The Russellville Democrat., 1893-02-02
A DANGEROUS POLICY.
Strong and Convincing Arguments Against Calling Constitution
 al Convention.
From the Searcy Beacon.

al Convention.
 From the Searcy Beacon.
 In another column we give an ar ticle from the Lonoke Democrat, in regard to the proposed constitution al convention, which we heartily en- dorse. A close observance, for sev- eral years, of the legislation in our State, has disclosed several import ant facts bearing upon the subject. The principal objections to the con stitution have been made when some of it's provisions conficted with what some one wanted to do, gener- ally of special, local or doubtful character; it seldom came in the way of any legislation for the general good. The instances in which doubt ful, and often vicious, legislation has been baked have been numerous and varied, and of course brought anathemas upon the constitution by the lobbists who were foiled by it. Another thing that has been demon strated, is, that notwithstanding there are numerous propositions at each session of the legislature to a. mend the constitution, none of them have been of so general demand by the people of the state as to obtain the requisite votes for their adoption excepting the Fishback and poll tax amendments. Some favored one thing, and some another, according as men had different views of what would better the organic law, and not from a general demand from the people. That there is demand for new constitution in some quarters that the maximum limit of taxation may be raised, that the usury clause may be eliminated, that the rigid provisions relating to railroads may be left out, and other things modified to suit the viewsand purposesof those urging the matter-is beyond ques- tion. But this demand is not from the masses of the people, as the vote upon the convention question short while ago demonstrated. Let the convention alone, and amend the constitution where it is needed. There are dangers as we'll as heavy costs and expenses attending the formation of new one.
 From the Lonoke Democrat.
 A bill has been introduced in the Senate providing for the holding of constitutional convention next Ju- ly. We are among those who see no good reason for such a movement. Our preasent constitution, taken as whole cannot, in our opinion, be bettered. It is emphatically peo- ples' constitution, protecting them against those who would speculate on the taxing power of the counties and municipalities; from corporation greed and individual specula- tors; it safe guards the citizen in his person and his purse; its arms of steel are thrown around him to shield him from the machinations ot the interruptions. It is not the corn field or. cotton plantation that is crying for new constitution, but it is the lobbyist seeking franchises at the hands of the legislature that he may grow rich on the labo of other people; the money lender who is not satisfied with ten per cent interest, the holders of the Halford, levee and railroad bonds that have been out lawed, that are bowling for new constitution that will unite the hands oftbe state, county and towns, that they may enter on "the high road of modern progress" which simply means that bonds may be is- sued, without limit, for all kinds of visionary schemes for speculative purposes, by taxing future genera tions for present prosperity. We believe the living should take care of themselves, but we do not think 1t should be done at the expense of un- born generations. This is what our present wise constitution does. Un- der it, each generation bears it's own burdens and pays it's own debts. Be sides the disturbed state of public opinion that now exists on many grave questions, is not propitious for calling constitutional convention. From the Batesville Guard.
 Admitting that defects exist in the constitution, we must confess our inability to locate that unity of public sentiment upon any single change necessary to secure its adop- tion. Emphasis is given to this fact by the inability of the legislature to agree upon even three amendments to be submitted to vote of the peo- pie.