The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1878-01-23

road. Referred 10 a special Committee OF
nve 70 be appointed from the connties OF
shall. Committee-Messrs. Gholson, Err
| wing. Nelson. Hill and AIdrIch.
Mr.. Wood asked leave to withdraw from
the = m'nittee Tie petition in reference TO
comfy. Granted.
b Mr.. Gibson. To provide for the erec-
| non OF wooden jails for the tenn pOraFy con-
| hnemei.t of prisoners EN- ployed by the SUI
perviSers on public works. Referred.
By MIR. hey. To COMPEL Supervisors to
comply with section second of the act in
| relation TO county Eance, approved Feb
| ruary l. 1871. Referred.
By Mr. Ballard. To regulate the fees OF
the Vlvrks az the Circuit Courts Of the
| State. Hefrr.'d.
BY Mr.. Ballard. To prr vide reasonable
compensation far the Circuit Clerk OF Kinds
county. RI rret,.
A nnnb,r al Senate hills were read and
referred.
THE STATE coNvESTIoN.
TIL special committees on the bill to call
Convention of the p cple. and to appro-
pria'e $40 600 tor the same, made the fol-
lowing rep IT:
They have considered the bill and recon-
mend its passage with an amendment. The
subject being one of great Importance, the
committee lake the liberty of submitting
some reasons which induced the recommen-
dalton. That important changes are neces-
sary is fact unanimously conceded. and
It's discussion, therefore, unnecessary. How
these changes may be best effecle !, is q |
question deserving the most seti us eonsid- |
Grafton of the Legislature. The importance |
OF the mode adopted, must be allowed when |
1t Is recOllected that upon this depends, in a |
great degree, the probability of secmr ring the |
object in view; which is not merely to |
make changes, but to perfect, in all its parts, |
an instrument that shall serve as 4 basis for /
Il superstructure of law, comprising the es-
sential objects of good government, and |
securing wisdom and fidelity in legislation,
and purity, Justice and economy in admin
istfation.
The Legislature, by two-thirls vote of
each House can pass amendments, which, il
ratified by the people, will become a part OF
the Constitution. Such amendments. how
ever, cannot be voted upon except at gener-
al elections when members of the Legisla-
tnre are chosen, aud each amendment shall
then be voted upon separately. Any altera-
ton, therefore, by this method, before
the meeting of the Legislature in $780, is
impossible. The adoption of some amend
ments, and the failure TO adopt others,
might seriously effect or totally destroy the
harmony SO important in The organic
law of the State. In our opinion
the interest aud excitement incident to a
general election for county officers and
members OF the Legislature presents the
consideration of grave constitutional ques-
tiOns by the people. The vote on the amend
meuts submitted at the late election. sup
port this opinion. One of the amendments.
with the almost unanimous approval of the
voters of the State, was barely carried. The
other was defeated when comparatively very ,
few opposed its adoption. An amendment |
providing for biennial elections would con-
dlct with the interests or supposed interests
Of candidates who expect to secure Office at
The same election at which the amendment |
was submitted, and thus fail to receive even
the consideration that other amendments
would receive. The importance of proper ,
limitations is not realized |
when the administration of the government, {
Is at present, is in the hands of faith full and
efficient public servants, but we know by
bitter experience the evil results arising Z
rom want of wholesale restrictions under s
| different state OF circum stances. We be-
eve there is a growing d termination on q
The part OF the people TO frame Il new Con-
'titution, and We cannot hope that a more ,
favorable opportunity for the accomplish
nent of this important work than that
afforded by the existing state of affairs will
ever present itS.lf to the people OF Missis- q
ppi We DO not concur with those who ,
mink the call for Convention would revive :
he prejudices and pretended fears of the
'olored race. The justice and l,berality dis C
played by the Legislature during the past s
wo years, have deprived demagogues of n
he use of that weapon against us.
The matter of cost also enters into the !
question under consideration. TO arrive at a
MS IL Is necessary TO estimate the probable C
0I.Oh ~ 1hc OoHtehIioH' Inc present l.
Constitution of Alabama was framed in
bout thirty days. The recent Convention in O
feorgia was IL session thirty-eigh days. 1t is g
to suppose that thirty i've days t
would afford, ample time in our State. II
'ody OF men elected and assembled for no
ther purpose than to frame Constitution, /
ould not accomplish that work within the a
lme proposed, il is very unreasonable to v
xpect Legislature actively engaged with
ther business. TO give the subject OF the ne
cSSarV amendments due consideration dur- II
ng an ordinary session The cost thus to O
re estimated is as follows:
20 Delega cs, at 50 per day, each 1895 90 :
Employees o: Convention per day 49, $500
or 80 days ....... $i3,S25 t.
llleage for Delegates. 5000 Il