Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1878-11-28
The lie egisiaatre

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w illmeet at an early day, and among the
Important questions likely to como before it
Will doubtless bo tho propriety Of calling q
convention to reform the State Constitution.
Hop. G.. u. Tillman, Of Edgeaeld, intror
duced resolution in the July Democratic
Convention, recommending such course,
but it was voted down without debate,
not because such work is not needed, but
solely from policy. Thore is littlo diversity
of opinion on the needed constitutional
changes in order to eoonomize the government
and adapt it to q poor, thinlY populated and
agricultural people. The present constitu
ton and many Of our statutes wore copied
from States differently situated from South
Carolina in point Of population, wealth
and, as such, operate oppressively on the
taxpayers. Needed reforms are met
with constitutional restrictions or mandates.
which can only be removed by aconvention of
the people or by amendments adopted in
accordance with law. The latter is slow
and imperfect process, while the former is at
this time of doubtful policy.
Tho Anderson Journal has broaohed the
subject of Constitutional Convention and
advocates, as we understand, snoh oonven.
ton to be hold next year. Oshor Journals
will doubtless expross their opinion, and the
question be fully discussed before the ad-
journment of the Legislature. We admit
tho need of constitutional reforms. We also
feel that oil proper notifications in tho con.
stitution should be made, and statutes passed
under them beforoa oodifcation of tho statute
law is ordered. The latter must be done ut
an carly day for the sake Of declaring what
the law is, and tho former should not be
delayed without pressing reasons. The word
policy covers all the possible reasons whicl,
con be given against the calling Of Constitu0
tonsl Convention. Will it be likely to
weaken tho Democratic partya Will it unite
and strengthen the Republicanss IF callod,
when should it bo held7 If convention,
composed of wise and prudent men, recognize
ing fully tho rights of blacks and whites,
and maintaining them justly, should assemble
and after making only such reforms as
look to economy in the administration Of tho
government, should adjourn, suoh conven-
would be polite and would strengthen the
Democratic party. AL our people look for-
ward to day when constitution will be
called, and tho negro is constantly terrified
with the doubt as to what such convention
will do. Its postponement is hold up to their
view as based on the fear of tho Democrats,
that it's work will bo so antagonistc to their ins
terests that the purity desires before attempting
such changes to get tho government securely
in their hands. Is not the doubt and uncer-
tainty thus created q source of greater weak-
ness to the Democrats than tho real work Of
such body? We oil know the political and
civil rights of the negro are fixed, and there
is no disposition to disturb those rights. If,
then, q convention wero called and consti-
tuition adopted preserving fully those rights
and at the same time economizing the mas
chinerY of the government, would it not re,
lieve their minds and assure thom more than
all else of the honest purpose Of the Democrats
to reform the government for the benefit of
oil? We think this would bo the result. and
In view of tho many unnecessary constitutional
Offices, as we'll as number Of doubtful
clauses in the constitution, suoh q convention
would bo wise and politic and it's results eco,
nomicul.
If called, when should such convention
be held7 We think it should be held in the
spring of next year, that its work may
bo before tho country as work of fairness to
both races, before tho noxt campaign opens.
Tho convention and its work would be sepa-
rated from all local issues and exctements,
and if its work be jndicous, the result would
be increased strength to tho Democratic party
in the State
In speaking thus favorably of convention
wo speak from our stand point and from our
view of the disposition of tho people in this
section Of the State. There ia danger of
great harm from such movement, and at tho
same time there is reasonable hope of much
benefit from it. All will dopond on the tom
per and disposition of the people and consor-
vative views Of tho men selected to represent
them. Hcro only lies the danger. There is
great need Of such convention. and properly
directed, its work would quiet differences and
strengthen tho Democrats. On tho other
hand, extreme views and opinions would
greatly injure US. Its propriety at this time
can only be determined by fair expression
Of views in oil parts Of tho state.
urrEs