Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1873-02-22
New constitutional state Convcn-
lion.

Quite a number of our State pa
pers are agitating the subject of
holding another Convention to re-
model the State Constitution. We
oppose 1T at this time. We do not
pretend to deny that important
changes might be made with benefit,
but we do not want any more cleo
tions of any kind if we can posi-
bly, do without them. As for ma
king new constitutions, it strikes us
as better and safer to "bear the ills
we have than fly to others that we
know not Of" Let us try the pres
ent one until we find good enough
in 1T to make us love it, or evil
enough in it to make us hate it. We
are tired of these everlasting chan
ges, agitatiOns, mutations and in
comprehensive alterations. Give
us fewer elections, less and better
legislation, and more good to the
State for less of the peoples money.
Tennessee owes enough already
without running in debt an addi-
tional million of dollars for a new
constitution and code of new stat
utes to fit il. We fear our friends
are by this like the Dutcnman was
by the whisky and beer. Too much
Constitution and laws is too much;
but too much elections is yust right.
Brownsville Bee.
Notwithstanding the State of Ten
ncssee is on the verge of bankrupt
cy, there comes up from certain
quarters an insane cry for the call
ing of Constitutional Convention.
The reason given for this step are
simply foolish and entirely outside
the pale of all reason. The chief
points urged by these callers for a
Convention are the following:
There is a need for Lieutenant
Governor, who can succeed to the
GovernOrship i'll case of the death
of the Governor, and who shall pre-
side over the Senate.
The requirement of a poll tax re-
ceipI from voters must be stricken
from the Constitution. This is
urged by some, and the demagogi-
cal plea is put in that the repeal of
this feature in the present Constitu-
ton is worth the expenditure of the
$4,000 which the Convention will
cost.
We do not now, never did, and
never expect to believe that there
should be any restriction of the
right of suffrage; because we think
that il is an inalienable right and
indefeasible right which every law
full citizen is entitled to, and that it
is unrepublican and non-democratic
to throw any restrictions around it
whatever. But when we see that
the poll tax is dedicated by the Con-
stitution TO the education of the
children of the State, and when we
see and know that a large class of
those who pay poll tax pay on moth
ing else, and that the tax is for the
of their children, it does
seem reasonable that they ought to
be compelled 10 pay it. To make |
them pay it we are willing to resort |
to anything except 4 restriction of |
the liberty of the citizen. We want |
voting as free as the air we breathe. |
We are in favor of the repeal of |
this provision only in the way here |
matter set forth.
There are other reasons urged |
which are of so unreasonable a ma |
ture that we will not take time and |
consume space in noticing them.
The last Convention cost the State /
many thousand dollars. Another |
would cost an equal sum. and posi-
bly a great deal more. There seems
10 be such a penchant for spending
money abroad in the land, that we
are afraid to trust any body with an
of thrusting their hands
INTO the public crib. Our State is
staggering under the
Dad OF debt which ignorance, folly,
passion and error have cast upon it,
md il behooyes us to husband our
and like wise, prudent
md discreet man does, make every
sdCe cut, so we can at the end of
he financial year make 'buckle and
ongue meet"
There are two modes Of amend
NC the Constitution pointed out in
hat sacred instrument-one by a
the other by a majority
7Ote of the Legislature setting forth
he desired amendment, and then
it TO a vote of the peo-
,ie The latter is very cheap com
jared TO the former. 1t is equally
5 effective as the other. OF course
II Convention there is a much bet
er opportunity for Oratorical dis :
lay, and per diem allowed for the '
anne. Still, in the submission to {
he people by the Legislature of an |
there is plenty OF op- {
ortunity afforded for discussion.
9th on the hastings and in the '
'ress; with this saving to the State,
hat every man furnis es his own [
GAS" If there is any necessity for
n amendment to the Constitution. (
here is no reason which can be Civ S
4 against the Legislature taking I