New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-07
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONTENTION

The Constitutional Convention will begin its
long and impor;ant laborS tomorrow under
conditions ON the whole favorable to wise
solution of the problems committed to IT. 1t Is
exceedingly fortunate that the political revolu-
tion which Democratic ineflciency and unfaith-
fitness brought about last November likewise
gave control of the convention to the RepuD-
ucon marty. This assertion does not reflect a
partisan spirit. We earnestly hope that no dele
gate will be governed by narrower consldera-
ton than the welfare Of all the people. ANY
lower conception Of duty would dlscredit anu
dsoualify whoever held il. But we firmly be-
levo that changes in the fundamental law are
most likely to be safe and fruitful If they are
acceptable to enlightened representatives OF ke-
publican principles and policies.
A considerable number Of the delegates are
comparativelv inexperienced and unknown, and
doubtless some weeks will elapse before the
measure of the Convention can be accurately
taken. But the membership includes many men
whose fitness for their grave task is universally
recognized. and the belief appears to prevail
that its average moral and intellectual quality
will prove TO be high Some Of the problems
which will be proposed for settlement are al
ready being discussed with interest-one OF
them with an ardor which may possibly be
exhausted before the Convention has chance
70 take il ND In the nature Of things. the ques-
tion Of woman suffrage excics a livclier pre-
uminarv controversy than some others when
the delegates may deem more vital. Whatever
hecomes Of II after the official debate opens the
cnrrent discussion is interesting and may prove
TO have been practically uSeful. Members vi
tho legal profession have been seriously CON
e,do-;D,, ,l,o judicial SVSfpu the state, ana
some important changes have been suggested
through our columns by leaders OF the pAr'
II is certain that the Judiciary Will occupy n
large place in the deliberations OF the oohVeh-
ton. nor is there any doubt that II needs 10 DO
rcadiustcd to the requirements OF the SOCIAL
organization. The government OF ci'les Is an
other tonic which deserves to enlist the speCHi
| interest of the most sagacious minds II Is not
| TOO much TO say that if the Convention Should
| succeed I'm devisinG n plan which in operation
| would facilitate the conquest Of good over evil
| in great centres of population it would deserve
lasting gratitude if II did nothing else. The
| delegates cannot be expected TO Increase the
storo Of civic virtue but they may conceivably
enable il 10 be drawn upon more readily ana
largely through the machinery Of government.
Tho proceedings Of n Constitutional Conven-
| ton have a distinct value apart from the IT,
suits which are eventually submitted 10 the
| popular judgment. They are educauonal III
high degree and in that way make an impor-
| tant contribution TO the common welfare. There
| &c no nresent reason 10 doubt that in this in
| stance they will be inspired and controlled by
djsinterested purpose to promote the honor
and prosperity of NewYork, and thereby OF
the whole country.