The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1889-11-01
GREAT MINDS DIFFER.
Senator WAlthall Opposes a Constitutional
Convention.


As we have all along opposed
Constitutional Convention we haC
a mind to say, according to old ad
age, "Great minds run in the same
channel" In proposing comment on
the reasons given by Senator +. G
Walthall for opposing such a ster
In our State, but we are reminded
that on this same question our two
Senators, Hons. George and Wal
thall are directly opposing each
other on the stump. We had seen
arguments from Gen. George and
had known Gen. Walthall's con-
trary position, but until extracts
from his speech at Jackson. on the
18th ult., we're published in the
dailies, we did not know his exact
reasons. There can be no shadow
of doubt about the soundness of
his views on the subject. He sees
no great evils resulting from the
present Constitution, and, as we
have often said, claims the prin-
cipal objection to it to be of a sen
timental character.
There is not a sounder or more
prudent statesman in Mississippi
than Gen. Walthall, and his words
will have weight. His principal
objection to the Convention is ex-
pressed in these words:
There are defects in the present
Constitution" said the speaker.
but the question is not whether
that Constitution is perfect, but
rather whether we had not better
continue to live under it, as we are
now doing reasonably we'll, than
orm a new one, when none of us
an point out any remedy which ,
he new one can afford for the evil i,
which we chiefly suffer-the :
wi OF negro suffrage. No man has !
'et pointed out any great evil of
ny kind which a%fflicts us that can S
.e traced to the present Constitu- h
ION and can be cured by a new =
ne, even If we were all agreed :
pom what a new one should con u
am. If any one can do it let him I
peak out and let the people hear o,
:,
while the Federal Constitu- =
on remains unchanged, white SUI Sc
remacy cannot be made perma-
ent in Mississippi by any ordi-
lnce a State Convention can
Iopt. If it could the outlook to
m would be very far from
oomy. 1t is a delusion to sun.
the great problem we are con
ldIng with can be solved by any
that this State has the powerto
Whatever safety there
us lies in the absolute unity
the white population, and when
permit ourselves to be diverted
m this, our only present hone.
deceive ourselves and impair
capacity to deal with the dan
s that threaten US.
There will be honest and decid-
differences between us as to
at the new Constitution should
tam. These differences. being il
'ere, will be emphasized in q
yass for delegates. The negroes
as a rule are more Indifferent
PARTIES than they once were, but
# interest in politics, of late
RS largely abated, will be re-
"a when these delegates are to
lected to a Convention which
2 know may attempt to unset
one of the important rights
now enjoy. Some white men
ng us, the worst enemies of
best interests of both races,
been long waiting and watch
Tor some serious division to
among the white Democrats
might rally the disorganiz-
4gro forces and attack us when
re weakened by divided coun- 90
Q far they have waited and Be
he'd in vain. If that condition Be
terminate let it not be by anv re
less act of ours. Let us try DC
apartments when we conno4
ar way clear to a harmonious Be,
9cGess1ul issue Of the venture, How,
Tally when it initiates against Be,
polltlcaI repose which best earn
otes the material improve Be-
and development Of our son.
BED
a.,