The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1886-07-29
MONTICELLO, FLA, July II, 1886.

MONAlCkLLO, LA, July IL, 1000.
To the Editor Of the Times Union
In my recent letter with reference to the duty
of the Democratic party towards the new Co l.
stitution, promised to say something further as
TO its merits. This is broad field and it is i'm
possible TO cover it in single article, or series
of articles The new instrument should be
scattered broadcast over the State. 1t should be
studied with care and diligence by the people.
1t should be considered in fair spirit during
the months that intervene between now and the
election in November. II should be read at the
cross roads, discussed at the debating societies
talked about during the campaign when the
citizens meet 10 determine upon their duties
The candidates and campaign speakers should
take special pains to understand il and explain
to the people the changes that have been made
and their effects so that its main characteristics
may be clearly understood. This will insure in
telgent action when we have to act upon the
question OF lis adoption or rejection.
In accordance with my promise, will proceed
to ennmerate some of the advantages and i'm
provements to be found in the new instrument,
and will select such as appear to have met with
general approval. The list is however, too
long for single communication, and will COM
plete 1t IN another article; but those who give
proper study to the Constitution will see that
my list is by no means exhaustive
l. The Legislature meets in April instead of
January Cart. III, Sec. o. This gives Govern
or ample time after his Inauguration 10 become
acquainted with the condition, wants and resour-
cea OF the State before he prepares his message
and meets the representatives of the people II
enables the heads OF the different departments to
close up the years work at the end OF the wear
and prepare full and complete reports and ac-
counts for the action of the Governor and the
Legislature. 1t gives the newly elected mem.
bers more time to become acquainted with their
duties, the wants Of their constituents and the
great questions involving the interests and pros
perity of the State II brings the Legislature to.
gether at time of the year when the days are
longer and at season more favorable to the
health and personal comfort OF the members.
2. A permanent removal from the county or
district which member of the Legislature was
chosen to represent vacates his seat art 8. Sec
81
3. The requirement that all laws shall be gen.
eral and of uniform operation throughout the
state has been greatly modified. Matters relat-
ing to county, township and municipal business
may now be legisated upon by special or local
laws, and such laws may be enacted afler due no
tlce IN all cases, unless specially prohibited.
(Art 8, Secs. 2021) When we consider the va.
rlous occupations for our people, the diversity of
their interests in different sections and the in.
convenience that has been caused by the uni.
formity features of the present instrument we
can estimate the value of this change. twill en-.
able every county to arrange its local affairs &C.
cording TO the interests, wants and necessities
Of its own people, without reference to what
other counties, differently situated, with other in
terests to protect. may require. Suppose a no
ience law applicable to every county and neigh
borhood should be passed under the uniformity
requirements Of our present Constitution: in
many counties it would be destructive 10 the lead
ing interests of the people. Yet there arc locali
ties where such an arrangement would be to the
advantage of the entire population, and If such
local law Is desired. there is no sound reason why
1t should not be granted to the community or
neighborhood which desires 1t, with such whole.
lish.
The Governor has power to suspend all OF.
ncers not liable to impeachment for malfeasance
OF misleasance, neglect OF duty, commission of
at its next session regards the cause of suspen.
on as just, 1t becomes permanent. ARTICLE Nv