Richland beacon., 1878-06-22
The Constitutional Question.

Ne hare repeatedly given some OF
our ressous for fay oring Constl'uii-
tional Convention, or the adoption OF
anew Constitution for this Stately
some means--and IA convention Is tue
ONLY constitutional means provided
for such work-and we have thrown
our coiumtis open for the admission
of such reasons az those who oppose
it NAV have for doing sO--for we
have no desire to see cur party d.
vided on this OF any other ISSUE
while We earnestly desire to be con-
ylnced cf the fact if we are in error
but thus far no one has avaiIcd him.
self of the offer. Nor have we yet
seen or heard what we considered Il
good reason advanced why we should
no, have the convention. The strong.
est argument we have heard used
against it is that the adoption OF q
new constitution would have to DC
voted on at the general election OF
1880, and that the Democratic party
would have weight enough to carry
in that election without being bnr'h'
ened with this additional load, which
we do not consider good and plaus-
ible reason.
In the first place, we do not think
that the adoption Of the constitution
must necessarily be voted on at that
election. If the Legislature should
provide for the meeting of the con-
yentioa as soon as it assemblies next
winter, the convention could assemble
i'll the spring and frame the constl'u
ton, which could he submitted TO the
people for their ratification or rejec
ton in the fall 1879. In fact, we
think that a special election should
always be held for the adoption Of
constitution that no other issue
should he involved in an election o.
this kind. Next. the ratification OF
constitution should never he a ,reiJh
to any party. but help. If w
, thought a convention would propose
constitution that would be clog t
, me party; that it would not be suci
an one as would commend Itself t.
ali good, intelligent ard patriotic citl
} zens, then we would strcnuously op
: pose the calling Of the convention, a
much as we dislike our present cor
stitution. We do not want a const'
5 tuition that will not do this; but W
;, want the wisdom, patriotism anu hon
i es,y of our State to assemble in cor
r yention and offer US such constltu
!, ton US will he an honor to our peopl
b and safeguard to all their right
It and privileges. How such const
e tuition could be weight to any part,
we are at loss to know.
The next objection to the constlt'
e tional convention is the expense
b holding it. The saving Of expenses
D. by the reduction of taxation, is Oh
IS of our principal reasons for advocatin
II it. The constitution the people wal
It would save enough 10 the State
e paw all the expenses Of holding tt
;. convention and voting upon its rat
.. fra,ion within two years At least.
D. we can not elect delegates who wi
offer us such q constitution as thi
then we are in a deplorable condisie
ut indeed.
10 Mr.. Edward d. White, Of Orlean
a. in bis laborpd effort 10 the Senat
n, March 18th, TO show that the Leg
re lature then in session had done all
Or could towards reform and rctrenc
lie ment, assigns as reason for its ia
We ure to accomplish more in this dire
IS, ton that it was prevented by cons
,e- tutiOnal and other restrictions.
NJ that Legislature was restricted by t
ly constitution from redcemlng
De. pledges of reform, why do its me
to bers still want to retain il! DO tn
ps- want to preserve it as shield to
lit reelection of duty?
We will explain some Of our obj
tons to the proposed amendmel
next week.