Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1874-11-20

ence to principle will, IN tie end,
always triumph. The question is then
narrowed down TO this: Does the Con-
stitution need such thorough revision
Is to require the assembling Of = Con
vention? I think so; and ii the
General Assembly shall entertain a
similar view, then the dnty becomes
imperative that 1t should call one. It
must reject all Inquiry as to
whether snch step would b. popular
or unpopular, and elevate itself to the
position Of pure Craftsmanship and
PATRIOTISM. Let it do what it shall be-
Iieve to be best for the people of the
State, regardless as 10 the particular
effect such action shall have on the
political or personal future OF each
Individual member. When our Legis-
lature can attain to this standard We
may well trust our fates IN their hands
and regard them as tho direct agents
of an overruliDG Providence for tho
salvation of our people, and not as il
strument3 of His inscrutablc wrath.
do not fear that Convention, now
called, would be composed lnthe main
of ignorant and corrupt men. \ con,
trolling portion Of them would be the
wisest and best Of our people. Their
acts would, l believe, be founded IN
wisdom aud sustained by the people at
the ballot-box. No man eau have any
apprehensions that his rights OF person
or property would be invaded. [
would not care to restrict or atteini>t 10
restrict the action OF tho body, but
would be willing to entrust tho wLola
matter to it's discretion, having the
most implicit confidence that its action
III no 1intotAI NV CT 6nI not.
riotic desire to advance tho general
interests of the people. II others are
not SO trustful rs ] am, the Legislature
mi yht suggest certain lines, which the
Convention should not pass. No Con-
vention would disregard>them, and if
it should, then the people could reject
all the propositions submittedto to them.
There is 30 danger on this point, Tor
that body would not, merely to show
its "brief authority" hazard the loss
of all its lators.
1t is true that n Convention would
cost something. So do food and
raiment, and medicine; but yet the !
cost is repaid By strength, comfort !
and health. Oar government IS cum !
bersome and expensive, and / think /
the whole~cost OF Il revision of the Con- /
stitution would be saved, III two years of .
q reduced expenditure, to say moth .
iEg cf the retrenchmentfOrm many years /
to come, o. I the confidence and salts /
faction winch would be given to our .
people by having frame work OF gov
ernment litab!e to their tastes, habits |
and even prejudices.
These are my views, gentlemen, L .
hope expressed with sufficient clear
ness that yol can comprehend them. +
II have been unfortunate IN that
respect / can sum up my conclusion so +
that 10 difficulty of tins sort will be /
experienced. l would vote to call a
Convention if l were Il member of the !
General As cmbly, and would do 50 .
If 1t brought me in opposition to
the views Of some friends, whose +
intelligence and patriotism / high !
ly respect. Tnos5 differences always ,
exist, and ii they are to govern the |
duties OF a Legislator, are too insig- /
niicant to notice, for then very llttte .
could possi bly, be done.
Apologizing for the hurry in which
have written and the somewhat dis /
connected manner IL which / have !
stated my conclusiCrs-
[ am. very respectfully,
Your nhcdItnt servant,
WN-TTE =. STEEI- =. /.