The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-07-10
THE SAGE OF CHICKASAW.
Some Sound Doctrine Promulgated
Other Doctrine Will Bear Discus.
sion.

sion.
Mr. Editor:-Few years ago, the scribe, Of
flee struck, laboring under the hallucination
that he was fit subject TO represent the
"dear people" in q legislative body from Abb
bev1lle county, had the impert1nent presump-
lion to canvass the limits OF The county and
prOcluim from the stump" his views on the
issues that were at stake. Constitutional
convention was Il leading and prominent one.
advocated the Importance oi such a meas
ure. l was cognizant Of the fact that an addi-
tional lax would be saddled upon the State
for a short time, but felt assured much good
occurring from Ii would overbalance the ex.
penditure. ] often wondered what an ABSURD
inconsistency exists In the democratic party
In making such Il stupendous effort In eXtrl-
eating herself from The oppressive yoke OF
vandalism and SILL adhered to radical con-
sttution, the real basis upon which, good
government should operate. 1t occurs to the
writer, the radical constitution should nave
been, long ere this, constructed by Inc
reigning power In accordance with democrat
ic principles. The eXigency and strlDgency
of the times demanded reformation In that
matter. How singular. and III lie mysflhed,
II seems, that nearly 20 years have expired
from '76 and We have just determined to nave
a constitution of our own fabrication. sup.
pose IT, Is somewhat on The principle "better
late than never" 1 propose 10 re-assert
brief synopsis OF my opinion as to Il new con-
stituiiOn. We need an organic law plainly
marked out for the whole people to be gov
erned, regardless OF partlallty and consistent
ecunemy.
TIL + OLD CONSTITUTION.
The present constitution undoubtedly was
founded upon II basis Of prodi5ality. Not
having the ability, nor The inclination to be
a member of the approaching supreme, au-
gust, sovereign body OF power, but l am pre-.
sumptous TO speak out as an outsider and a.
vulge one or two suggestions that entertain
would rebound for the good or the people
The most prominent factor OF my views AZ 10
a new constitution is TO do away with much
legislation. Insert an article requiring
the lawmakers To assemble at the capitol
every two years. lid est, adopt biennial ses-
siuns of the Iegislature.) Poor law ina
can'C survive two years on its own merits IL
certainly would be a progressive step OF re-
form and retrenchmenL If all emergency
should ever arise demanding immediate leg
isIative action, the chief OF Executive Is
vested with discretionary power and IN TINS
age of telegraphy could call meeting within
twenty-four hours or less.
THE PRESS AND BANNER RIGHT on NEW
COUNTIES.
observe your editorial comments on q
few points that you were particularly inter
ested in having enacted on the contemplated
fundamental law of the land. Your idea
OF formation Of new counties ana the per-
manent establishment OF the dispenHry
law, iS very good in my estimat ion. but You
are prornulgating false doctrine In clamorlng
for the re-enaclment of the Homestead Act.
1t has out lived its dayS'Of benefit and should
be annulled and inferred In the interment OF
oblivion. Perhaps IL was wise provision OF
law to butt against anti-bellum debts, and al
forded reliet TO some extent in preventing q
debtor Of being deprived of the meagre effects
that " ere left him afler the late war. am
rather OF the opinion this law IL fraughl Wild
more evil than good. 1t has been abused and
proved to be curse, rather than a blessing to
the country. l might illustrate my idea OF lis
evil tendency in detail, but space forbtds.
am satisfied there would be better feeling
prevailing in the dealings OF humanity ana
less trouble and expense of obtaining cash OF
credit from the bank as capitalists. There
would be no necessity OF the lien law, IL The
Homestead would be left out In the "cold' In
the formation of the new constitution.
AGAINST THE HOMESTEAD.
Place no obstacle in the law that will
shield q debtor form paying his creditor Il
Just dues. If he crontracts debts let hin be
required by the law 10 pay them, even, u hls
shirt should be required. Pay what thou
Owest Is lvine I'M junction and should no'
be trampled under loot by any human a"en-
cy. Such as the Homestead Act. Our taxa
Lion might be relieved OF some OF Its burden
by also leaving out In the cold the Two mill
school tax, 10 keep company with the Home.
stead Act. For the sake OF brevity. would
say, let every man or woman school their
own children. The colored element. our po-
litical enemies, reap the greatest benefit rom
this source. Other minor points of greater
Importance might be mentioned, hut Ill ior.
will soon compose the convention presume
will find things all right and anchor us upon
a shore OF safety. Mr.. f iitor, the breach 10
the factional parties seems TO be- widening
and union. peace add harmony are at low
ebb.
Such lamentable state Of Iiisquietude and
dIscord 10 exist In a body -pDlitic X calculated
TO give rise to much bitter feeling OF political
animosity In The coming convention that
should be free from all Ill feelings. O.P. ii.