The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-07-01
THE CONVENTION QUESTION.
An Answer to the Argument Put FOr-
ward by the Opponents of COnSt1-
tutiOnal Convention

Mr.. A. B. Cooper, of Richland parish, an in
huential farmer of that parish and promf-
nent candidate for the Legislature, publishes
in the Richland Beacon the following answer
to an article recently published in the Vicks-
burg Herald by Mr. j. B. Holstead, of Vienna,
in opposition to constitutional convention:
"But." SAYS Mr.. Holstead, speaking Of the
constitutional amendments, II they are III
weighed in the balances and found wanting,
then let them pass; and our only hope to
remedy the defects in our supreme law will
rest in a constitutional convention. agree
with the gentleman In the ABOVE sentiments,
and the writer would maintain the position
that these amendments are not what the peO-
Dle desire; and until some member OF the ANIL
| convention movement does show cause why
the people should not hold convention to
| frame A new and perfect constitution
one adapted to the best interests OF the
neople at large, we shall be compelled to hold
these disturbers of party harmony RESPONSE
BILE for any disastrous results when may
occur in the ranks of the Democratlc party
From every indication on the political horizon
of the entire State (Outside of an influence eX-
erted by mOnODolies of New Orleans), 1t points
to an unmstakable fact-that the people DC
not desire a patchwork constitution, OUT on
the contrary, nine-tenthS proclaim need Lq u
an entirely new and perfect constitution. Ii
then, this be q fact, what right has any one u
nlace an obstacle in their way? Ii the PEG
Die are perfectly willing to defray the ex
Denses of a convention, who has a rlght q
forbid them? It is evidently their matter
and no ones consent but their own IS neces
t sary-and all the unsolicited advice OF wise
acres are sweetness wasted upon the deSer
t air" The people are learning to observe ina
when the power which has been in the ascend
encv in the two last Legislatures wish TO de
q feat a measure, especially if it be for the Id
terests Of the tllers OF the soil, they at T., one
raise the hue and cry Of "retrenchmenGi III
mediately before or afterwards, pass Dllls ap
, propriating millions of dollars for railroads
' | ct id omnes; not hesitating tor moment 9
e enact laws taxing real estate at tWo-Ghlrd
o excess of its present real value. Thus Twee'
y held the State of New York in Obeyance .
d his will and interest; and he had MS I1ldeI
v Monopolists of Louisiana may hector wv
legislatures but the handwriting Is even nov
upon the wall. To sweep away. all sue
clogs to the progressive prosperity OF Ih
: State it requires new constitution. It!ler G
= the soil, do you know that last WINTER III Ia
!. CITY of New Orleans mob said TO De unde
= the directions of these monopollsts) attempte
and finally succeeded in breaking up pun
Q lie meeting at or near Clay monument, mel
I in the interests of this convention movement
!. This mob pelted the speakers and audie I9
g with rotten apples, oranges and eggs! u
/ friends, the hand which guides the pen as
: chronicles these facts, lis a hard one, as your
uIate 10 by houest toll alAd laAy IteRsr Len4sai