Weekly Trinity journal., 1879-07-19
EDITORIAL JoTTlNcS.

Nor LEGITIMATE.-Very much to the
surprise and chagrin of many Trinity
Democrats, DR.. j. G. Briceand, Of
Shasta, was defeated for the nomination
for Assembiyman in this District and
John S. p. Bass, OF Saltwater given the
place. AS to qualifications, the defeated
candidate is far superior TO the successful
one. DR.. Briceland served in the Lcgis-
lature four years ago and his intelligent
action met with the approval of his con-
stituents, even Republicans hoping that
in the event Of Democratic Success this
time DR.. Briceland might be the man.
But it seems that we have fallen upon
evil times and in too many instances of
late merit is not taken as standard in
voted " Against the New Constitution. J."
An element which supported that instru.
ment and found themselves on the win
ming side demand that those who DIFF
fered with them us regarded its merits
mus; be ostracized ard not be permitted
to hold Office or have anything to say
under it. Should they succeed in secur-
ing the next Legislature, as they now bid
fair TO do under their ifon-clad rule, it
will not be surprising TO see an attempt
made TO disfranchise all who did not vote
for the New Constitution. Just as much
sense and justice in this as to say they
shall not be permitted to assist in franz
ing laws under it. The whole business is
ridiculous. The Constitution is adopted
and is now the fundamental law. Ne eff
fective law can be framed under it which
does not conform to its provisions, and
fool hardy indeed would he be who
should attempt notification. No, the
American people are law abiding and
ever content to acquiesse in the will of
the majority. The men who conscien
tiously opposed the New Constitution are
now as strongly in favor of carrying it
out in letter and spirit as are its most en-,
thusiastic supporters. And if the Dem
ocratic nomiHee for the Assembly is to
be taken as fair sample Of its advocates,
we should say vast majority its oppo-
nents are far more competent to inter-
pref and administer it.
We beg leave TO remind those who dc e
sire to fight this Constitution battle over
again at each succeeding election that the
vote was only, in round numbers, so, 900
for to 10000 against, and should they
subtract the 10000 Kearneyites who ia
vored it, its opponents would have the
10000 majority in the State. Now, sup
pose the boot is put on the other leg and
Old Constitution men begin to buck
Who will be hurt mest ? Certainly it IS
n dead issue which should be allowed to
take no part in this campaign and its agi-
tation can do no good. Whoever may
be elected TO the Legislative or other
branch of the State Government will take
an oath to support, among other things,
the Constitution Of the State of Caltor-
mia, and we believe firmly they will do it,
regardless Of what their past views upon
that instrument may have been. There
was, in fact, not very wide difference of
opinion on the comparative merits of the
Old and New, and few were really con
tent with either. But the New is now
the Constitution and there should be no
controversy between its former friends
and opponents, as both are willing to have
it rightiuly administered. Drop such
nonsense and nominate men who are
qualified for position and who will be an
honor to the State and credit to the
communities they represent.