The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-06-04
For the FLoxxDRAx.l
Reaefma Lenee.s>

To all male conversant of the state Of public
opinion. it is patent that there is little unity
respecting the defecti to be cured in our exist
ing Constitution BY the Constitutional Conven
ton to be convened in the Capitol next week.
II the press of the State discloses anything OF
the views of those in all parts, whose opinions
are worthy of especial consideration, ii shows
hat public opinion has not yet crystallized into
the shape most desired. Radical sentiments
largely prevail over conservative counsels. The
same antagonism will enter into the discussions
of the members of the Convention But there
will be difference; there will be a growth of
conservatism in that body. 1t will be found
that there are some, if not many, things in the
existing Constitution worth preserving. Ger
tainly there are things therein to expuuge, many
to change. but no one will expect TO repeal the
old and make a brand new Constitution. What
is valuable will be retained, enlarged. and made
permanent. Really, Constitution which will
meet the approval of the people, when it shall
be submitted u their acceptance, will be the
potent thought that will control in debate and
in action 1t is TO be hoped that it will sway
the voice and vote of a large majority Of the del
egates.
The question of the tenure of office OF present
officials will necessarily be considered by the
Convention Were they members of party in
an,agonism TO the majority of the Convention,
quick dismissal from their offices would be jus
tilted. We d. no, think the Democrats want
the Governor and his Cabinet, and the res, OF
the officials, :urned out OF the places into which
they have so recently come at the bidding of the
people or the Executive. The people would
not stulify themselves by ratifyiug their dis
missal before their terms expire. To avoid an
extraordinary expense. which would be created
by calling the Legislature together before the
time now fixed, il would be economic wisdom
TO continue the operation of the laws governing
the assembling of the Legislature, elections, etc,
until the dav Of the election Of the next Pfes
dent and cloihe the next Legislature following
with the duty OF providing the laws necessary
10 enforce the provisions OF the new Constitution,
respecting the election Of State officers, at that
time
The above aud the question OF making the
judiciary elective by the people, are matters OF
such grave importance that they will likely pro-
woke heated struggle between delegates in the
Convention. Probably majority will oppose a
change in the present mode of appointing the
Judges of the Supreme and Circuit Courts. Our
! State once tried the experiment of electing the
| Circuit Judges BY popular vote. Our experience
should make us too wise to resort to the practice
! again. The present is an era Of reform in poll
tics The Democratic national administration is
| doing battle against the; practice OF making an
Office the prime pal reward Of extreme partisan
| ship and an Incentive to political corruption
! The Democracy ought to be consistent. To
make the judiciary prime factor in the manip-
| ula'ion Of party machinery, and iudgeships the
| reward Of success in securing nomination by a
| political convention, would put to shame all
politicians, and in the prostitution Of office &c
the purchase of personal popularity and party
| triumph The tendency Of parties is to license
! ending in thorough corruption. If all barriers
are thrown down they soon run to decay The
| permanent existence Of our Democratic State
! Government will largely depend on wise di
! vision Of the elective powers Of the people AND
Of the Legislature. and the appointing power OF
| the Executive There are citizens who would
grace the Bench that could not secure nomina
! ton from political convention. There are
| large majority Of such in the ranks OF the Bar
| They should not be excluded from posts OF honor
and usefulness for which they eminent
! fued Other ways should be open for bringing
| them into the public service
NOT AN OFFICIAL.