The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1872-03-18
CONVENTION.
Probable Extension OF the Session
Progress OF the WOrk-Valuab1e
Original Suggestions - General
Character OF the BOdy-Its Econ.
omy-Free Schools.

CHARLESTON, March II, 1872.
In one of my former letters | express
ed to you the opinion that could begin
to see the probable period Of the termi-
nation Of the labors Of the Convention,
and l fixed its probable close between
the Goth OF this month and the lst Of
April, but fear must now recall that
prophecy. The report OF the Legisla-
tive Committee, which had passed
through the ordeal of the Committee Of
the Whole, and which, it had been sup
posed, was arranged to the satisfaction
OF majority Of the members, has now
occupied more than week Of the time
OF the same body in convention in re-
viewing and reconsidering what had
been personally acted upon in Commit
tee OF the Whole, and an unusual pro.
pensitv to general discussion has
displayed itself; 80 much so that it is
difficult now to determine when its
labors will close If all the reports
which remain to be considered shall
consume as much time in convention as
the report upon the legislative depart.
ment, we shall have no Constitution
presented to the people earlier than the
middle OF May.
Ard yet, while felt disappointed at
the apparently slow progress which
that boly is making, | cannot reproach
them with any idleness or inattention
to their duties. 1t is true, there has
been an average of about sixteen Of the
members absent for the last three or
four weeks, but these absences have
been mainly caused by family attic
tons, sickness of the members, or some
unavoidable necessity. The remainder
continue uninteruptedly at their work,
and spend at least six hours every week
day in maturing and perfecting their
work
To some it NAV seem very easy
matter to frame q Constitution of State
government, but all those who have
ever engaged in that task find it diff
cult and laborious employment. There
are so many conflicting views to recon-
cie, 80 many local interests to arrange,
80 many principles to be modified aud
made suitable to the particular condi-
ton of society, that it must consume
time to understand and appreciate these
conflicting views, and 10 compromise
and adjust them by mutual concession.
All the regular standing committees
Of the Convention have now made their
reports in full except the committees on
Education and Miscellaneous Provi-
sions All the reports so returned have
been acted upon by the Committee Of
the Whole, and | have no doubt, by
twelve o'clock tomorrow, the Conven-
ton will have disposed OF the legislative
report by its reference 10 the Committee
OF Revision.
1t is impossible for any one to take a
review OF the work ofthe Convention up
to this time and not be forced to admit
that it has made some valuable contri-
buttons to the science of popular gov
eminent.
Profting by the experience of the
last eight years, and taught by the
subtle and ferocious spirit Of political
prescription to guard and protect the
rights of oppressed minorities, it has
incorporated into the bill Of rights a
series OF original principles and pro.
visions, which will receive the unquali.
fled support and appreciation Of every
lover OF free institutions in this land.
Its introduction Of the discriminating
veto in the case of appropriation bills
will he wholly original in this Constitu-
ton, and will hereafter form a model
for the imitation Of all future trainers
OF State Constitutions. And all who
are familiar with the operations of the
Federal government, and Of the annual
abuses perpetrated through the sppro.
priation bills of Congress, will readily
admit that no more beneficial amend
ment could be made to the Constitution
Of the United States.
No similar instrument in this country
will be found provided with so many
safeguards against legislative and official
corruption as the proposed Constitution
Of this State
But the work OF the Convention is not
yet over, and it might be premature to
attempt further to foreshadow what
their perfected work may be. 1t is
sufficient for me to say that have
never witnessed more Industrious,
earnest and sincere body of men, or
men more bent upon the devotion OF
all their faculties to the preparation oil
q SAFE and wholesome Constitution OF
government. They may err in some Of
their provisions, for such is the lot OF
humanity, but they will be errors of
judgment, and not Of the heart, and if
for the moment an error be made their
sober second thought generally brings
them right.
II there be any defect 10 the system
which they will submit to the people,
it will be the rigid and unbending spirit
Of economy which will mark all its
provisions. Whether the people of this
State really desire that the salaries and
com pensation OF their officials shall be
as low as they will be fixed by this
Convention, do not know; but to one,
vino, like myself has been familiar with
the rate OF compensation 10 other States,
and other governments, the civil list OF
West Virginia almost excites to laugh
ter. There is not q clerk of the most
moderate experience and pretensions in
any of our eastern cities nor clerk nor
agent connected with any Of our banking