Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1874-09-27
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.


Centenary Constitutional Convention.
EDITORS APPEAL - One Of the
voices OF the people," which are heard to
echo through yOur columns has sounded the
true note in the proposition local a eOnYen-
ton 10 amend the constitution Of the United
states on the centennial anniversary OF
American Independence, Fourth Of July,
1876. The proposition should arouse the Rtten-
ton OF the whole people All CAIN observers
agree that the nation is either drifting toward
anarchy or heading in the direction of i'm
perialism Tne elements Of riot and discOrd,
Influenced by designing partisEns rendered
rampant, and by the weakness OF the financial
situation, are earnestly and fearfully active
and aggressive. Public debt aud private i'm.
poverishment menace real and aggravated
calamities. The people have hitherto been
forbearing and patiept, 10 degree unsurpassed
in historic record. But the realities of physi-
cal Suffering and even of famine aud starva-
ticn are beginning TO float before he fevered
visions of thousands and scores of thousands,
Can craftsmanship do nothing to avert the
dire tnreateningsS Is there no form, system
or act OF legislation; no prOfundity OF wis
dom; no extent of sage aud solemn counsel;
no precedent of governmental and civil pru-
dence or devotion; no appeal 10 other and
higher and more sovereign guidance which
can save forty-nve millions of civilized peo-
pie from decentralization, bankruptcy and
ruinr We have had "war and pestilence" in
all their most hOrrid and revolving forms.
but we have hitherto escaped GRIM gaupt
and CHASTITY JsBaRs. We have all read with
feelings of intense sympathy the tales OF
IN 1uulNr HnlCn lEe great imperial
of Great Britain lsbored so hero
ieally to remedy, during the present year.
With the scautiest grain crops which
were ever yielded by our generous soil,
and no reserve OF money to pur-
chase elsewhere. with public and private
indebtedness loading Us dows, with trade lam
with enterprise crippled, with hope
crushed, with individual sslfishness raised TO
lis highest tension, and all generous senti-
ment nearly extinct, even 10 manly breasts
whittier can we turn for assistance; what can
we DO TO remove actual HVl : and
pending CalGmitieS, but wisely initiate the
example Of our fOreiathers, who, in a similar
crisis. called the constitutional convention /
that assembled at Annapolis in l7S7 and gave
US The present constitution, which admirably
answered the wise purpose of inaugurating
democratic government and establishing a /
L UniOn OF coufeieraied states, until the Wild |
passions Of parttSsns and The Jealousy of Sc C. I
tons precl pitated the late great civil war, and
tuition, and left the mere hulk Of the State |
drifting on the broad and tumultuous sea- We |
are now in the same condition OF our ances-
tors of 17S7. We are without money or credit. !
Our foreign commerce. is in an abnormal con
tltion. Our staples bring no remuneration. |
There Is no rebound 10 be seen or felt |
close Of the war. This is sober /
truth. Every remedy mas been suggested |
which funs in the common grooves Of politi- |
cal action. But inexOrable partisanshfp stands /
like ''a lion in the path" TO obstruct all pIO-
gress-ali return to real peace. What is our I
last resor.-opr sovereign remedy Your cor |
has suggested IL IN fit words. As 4
semble the States IN sovereign council, /
through the acton Of state legislatures. Ap-
peal 10 the ultimate sovereignty, as did WASH |
IngtOn, Hamilton, Madison, Macon and Ma
son; unite the highest wisdom, under the /
most solemn forms; and appealing TO the Su- |
pl ene Ruler Of the universe, leave conse~ I
luences and the result with him. This is the /
path our fathers trod. We can 4
point 70 IL as showing the pillar OF cloud and /
also the pillar OF fire, which guided them I
through the barren and stormy wilderness to I
he canaan OF rest, peace and pr, sperity. !
Constitutions require to be revised, as history l
IDfOldS its differing eras, and the experience
Jf our country teaches that 10 Is far better TO 4
submit their modification 70 civil deliDera-
i've assemblies, embOds sing the highest wis
ION, we can produce, than leave them to /
heir adjustment, TO the wild AMI violent AZ
)itrament of arms. LEM 1