Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1889-09-10
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
TIRED OF swADDLING CLOTHES.
The constitutional convention is now
in session at Santa lie. A year ago the
Democrats were loud in their declaration
that the Republicans of the territory op-
posed statehood. Finally Republican
legislature made legal provision for n
convention and the admission of New
Mexico as state in the union. Then
the Democratic party resolved itself into
a party Of kickers; while claiming that
every county in the territory was Demo-
cratic they protested that the constitu-
tional convention provided for would be
Republican in its make up, and the de-
cree went forth from Pope Gildersleeve
Tor 10 Democrat, under pain of eXcom-
munication, to run or vote for Il delegate
The request was largely respected, and
the consequence is an almost solid Re-
publican delegation in said convention.
We trust that wholesome constitution
may be formulated, one that will receive
the sanction OF the people and one which
congress will indorse and ratfy. We are
tired OF swaddling clothes and yearn to
be a big sister in the sisterhood OF states.
White Oaks Leader.
WHAT WILL DEFEAT THE CONSTITUTION.
We publish in another column the let
ter OF Archbishop Sal pointe on the school
question, directed to the members of the
constitutional convention, now in session
at Santa Fe. This letter has attracted
wide attention and created somewhat Of
Il sensation. The letter is courhed in
diIniied but earnest terms and is an
adept argument in favor OF denomina-
ton OF schools; that is to say that the
public school funds lie divided between
the different religious denominations, or
that the dominant church he permitted
to select the teacher. The arrhbishop's
idea is not new one; it has been the
subject of frequent contention in the
states, and has overwhelmingly been re-
iected by the American people. Indeed,
it might he sail that ii any one princi,
pie IS dear to the American people, it is
that OF non sectarian schools. The argu
ment OF the archbishop is very easily re-
futed, but want of space forbds our enter,
Ing further into the subject. The mem
might as well understand one thing, how
ever, and that is, that any constitution
framed by them embodying the idea con
tended for in this letter will be over
whelmingly rejected by both the people
of New Mexico and the congress of the
United States. --kio Grande Republican
TO BE GOVERNED BY CONGRESS.
The constitutional convention will he
governed by congressional requirements
and not by the archbishop's pronuncia-
mento in framing the school clause in the
constitution.-San Marcial Reporter.
THE BENEFIT OF HAVING NO DEMOCRATS.
Every member of the constitutional
convention was able to sign the roll With
out making his mark-the first time this
has been the case in Il legislative body in
New Mexico. This is accounted for by
the fact that there is but one Democrat in
that body.-San Marcial Reporter.
DOES NOT KNOW WHAT lie is TALK
ING ABOUT.
The constitutional convention assem-
blel on Tuesday at Santa Fe and fifty
three members were sworn to participate
in the farce. About the time the school
question is put Il movement to adjourn
sine die will probably prevail. -Gallup
Cleaner.
THE DISTURBANCE WILL NOT TAKE PLACE
The educational question will certainl,
disturb the harmony OF the constitutional
convention. But then nobody cares
it is harmonious or otherwise. -
Gallup Cleaner.
1T WILL NOT FAIL.
II the constitutional convention now in
session fails to provide for free, non-sec-
tartan schools, open to all, its work
will 20 Tor nothing. Neither the peonle
of New Mexico nor congress will accept
Il constitution without that provision, no
matter how liberal its provisions for other
ers.-Springer Stockman.
TIE HOWL OF A DISAPPOINTED BooDLER.
The contest for the presidency of the
convention, now in session
at Santa Fe, was between Prichard, of
Las Vegas, author OF the botched conven-
ton bill, and Col. j. Francisco Cha, ez,
Of Valencia. The vote was 20 to 20 and
Chavez won.. The fact that the highest
VI VIC tollfCIlllOlI 1lt Dt-
tween two such men rs these is sisnif-
cant. Comment would be superauous. -
Denning HI adlight.
A LETTER TO GOVERNOR AxTELL.
PAoLA, Kas., Sept. 5, '5J,-My D ar
Sir; The incosed cut out is from the
Daily Globe-Democrat, as you will notice.
Allow me (as one OF thousands who
have an eye on New Mexico as n future
home) to thank you for the noble words
in trying to secure for the new state the
and really free school
system so much needed.
Leave God out OF the constitution ard |
allow no influence Of the Catholic as well |
rs the Protestant clergy in your schools,
and there will be no guarrels and troubles
in the future.
The eyes OF thousands of prospective
are upon you, for but few |
" olild move with large families to your
otherwise very inviting territory, unless
the school system is made free from any |
and all creeds, Catholic as " ell as Protest
ant.
Give all the good people the same
chance to become citizens of your by |
nature wealthy territory and togive their
children u good schooling, might they be
orthodox Christians, Agnostcs, Unta-
rams, Atheists, Jews or Spiritualists.
with several Others have been pretty
well through New Mexico and liked it very
much, but could not move on account OF
the dep!orable 'hool system.
Hoping for the best, remain yours