The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1883-01-09
Letter From Mr.. PascO.

Editor Of Floridian: A recent number Of your
paper contains two communications upon the
subject of Constitutional Convention In reply
to letter published by me not long since in the
Monticello Constitution, and as there are a few
things in them that require notice from me !
must trespass little upon your columns, though
your correspondents write in a tone so authorita-
tive, almost judicial that / venture into discus
sion with them very reluctantly.
There is so much similarity in the views OF
your correspondents that one might readily sup.
pose both communications to be the work of a
single mind Both are in favor of change in
the organic law of the State, and it is remarkable
how many friends this movement for new Con-
stitution has in the off years, when there is no
voting to be done, particularly in your county.
When the question of Convention was sub
miifed TO the people in $780, in a way that Lex
and Festina Lente regard as regular, there were
only four affirmative votes in Leon county,
Perhaps your correspo ndents cast two of these,
but doubt it, for that effort was enough to sat-
lsfy any thinking man who tried it that the mode
then adopted would not be likely to lead to sue
cess.
The figures that Lex now uses did duty in thai
same campaign Of $780, and were then used 10
defeat Convention. There are no items given
OF the cost of a Convention and the estimates are
therefore safe from criticism. No INTELLIGENT ar
ton can be based upon them. But il is a matter
oil little moment whose figures are correct If
we are to have a Convention now or five wears
hence the necessary expense will come with it.
and the soone. we bear it the sooner we shall
enjoy the economic advantages that will surely
follow 1t; that was my argument. am willing,
however. TO put my figures side by side with
those OF Lex and let the future determine between
them, but in all fairness he should itemize his
statement
But how and when shall a Convention he
caliedr Here is our principal difference. Lex
and Festina Lente, and large number of good
men. yourself, Mr.. Editor. among the number,
claim that the power TO change the present Con.
stitution Is derived from the instrument itself
others, whose records show them to be as safe.
as PRUDENT as conservative as yourselves, men
who have never been disorganizers Reputation.
ISIS or revoutionists, as your correspondents
meanly insinuate, claim that this power is de-
rived from the peoples that they can exercise it,
enner under the directory forms of the present
constitution or otherwise, as they see fit I cited
tue precedents OF Arkansas and Georgia. In the
former constitutions of both States there Il but
one way laid down In which these instruments
can oe changed, that Is by amendments adopted
through the action of the Legislature. If the
argument OF Lex and Festina Lente Is sound
these States could not have held conventions and
u was 80 argued as to Arkansas In the papera Of
!ne oay and the action OF her Legislature 10 call.
Ing Convention was denounced a revolution
ary, ana congress was asked to interfere but he
convention assembled and adopted new Con
s!ution and the people ratified 4, and ia It, pro-
,I e tns significant language; We the peo-
900 Jw tho prirzege Of ckoosiaU our ow1 %rm
q gonernmens, :. do ordain and establish this
Cons.itution." They were not indebted Is their
olu CONSTITUTION OF 1858 tor the change, theY -