The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-07-27
A VARIEGATED RECORD.

That fearless and independent journal, the
New Orleans PtcGystrte, since 1t heard the
news from the country parishes, has become
intensely Disguised with the present con-
stitution, and roundly swears that every
good and true man should desire to see that
miserable "sham" wiped out Our contem-
porary is also exceedingly wroth with Leg
islature which, instead Of calling q constitu-
tional convention, arrogantly attempted to
indorse "the Mechanics Institute document"
and cram 1t, CREASED with series of amend
ments, down the Threats OF free people
Now, by our halidom, these are brave ut
terances. Indeed, we are appalled, at the
fierce anger Of the knightly old Pic while it
beats it's martial breast and tears its dishev-
eIed locks over the pusillanimity of those who
would submit to the constitution of 1868 or toll
crate the famous amendments. And yet it has
not always been thus with our esteemed CON
temporary. 1t Is true that, early in the
summer of 1876, when the DEMOCRAT first
advocated the assembling of a constitutional
convention, the PjcGyWpe came out the fol-
lowing day in meek and gentle ad-
vocacy of the same great measure.
But the rings, and monopolies, and Office
holders Immediately organized such an oppo-
sition that the PIC faced about, took to its
heels and scampered out of the fight with the
speed of John GiIpin's horse; or as Tam
O'Shanter and his old gray mare flew
away from Kirk-Alloway when pursued by
the lively witches that worthy had surprised
In the midst of their famous old-fashioned
breakdown. Or to put it more elegantly
''the flaming patriot who had SO lately
scorched us in the meridian sank temper
ately to the west and was felt no more" For
months subsequently we heard nothing more
from our fearless contemporary on the sub
lect of a convention.
Soon after the Legislature assembled the
DEMOCRAT re-opened the question with re-
newed vigor, demanding a convention and the
destruction of the mOnOpolies. COusterna-
ton filled the camp of the rings and Radicals;
powerful combination was made to defeat
the convention and pacify the people with
the amendments, and 1t soon became evident
that the combination controlled the Legisla-
ture. Then suddenly our independent con-
temporary boldly STROBE into the arena howl
ing against convention and shrieking wildly
for the adoption of the amendments.
Tho voice of the. people could not be heard
In the Legislature but it has since found
ringing utterance through the convention
press and the parish meetings Our able con-
temporary has been quietly on the lookout;
its quick and listening ear has been turned
to the winds which have swept up from near
Iy every neighborhood Of the State; it has
heard the racket, and suddenly on time it
waltzed over into the convention camp.
Butler In HudibTas, has given us very
amusing view of Shaftesburys versatility,
which is equally applicable to our esteemed
contemporary, the PjcGysuee.
Our state artificer foresaw
Which way the world began to draw,
For as old sinners have all points
o. tn compass in their bones and Joints,
Can by their pangs and aches find
All turns and changes of the wind,
And better than by Napier's bones
Feel in their own the age of moons;
SO guilty sinners in state" etc.
Indeed no more amusing reading could be
offered the public than complete edition of
the PicuplDpe's editorials on the constitutional
convention movement. Without having ex-
pressed an independent opinion On the SUBJ
iect in whatever way the question may be de-
termined our independent contemporary will
be able to stand up like little man and say,
81 told you so"
But does the PicGyse1ee understand that a con-
stitutional convention means down with mo-
nopolies? It did not, we assume, understand
this when it followed the DEMOCRAT into the
advocacy of q convention early in the summer
Of 1877. In February last, when it Topped over
to the anti-conventionists it understood the
factvery well. Was its tenderness for the lot
terry that evoked it's wild shrieks at that time
for the adoption of the amendments? Does it
understand now that the movement which, on
the verge of victory. it has joined, means the
fight of the people against the monopolies,
for retrenchment, reform and cheap govern
ment?
These are questions the PiCnyu1ee must
answer fully and satisfactorily before it can be
received into full membership with the con-
vention press. Nevertheless we cordially well
come its aid in the peoples cause, and
whether or not its interests will premit it to
assail the monopolies, it is helping in a line
which means the repeal of the charters of the
lottery and other monopolies SO we say well
come to the old PIC.