The Palatka daily news. (Palatka, Fla.) 1884-1888, 1885-04-22

/ delegates TO tnaU convention, III IS NiLttIly
important that such men should be sent
as are capable OF framing, and as will
frame a constitution, that the people will
ratify when it is submitted TO them. If
you do not, the state will be put to
heavy expense for naught, and Florida
stayed in its progress not less than ten
years. What we want in my opinion is
a constitution which looks to Florida's
growth and development, a constitution
which will secure to it as the years roll
by, institution, of which we may say
''they are.the equals Of any state, which
will be so broad, liberal and conservative,
that any man may live under it and be
protected and benefited by it, no matter
what his race, what his party or what
his creed. A constitution which will be
stamped upon lis face as the handwork
of capable, large minded, true men.
What has made the United States the
! great nation that it is, in little more than
/ a century's time? We answer, its
/ government. What is its govern
ment? Why its government, that
is to say, its form of government,
/ is such as is provided by its constitution
and the laws enacted under it. What are
the leading. vital principles in that con-
/ stitution which have tended so much to
make this country what it is to day? We
answer, 1st, The recognition of the prin
! cipls that all men are in the eye Of the
/ law free and equal. 2d, That in a gov
ernment for people, that government
should be practically, and not simply
I theoretically, government by the peo
/ pie. Sd, Allowing freedom of speech,
of thought and a free press. 4th, The
making of no distinctions as to classes,
parties or creeds. The recognition of
these principles cannot but lead to good
government, and the men who frame
our constitution should be men, who
hold aud appreciate like principles I
believe, and so do the gentlemen nomi-
mated with me, that the objects in part
of the new constitution should be, 1st,
To do away with any feature of despotic
power as now exists in our constitution
in the unlimited appointing power of the
executive, and the bringing closer to the
people the right to choose by election
who shall be their officials in their i'm
mediate interests, and is roper.
2nd, A common school system equal
to that of any state in the union.
Sd, A correct and accurate system by
which property can be justly and prop
erly assessed.
4th, A judicial system which will Sc
cure speedy and impartial trials.
5th, A different and better system of
municipal government and many other
things which time will not permit me
to mention.
The interests of this state, the inter-
ests of Putnam county and the interests
of the city of Palatka, where | was born
are dear to my heart, and the interests,
of the state and county are dear to Ethe
hearts of these gentlemen like
wise who have been nom i
udLtu Will lilG anu w llp nave Ildj6 liiGII
homes with us. We are not here to pass
criticisms upon those named on the OPP
posite ticket. We are not here adyocat-
ing a constitution for democrats alone,
but for the people at large irrespective of
parties and the making Of one which the
people viii ratify. Do we or do the men
on the opposite ticket come the nearest
to being representative men of the timesi
You are fully capable Of determining
Are they more intelligent and truer men
or are we? If you had to vote in thai
convention, would you rather trust thai
vote to them or to us? These question:
you will answer by your votes on the
day of the election. Do not the men
nominated by the conservative demo
cratic convention, hold such positions il
. society and in the business world that
! they will better represent you and you
interests as they should be represented
: Mr.. Cook has been the chief magistrate
of large, prosperous northern city anC
! has lived in Florida many years. Judg'
Harrison hashad and has hisfingers on th
pulse of the people as editor of Palatka'
! daily, and your hugble servant, yo,
know as a lawyer.
I After the speeches the chairman again
e earnestly presented the live issues nov
: before the people, announced the call o
| the club and adjourned the meeting
= Messrs Allen. Wimberly, Wall am
: others will see to it that No. 8 is in it
, usual place on election day.
+ A Stingy Man.
J. "I don't mind a man being ec0nOm