The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1893-02-10
ANOTHER MESSAGE.
Governor Turney has Changed in his Views
About Constitutional Convention.


Governor Turney has recently
changed his mind in regard to the
calling of a constitutional conven-
ton There are some changes in
the State constitution which he
now believes are necessary. The
following message was sent to the
general assembly Monday in which
he specifies some proposed reforms
in the call which will give the peo-
a chance to vote intelligently:
Senate and House of Representatives:
The pro7riety and necessity for a con-
stitutional convention is being cmNassed
by the people to AN extent that impresses
me that it is my duty to submit to you my
views on the subject. have heretofore
opposed it, and given my reasons there
for to the pubic.
They are-il) That ordinarily amend
ments under the terms OF the constitution
would answer every purpose, and give the
people better opportunity to acquaint
themselves with the provisions and chang
es proposed (2) That it was too expen-
sive. (3) The public mind was too UNI
settled by the agitation of new theories as
to make unsafe the attempt to reorganize
with the conditions OF disturbance upon
us.
Further reflection, suggested by later
developments, has changed my views.
My first objection can he obviated by the
character of the call to be. made
Constitution section 8, article xi, or
dams: "The legislature shall have the
right at any time to submit to the people
the question of calling aconvention to al
ter, reform, or abolish this constitution,
and when upon such submission major
ity of all the votes cast shall be in favor
OF said proposition, then delegates shall
be chosen and the convention shall be
called in such mode and manner as shall
be prescribed"
. call special attention TO the language
"alter, reform, or abolish" Under this
authority the cali may be for either Of
three purposes, and limited. l therefore
recommend a call limiting the action Of
: the convention to such reforms or altera.
} tons as may be pointed out by you. Il
t can make no difference how many or few
I may be suggested, the fact that they are
:. suggested calls public attention to then
and gives electors opportunity to investi
gate and determine the merits OF eacl
}. proposition, and to vote adyisedly for o.
Q against each, and affords to those desir
: ing reforms or alterations, fully advisin,
!, you Of each proposition and enabling yol
to explain to the people all that is intend
ed by the several reforms or alteration
0 proposed and does away with the DANCE
: OF mistakes and oversight necessarily at
tending the admission of new constitu
6 ton without the advantage of first full
understanding its provisions. Represent
ing every portion of the State it WILDE a
q easy matter for senators and represents
Q tives to present what may occur to ther
d to be the desires of the people and pu
them in shape for investigation by thos
for whose protection constitutions are il
' tended. We can not be too particular i
u the formation OF organic law.
l. To urge the objection of expense an
prevail might result in more serious cor
C sequences than such outlay.
By section 2, article iii, of the constitl
ton it is established: "The governC
} shall be chosen by the electors OF the ger
8 eral assembly at the time and place
II where they shall respectively vote f
n members thereof. The perso
having the highest number,of votes sha
be governor, but If two or more shall |
equal and highest in votes one of thel
s. shall be chosen governor by joint votes
le both houses OF the general assembly,"
d This is the only provision for the ele
"a ton OF governor, with no power in Il
legislature.
~ Section 4, article iii--"Th govern,
le shall hold his Office for two years and unt
a his successor be elected and qualified
20 This provision has much to do with n
!, change Of mind as to the advisability
~ calling convention as it now stands u
ST der and by the law Should the Cover,
rs or elect die the incumbent would rema
NO governor for the next two years witho
regard to the will of the people, wlri,
&c might result in more detriment than II
1t cost OF convention. The vice SHOULD
a remedied by provision for election