Evening journal., 1896-03-10
nWhola Hor or Nona. .


We believe that bi partisan Consti
tutionsl Convention would be most satis-
factory to the people and give the best
assurance OF the adoption Of the new
constitution when submitted to the
voters for ratification. That an instru
ment framed by such convention would
be better In many respects than one
produced by partisan body there can be
no possible doubt. 1t would possess all
the virtues Of a compromise measure and
command the confidence and support Of
the people OF our state.
There Is only one way to secure BIZ
partisan convention. That is by n
mutual agreement entered into between
the two great parties. 1t is extremely
doubtful whether negotiations having
that object In view can be carried to
satisfactory conclusion. Democrats show
every evidence OF having sincere desire
to divide tho delegates equally with
their Republican friends aud thereby
remove this vital work from the de
baslng Influences Of partisan politics, but
the Republicans are not evincing marked
eagerness to accept their overtures. Ex-
Senator John Pllllng and q few other
conservative Republicans Of prominence
have expressed themselves In hearty
accord with the movement, but their
lesd is not being followed by the Re-
publican press or the rank aud file OF the
party.
. Republicans, as q rule. are not given
to compromise measures Their motto
Of "Whole hog or none" Is homely but
popular. They stake everything on the
toss Of the ballot, but aeldom divide the
gain OF the loss.
We do not believe that there will be
bipartisan convention for several rea-
sons. The Republicans have besn study
Ing our constitution with great deal Of
care, and have decided upon changes
most radical in character Nothing else
will satisfy them. They want Rspub-
lioan constitution and all the partisan
advantage that can possibly bs gained
from 1t. They are stalking their All upon
the next election. 1; they win they Will
immediately proceed to entrench them
selves IN power by constitutional prov
sion and statutory enlistment Tba
executive, legislative and judiciai
branches Of government will be remod r.
elsd to serve partisan ends The state
will be gerrymandered. and every eehen
which can possibly psrpetuate Republi-
can control will be put In execution
These patriots do not want to be placed
In such q position that they viii b'
compelled to adopt halfway measures to
meet Democratic views.
straws show which way the wind
blows in politics as In other things At
recent meeting Of the Republican Exeeu
tive Committee Of New Castle county
the subject Of a bl partisan convention
was dlscussed with 3 warmth that wal
well. nigh riotous. The expression
against an equal division OF the Constitu'
tional Convention delegates was almost
unanimous. This speaks volumes. 1
represents the feeling Of the Republican
party Of the county. The committed
which Informally but almost unani
mously declared against bipartisan
convention will slste the delegates mo-
only for the state convention but ais
for the Constitutionhl Convention and 4
Is apparent that ten Republican dele
gates will figure on the ticket In THU
county next Fall. This will force tn
Democrats to do the same thing. A lik
condition will, we believe he forced upoi
the Democrats BY the Republicans II
Kent and Sussex counties. despite tn
advice Of Mr.. PillIng and bis conserva-
tive eo-lAborers In behalf OF bl-pArtisH
convention.
Ro,h =, t6s old national parties ar