Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1874-11-27
CONVENTION.

IT,. one OF the ablest men and most
finished scholars in the State. His
experience at the bar and in the Legls-
Iature entities his opinion to much
weight, but the force with which
he presents them will commend them
to all intelligent mel. We can pay the
letter nc higher compliment than to
hope it will reach every citizen OF the
State who opposes the call of Con-
vention upon any grounds. We copy
from the Hillsboro Recorder:
May I ask space in your journal TOR
q somewhat fuller discussion OF the
COnvey,tiO7e question than, as TAR as i
know, it has yet received? [ regard
Il as the question of the hour-as tie
question of questions. Upon its decl-
sion, in my judgment, more than any,
than all others, depend the future veal
or wo of orr good old State. 1t IS an
admitted principle of political science
that no people can reach any high
stage OF progress, whose 1nstltutlohs
are not in unison with their genius end
antecadents. Ali history testities that
the civil commissions which have rent
society at the different periods, have
sr,rnnp out of the efforts of the people
to conform their institutions to their
then state of advancement. In this 10
to be found the germ of every revolu-
ton. And when the tide of feeling
stops short OF open violence In the
effort for redress, the popular mind
becomes sore; it broods sullenly over
public wrongs; all sense OF attachment
to the State is lost; and the general
content finds vent in emigration from
the State. The young and energetic
particularly will not stay where great
political evils exist. the removal OF
which is hopeless. In such country
enterprise has no career; industry it.
self is unnerved. In such a condition
of things it is the highest impulse OF
duty to go away, and seek some better
land.
The recognition of this principle is
now universal. The great problem Of
political science is, il our day, to ad
lust the institutions to the people.
Ihis principle uDderlies every written
constitution, since every constitution
makes provision for its own amend
ment or adjustment therefore to every
stage Of progress.
Does this principle apT,,7 to our case?
Is orr Constitution suited to our peO-
pie Upon this question the people
OF North Carolina have again and
again spoken out, and spoken most
enphatically.
To me, it seems that this Constitn-
ton was framed, and purposel~, too, il
direct disregard of the feelings, tradl-
tions and political usages OF our PEG
pie. Nor can it be wondered at, since
fLe men who took the lead in the Con-
venticn OF 'G9 he'd come into the State
but Jear or two before; few 0!
them in tho Federal army, most O!
them in It's wake. The predominant
feeling OF them WIS one of hostility tt
our people. The motive OF then
presence III that bly, was persona.
advantage. Of the h0Ay.r and interest;
Of our State net cne - them ever
thought for moment. T. mind O.
North Carolina ryns not spot: IN ul3'
Convention. \ few able men, l4=tiTG'
Of tho State were there; but the blaUt
of di5loyalty was upon them-a bran
as fatal to Influence then, as incivisI!
was to life during the French reyolll
tion. Upon this pOint-that OF tn
conflict of the pceseLt Constitution
with the past history and conviction
OF our people-it is to be wished Their
were space to go somewhat into detail
but in due acknowledgement Of tn
courtesy which has opened your col
arms to ice. I must confine nysel
within narrow limits. [ will c0nten
myself, Therefore, with presenting SON
OF the points on this head along Wit
some Of the moro prominent points Re
specting other parts OF the C0nstitu
ton, in the briefest terms. TO sho7
the spirit Of the prospective eonstii
uents, l arrange the points i'll th
sharpest contrast.
lst. The first point is the tenure an
power OF the Executive. Our father
confined this-the Monarchical fea
ture of the Government within til
narrowest sphere, aud enforced its re
sponsibiity by short TERMS
The present Constitution has doub
led its term of Office and greatly en-
larged the powers of the Executive
The power of appointment vested il
the Executive makes it controlling
power in the government, and unde
the decisions OF our Supreme Court,
constantly expanding one.
2ndly. The old Constitution CAV
full prominence to the popular brancl
of the governmental wit, the Legis
lature. Tie appointments made b,
the Executive were PROVISIONAL; the,
endured until the next Legislatur
and were then filled by the represen
tatives of the people.
The present Constitution subordi
mates the popular branch to the E1ecu
tive; the Executive appointees hol,
until the next election. An appoint
ment by tie Governor is thus equivn
lent to an election by the people an,
the power of the people is, pro tG7lt0
transferred to one man; e step toward
that centralISm now SO much end 81
Justly dreaded. This exaltation of til
one man power Is utterly opposed t.
the tradition and instincts CT our peo
pie. The history OF the State from
the beginning is a protest against it.
3diy. Under our Old Constitution
aud the forms of government inst
tuted under 1t, The Executive recog
nized the majesty of the people AM
was amenablo TO the tribunals OF jus
tice.
The Chief J,.tice OF our State la
declared that tho Executive Is above
those tribunals, and that too, whc1
the powers with which the Executiv,
IL clothed for the common 9ood-art
turned TO the destruction OF tho liber
ties of the people. The doctrine thai
the Judiciary IS exhausted, just at the
point when the powers Of the Execu
tive are directed against the life of the
State, is deduced from the new Con.
stitution and is enough of itself tc
condemn it. The purpose of govern
ment fails just at its greatest need.
4th. The old Constitution secured
what was the prime object Of cur faith.
ers, to wit, a good and cheap Govern,
ment.
The new Constitution which admits
a doctrine like that last mentioned, is
not only not good, but is positive
curse. As to the other point, cheap
ness, the present Government is built
up i'll ds' -,ira of that cardinal requi-
site; ii -.'ied Offices and sala-
ries beyn.u Il I'll, and to the gross
oppression CI our people. While our
people have lost two-thirds of their
property in kind and value, their bur-
dens have been increased many fold.
9th. The old Constitution secured
an impartial administration of i1,afioa.