pres
ent General Assembly, whereby the Identical
objects in view might be attained, itwould GER
tainly hasten the day of our deliverance and
prove vastly more economical.
In discussing the mode and manner of secu-
ring proper amendments to the Constitution,
We have not indicated any preference as to the
substantial matter to be introduced, as meas
ures of reform and pacifcation. Neither do
we propose to enter fully upon this theme at
the present time. But, in conclusion, we would
give an emphatic assent to single amendment,
which has been ably argued by Radical CO.
temporary. The Constitution provides that no
person shall ever be deprived of the right of
suffrage for the non-payment of the poll tax.
We would strike this clause out of the Consti-
tuition, and enact law directly to the contrary.
BY this means, added to minority represents
ton, the ballot box would be changed, and the
elective franchise correspondingly elevated and
nnrifed. The abuse of universal suffrage. at
last, is the well-spring of ali our woes and mis-
fortunes, and through the agencies indicated,
we are confident of securing an efectual check
upon these great abuses.