The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-11-16
LUCKY ALABAMA.

This is to be proud day for Alabama. de
two hundred thousand voters, three hfths Q
whom are Democrats, will this day ratify tn
constitution almost unanimously agreed upo
: and recommended by the late State Conven
. ton at Montgomery. A deep interest is takel
in the event Failure to ratify will set tn
cause Of State progress back for at least tel
years, while ratification will put an end to To-
rule of scamps and vagabonds, and at onc'
bring the State into the prosperous condition
Of Georgia, Tennessee and Texas, where tn
vocation of peripatetic mischief-mongers MAJ
already ceased.
In spirit wholly patriotic and non-partisar
the Convention performed its duty thoroughly
nobly and wisely. The body conformeo
strictly to the enabling act of the Legislature
and no attempt was made to limit suffrage by
a property qualification or by an educational
requirement. Incumbent office-holders are
not disturbed.
The new constitution declares "that from
the Federal Union there can be no secession
of any State" wise acceptance OF fixed
and irrevocable fact declaration which all
the Southern whites conceded as soon as the
war was ended, and which might with pro-
priety be incorporated in every Southern con-
stitution, statute book and political platform.
The Convention was not only earnest, but
unanimous in the adoption of this constitu-
tional declaration. They also affirm with
equal emphasis "the civil and political
equality of all men, Of whatever race, color
or previous condition"
The constitution which is to be ratified to-
day by countless majority abolishes the
office of Lieutenant Governor, requires the
Governor to have been seven years citizen
of Alabama, makes it the duty of State
officers to reside constantly at the capital,
enables the Governor to demand information
under oath, to divide appropriation bills and
veto Objectionable items while approving
others, and to limit legislation at called ses-
sions to subjects specified in his call.
All other State officers must have been five
years citizens of Alabama. The Supreme
Court is to consist Of chief and two asso-
ciate justices. The number of chancelors is
reduced to three and the number of circuit
Judges to eight. All these must have been
five years citizens of Alabama, and 30 years
old. They are furthermore forbidden to
practice law. The power of impeachment
rests in the Supreme Court instead of the
Legislature, and all officers may be removed
for incompetency, drunkenness, neglect of
duty, corruption in Office, or baseness of
character.
Except convicts and culprits, all males 21
years old are voters, including foreigners who
have declared their intention to become citi-
zens.
The school system is put beyond the freaks,
caprice OF carelessness of any legislature.
Each year tax must be levied suffi cient to
produce 100000 for school purposes, and
every voter pays poll-tax of dollar and
half for schools. These, with other resources,
will secure fund Of nearly $500, 900 for free
schools in Alabama.
The Legislature meets once in two years,
and the members get 81 day for session
limited to fifty days, with ten cents only for
mileage for the distance actually travelled No
special legislation is allowed, and the yeas and
nays must be taken in each house on the final
passage of any bill whatsoever. The issue Of
county bonds is forbidden. State taxes are
limited to three-fourths of one per cent, and
local or county taxation to one half Of one
per cent.
These limitations and the foregoing changes
will result in saving to the State and coun-
ties of not much less than two millions Of
dollars per annum.
When the people of Alabama hear the
result of this days voting they ought to hold
special day Of rest and thanksgiving.
When this new constitution becomes the
fundamental law of eleven hundred thousand
people they may rejoice and be exceeding
glad that the regime of strangers and vaga-
bonds will be at an end for all coming time.
From this day will date new epoch in Ala
bama-an era of peace, economy, home rule
and prosperity. 1t will deserve to be conse-
Grated as State holiday, perpetually set
apart and hallowed to the cause of political
liberty and emancipation from misrule.
When this constitution Is ratlhed conh-
dence will be restored on all sides, and Ala
bama will start in q career of removed pros
perity. New population and new capital will
flow in upon her rich fields with an always
swelling tide, and both will come to stay. 1t
is more than evident that the adoption Of the
new constitution will squelch out all rem
nants of pestilent, vagabond and rowing radi-
calism, and leave to the free people of free
State free and honest government
WHAT WE HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPECT.