The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-08-14
A GROWING STATE ISSUE.
LAWYERS IN FAVOR OF A CoNsTI-
TUTIoNAL CONVENTION.
The Bar Association Raises the Cues
ton, and Gen. J, J. Dupuy Argues In
diligently In Its Fayor--The judicial
system,

At the recent meeting of the Tennessee
Bar association the point was raised, and
literally discussed, that the State was in
need OF a revised Constitution.
To secure this, a constitutional conven-
ton would be necessary, and 1t is the
opinion of many leading members OF the
legal fraternity that this should be held.
In this city little discussion Of the ques'
ton has so far been held, and this in a
quiet way. An APPEAL reporter, in con-
versation yesterday afternoon with Gen.
J. J. Dupuy, gained an insight into what
the lawyers think about it, and II may yet
develop that the convention for this pur
pose will become an important issue in the
campaign. From the senatorial question
Gen. Dupuy departed MS follows:
"lll tell you what ] am in favor OF.
though, and that is a constitutional con-
veution. Tennessee has constitution
marked by more incongruities and weak.
nesscs than any southern State, or any
State in tho Union, for that matter. It
was thrown together just after the war, in
1870 and along that period, and needs re-
vision badly. All the lawyers recognize
that fact, and II was made subject OF
discussion in the recent Bar association
Meeting
I'm what particular is the necessity for
this revision most APPARENT"
"The judicial system. But II only ono
line of II were revised, believe IL would
more than compensate for the holding
i refer 10 the criminal courts. No one
who has failed TO study the figures made
out in the comptroller's statements OF ex-
pense in maintaining these tribunals can
appreciate the terrible leakage il creates
in the treasury. have studied them,
and tell you il is rdiculously enormous
IL Is almost impossible 10 have a trial Of a
person accused OF oven the smallest Of.
tense for less than $50. The majority Of
them foot M much more than that Take
the case OF man charged with carrying a
concealed weapon. Mr. MADDEN disposes Of
such offenders by filming them 10 the limit
IN almost every instance, and that without
any material cost. There is no warrant for
sheriff OF clerk, yet the punishment IL
equally MS effective. Then there are Jail
Ices which are sometimes levied TO cover
periods OF one, two, three and perhaps tour
months imprisonment This OF itself il n
could afford 10 pattern after MiSsis.
sppi In that State small oilenscs are
rolegated to the magistrates. A chicken
thief, for example, may be- tried by mag
islratc before a jury Of Elk, who find ne.
cording 90 the facts, assess the punish.
ment the prisoner is sent forth To work IL
out and thus the end is soon reached with.
out any display and nj triiling cost. Hut
take him In our criminal court. There ia
preliminary hearing, a warrant Of arrest,
a grand jury, q petit jury, witnesses before
both, attorneys fees. clerks fees, deputy
sheriff. ices, IN fact almost innumcTablc
items oi costs.
"Bui the people have elected these yari.
Gus officers, the constitution provides for
these pieces Of machinery, and we must
support them
That's just It, and that's why tho 70.
vision should he made. For one, | am
opposed To paying taxes TO maintain all
hcsc useless institutions"
'po you think II will figure In the pres.
ont campaign
II 10 not know. bat IL will come on
noonrt ur later In other parts If the
stAie u y receiving some attention"