The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1890-02-22
Constitutional Convention Voice Of the
People.

ctuuliS Vi uclcSalcs 10 luc 0Ou-
stitulional Convention who viii take
up the situation and make the best
possible use of it. Why should WASH
ington county send delegates who, be-
ing on record as saying that nothing
can be done, viii naturally try to prove |
their opinions correct. II would be |
better to send men there who favor, at |
least, trying to better affairs. IL
know enough about our political mat
tiers to know that what you suggest
would immensely relieve men who are
charged with the responsibility of
good government. Let these men who
are going around saying that 'all is
welr' turn out aud carry a few cleo
tions and they will change their minds,
no matter who or how big he is.
Respectfully,
CHATHAM.
EDITOR TINES
Recent editorials in the "Democrat,r
"Spirit' and times in relation to the
approaching Constitutional Conven-
tion naturally lead the active, conserva-
tive, thoughtful citizen of Washington
county to vein of serious reflection
Are We not in our politieo
domestic relations in state of unrest,
even distressl Or, are we at peace
and in quiet, having nothing to
fear from all the elements of posi-
BILE variance and strife that stare at US
from our midst like grim spectres
Of awaiting and impending social
and political doom? What un-
ambitious, quiet citizen of WASH
ington county who has borne his
share, as became him, of all the labor,
strife and oft times danger, forced
upon us for and during the last 20
years, that does not from the bottom
Of his heart pray for some measure of
relief from this strained and heart
sickening condition? What good citi-
zen is there who would not cheerfully
give half his possessions for perfect
immunity from this thraldom which
bids him decide between political and
social EXTINCTION on the one hand,
and political confessed debauchery on
the other! (our only refuge since 1881
What loving, rejecting parent among
us, having participated in all the strife
and turmoil, and conjured the devious
methods by which we have preserved
our autonomy, that does not revolt at
and resent the suggestion that as he
passes from the stage of action his son
must take his place.
To those who have actively in and
out of season, without thought of per.
sonal gain or ambition to crafty,
stood at the helm of our Democracy
and forced victory to perch upon her
banner, nolens volens, this is a matter
gra,e beyond the comprehension OF
those who have reaped fully of the
fruits without realizing the cost OF
seeding. What shall be its fruits to
us2 What are our needs at its hands
Or, can it serve us IN any manncri
Can 1t relieve the weary toiler at each
recurring election, State, county and
municipal, of that burden which falls
upon the most devoted citizen? Il
seems there are two sides to the ques-
tion In Washingto county. From the
sSpirit's' editorial in which Messrs
Phe' ps, Jayne and e. I. Worthingtor
are nominated as its candidates for the
convention 1t seems that those gen tie
men arc put forth as exponents of the
idea that we need no change in oul
organic law, that we are doing wei
enough under the present Constitution
aud the inference Is that our delegates
should be elected virtually instructed
to make no change. Now, Mr.. Editor
there are among those who have borne
the brunt of our political fight
, and given TO Washington count,
name and place among hel
sisters in Mississippi who have
, secured for her an influence in conven
+. tions and legislatures unsurpassed
/, sono who view the question different
{ ly; who look upon this convention
f as All opportunity of great good
Among such there are some, man,
who have without selfishness made
} life study of the social, political ant
: economic conditions that environ u
J end who feel that something can an,
: must be done for our betterment
To some of these the wisest men in th
| state look as capable ofgiving the bes
1 of counsel; for all know that througl
Q these long and trying years and unde
0 the leadership of the loved and vener
ated Percy, whose craftsmanship wa
Q only equalled by his devotion to hi
9 State and the Delta section especially
t Washington county has by their labo
o and guidance been borne through eyer
e vexing issue and cross purpose steadil
s forging ahead to safe mooring.
0 Now is 1t the part of wisdom to Sc
: lect men for this position who stan,
= confessed without remedy to sugges
Y for our troubles and committe,
n against attempting it, when we hav
0 at hand men of acknowledged talents
q statesmanly qualities, experienced in a
t fairs, who feel assured that there is
}, remedy In part, If not in whol
r to be provided in a new constitutio
}, and who in the convention ca
2 gain the ear and hold the col
/ fidence and secure the cooperation {
Q our wisest and best men in the Stat,
n Let us select from among this latte
s class our delegates if we do not wis
It to be overslaughed by those from stl
o er sections of the State who hay
r, studied their own wants and kno,
Q nothing Of our needs. In th
emergency 1 that we can surely rel
Il only upon those who have made
e laborious study of the questions W
d are called into council upon.
IL The responsibility is great and th
|e citizens of Washington county shoul
g take the soberest and most matur
10 counsel in selecting delegates. No
l. should personal considerations or per
D. sonal friendships or animosities or Il
a cality or vocatIons weigh. He is an en-,
l. my to his country who interpose
j. love or hate between himself and hi
d country's best interests. | could nam
d many gentlemen in the count.
ii peers of the best in the State but
deem It best TO leave that to the bette
Ia and wiser counsel, of a calm an