Lexington weekly intelligencer., 1883-01-13

The general merit of the governors g
message is somewhat marred by the
passage devoted to the consideration Of
the very weak agitation which exists in
the state in favor of calling new con-
stitutioual convention. Ii We had an
objection to urge against the chief exec
utive officer of the state. and were slim.
ply to say that he had made mistakes
without pointing out those mistakes,
we should be doing the governor gross
injustice, and should be treating his
position with flippancy unworthy ol
digniiied journalism. In the same way
if the governor secs one radical defecr
in the organic law it is his duty to
point it out that it may be remedied. II
there are many defects they should all
be indicated; and in either event the
proper remedy should be suggested. In
other parts of his message the govern.
or shows great desire to have the laws
obeyec, and to inspire respect for law.
This commendaule spirit should have
caused him to respect the organic, fund
amental law OF tho state, and not to
lend his name and high position to
casting slur upon it unaccompanied
BY any specific objection. When We
remember the proscriptive features of
the constitution which it supplanted,
when we remember the system of rob-
berry by imposition of bonded debts
upon count es, cities and towns which
this constitution has made impossible,
when we remember its limitations of
taxation. when we remember the econe-
my in legislation which it has effected,
when We look at the safeguards which
it throws around legislation, when we
recall the judicial reforms which it es-
tablished, when we recall its jealous
care for our educational interests, its
wise and effective protection of our
state funds, Its restrictions of the pow
ers of corpora ations, and its general
spirit of regard above all things for the
welfare OF the people OF the state, we
cannot help looking with more or less
suspicion upon any movement to set SO
wise an instrument aside No doubt it
has its faults. Does anyone think that
a new convention could make fault
less constitution No; and the chances
are as hundred to one that it would
make one less perfect than is the pres
ent one, for the reason that In 1875 the
members Of the convention came to the
task in a time when adversely had
taught the people wisdom, and that now
there would be great probability that
strong efforts would be N lde to remove
restrictions on taxation aud limitations of
the privileges of corporations. Before
this constitution went into effect our
county and municipal debts were every
where increasing until the people
were almost in despair. Since its adop-
ton these debts have been in process
OF adjustment aud liquidation, and new
ones have not been contract ed. Taxa.
ton cannot be high, though the limit
is as high as it ought to be. The honest
legislator does not object to the pre-
cautions imposed upon him by the con-
stitu,ion, every Que of which is in favor
of square dealing in passing laws, and
IN the interest of wise legislation. We
cannot extend this article to give one half
OF the reasons which occur to us why
we do not need and should not have q
new constitutional convention. It'll
amendments are necessary there is an
inexpensive mode prescribed whereby
they may be obtained without threaten
ing the wise, conservative and patriotic
instrument which was framed for US by
the convention OF 1875, and adopted by
the people by vote of six to two In
conclusion we repeat what we have
said in former articles, If the advocates
of new constitution have such strong |
objections to the present instruments as |
they pretend they should give US bill |
OF particulars. No discreet, honest leg
isator will vote to disturb the present
organic law. at great expense and risk
to the state, without weighty reasons
specifically and particularly presented. |
A for us we think the constitu tion of |
Missouri perfect in its intent, and as
perfect in its details as any that we are
likely ever to have.