The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1873-11-14

IT Is stated on scmi-ofiicial authority
that Matthew :. Quay, Secretary of the
Commonwealth, viii attempt 20 arrest the
action Of the five Commissioners appointed
by the Constitutional Convention to pre-
pare the registry lists and appoint ;he cleo
ton officers to conduct the special election
in Philadelphia, on the 10th of December,
on the adoption of the new Constitution.
In What manner Quay expects to accom-
rl;sh his purpose has not been divulgeo.
lie is ore of the chiefs of the Cameron
faction and for that reason alone has no
love for 4 Constitution which lays the axe
Mt the verv roots of corrupt special legisla
ton. His pretext, if he takes any official
action in the matter, will no doubt be that
the Convention exceeded its powers in sup
planting the present election officers in
Philadelphia.
The Convention contained many gentle
men, Of both political parties and of great
legal ability, who advocated and voted for
this Philadelphia election clause, for the
reason that they were Ill favor of an honest
expression of the popular will in that city
and were determined upon having it.
Quay will not interfere without Har-
tranft's consent, and we predict that, if
the scheme is attempted, it will raise a
perfect storm of Indignation against them
throughout the length and breadth of the
State. The people are resolved that all
tie avenues to corrupt legislation shall be
closed, and as the new Constitution will
!, i
who attempt to prevent it, by whatever
pTeteXt, will be swept out of the way by
popular wrath as chaf is swept before the
wlIirlwind.
John W. FOrney, in his Press, refers to
this rumOred movement Of Quay, as fol-
lows
i is asserted in various quarters that a
strenuous effort will be made, through the
Courts or otherwise, to prevent the commits
s!oucrs appointed by the Constitutional Con-
vention from conducting the special election
on the new Constitution, i'll Philade lphia.
a despatch from Harrisburg TO the Bulletin
last evening stated that the Secretary of the
Commonwealth purposes giving instructions
to the effect that the election upon the adop-
tiOn OF the Constitution must be held under
the officers appointed according to existing
laws of the Commonwealth, not only in the
other counties, but also in Philadel phia.
The Secretary, il is said, will mention 10 the
authorities in Philadelphia the fact that an
ordinance passed the Convention providing
a different method, and will suggest that
the matter be promptly brought before the
courts for decision. The Convention en-
bodies most directly the sovereignty of the
people, and the ordinances OF that body, in
the opinion of excellent lawyers, have bind
ing force, even though in conflict with the
statutes of the Legislature. y CONSTITUTIONS
al Convention is a duly organized instru-
mentality for ettectiUE peaceful revolution
and, II the matter came to the final test it
is doubtful il even the courts holding au-
thOTIty under the old Constitution and laws
could set aside a formally adopted and pro-
Gained ordinance of such a body. Howev-
er this may be, the popular sentiment of the
State is overwhelmingly III favor of permit
ting the Convention to hedge aUont the
election upon the adoption OF the new Con
sttUt;on with such precautions as are, III
the opinion Of that distinguished and pa
triotic assembly, necessary to secure per
fectly fair decision, wholly free from parti-
san interference OF corrupt manipulation.
We hope that the despatch in the Bulletin
does not mean that Governor Hartranft in
tends To defy the Convention, and 10 defeat
the Constitution the people have SO much at
hear.