The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-08-11
THE DEMAND FOR A OONSTITU-
TIONAL CONVENTION.
BY EMERSON BENTLEY

The proposition to convene con-
stitutional convention is generally
discussed by the Democratic press
with warm approval. The fact that
the present constitution of Louisiana
was an offspring of the reconstruction
era is treated as self evident condem-
nation of that instrument. There
seems to be little faith exhibited in
the probability of any thing good
having its origin during that odious
period, when the present Tins" were
out of power. There appears to be
more of partisan feeling, or destruc-
tive motive, in the appeals foI con-
ventlon, than of clear Judgment in
behalf of reforms required. This as
a general rule, of course has an Occa-
sioDal exception, as exampled by men
of ideas who sincerely labor to incor-
porate them into the organic law.
Many opponents of the existing con
stitution are content with the asser-
ton that it is Bipartisan document,
but fail to specify the distinct features
which deserve that classification, or
to attempt tn enlighten the general
public as to the feasibility or imprac-
ticability of the power of amendment.
These cmmisaries of fact and argu-
ment deprive the opposition of prac-
teal force their efforts might other
wise obtain.
1t is undeniable, however, that the
demand for a convention has grown
to respectable proportions, and merits
earnest consideration. 1t is not i'm
proper to suggest the thorough read
ing of the State constitution, and its
comparison with like instruments of
other States, having in view the for
nation of intelligent opinion on the
coming issue. Beginning with the
next session of the Legislature it may
be ended at the polls.
1t is the province of the people to
change their organic law for any rea-
sons sanctioned by the majority, i'll
conformity with the National consti-
tuition. A constitution, however,
ought not to be set aside for trivial
reasons, for stability is necessary to
ensue familiarity with itsproyisions,
or q thorough administration of them.
A convention too, is an expensive
affair. 1t has neither more discretion,
nor the clearly defined limits of Il
Legislature. 1t will be chosen by the
same influences which create legisla-
lators, and may sit indefinitely at the
public expense. This objection might
hold good at the present juneture,
when the cry comes up from heavily
taxed and misgoverned communities
for relief, and when the revenues of
the State are strained to the utmost
to meet its bonded obligations.
If the generosity of the suffering
tax payer is such that he may con
sent to overlook the item of expense,
another may be urged equally if not
more potent. 1t is the desire of the
great mass of the people to rest from
the strife of the politicians, which
they were promised should be real
lied after the Inauguration of the
Nichols government. For no. sane
man doubts that the convention bust
ness means literally another cleo
ton, exciting issues, and continued
partisan discussion, the frequency of
which have proven to he louisiana
bane..
There are grounds for suspicion of
this constitution movement. 1t is
founded, in the main, in the extreme
wing of Democracy, already charged
with a lukewarm support of Governor
Nichols. 1t may prove to be the
Trojan horse i'll the ranks of the lib
eral element. Can any one fix limit
to the action of what will be styled a
" sovereign body" Of the people, but
which may be the nucleus of an ann
bilious, reactionary leaders hopes
Let it be remembered that the set
ting aside of IA State government may
accompany the verdict on the consti-
tuition, as was the case i'll 1868.
The Republican voters ofLouisiana
will contend that the constitution OF
1868 was framed in catholic spirit
a majority of its provisions were