The advocate. [volume] (Topeka, Kan.) 1894-1897, 1896-03-11

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the requirements Of the present growth
OF the State. The general trend OF this
lpsriod ia toward a more perfect union
than that outlined in the present consti-
tuition, and il order to preserve some
thing like harmony In the progressive
growth Of the State we must expand TO
meet changed conditions. The ConserV-
stiva jurists Of the State will admit this
fact, and that many changes are neces-
sary to be made in the constitution, but
are loath to advocate anything new,
dreading the field of uncertainty that
may follow and the conflict Of interests
cot in motion and the doubt and distrust
they feel win fight hard for the mastery.
IL 10 the old order once more arrayed
against the new; the law Of the Sanhe-
drim against the Sermon on the Mount;
the thirty pieces Of silver against the
silent forces Of the Word.
The plebiscite, or initiative and referen-
dunn, can only be obtained through a re-
vision Of the present State constitution.
Those who favor this principle, and
would dispense with much Of the expense
OF Stats Legislatures and make in q
measure every man his own legislator,
might find in this a salutary constitu-
tiOnal method for settling in a very safe
manner many Of the vexed questions
arising from time to time. Upon the
floor Of q constitutional convention the
progressive spirit of the age would assert
itself and there would be gathered to-
gsther body Of men who for intelli-
gence and high patriotic resolve would
challenge the admiration Of the country,
and out Of the general battle would in
my judgment come that splendid princi-
pie Of the plebiscite as q fixed Constitu-
tional right If the people Of Kansas
obtained NO more than this, it would be
victory 90 far-resching in its results as
TO insure domestic tranquility and a
more perfect union for two generations
to come. This is not a radical or de-
structive principle, but absolutely con-
sistent with the right Of self-government.
It is imbedded in the general idea of the
sovereignty Of the people. 1t renders
practically impossible legislative corrup-
ton and defines more clearly that con-
stltutiOnal right never surrendered by
the people and expressed in the bill of
rights Of the Wyandotte constitutions
"SEc. 2 All political power 10 inherent
in the people, and all free governments
are founded on their authority and are
instituted for their equal protection and
benefit.
"SEc. 3. The people have the right to
assemble In peaceable manner to con-
suit for their common good, to instruct
their representatives and to petition the
government or any department thereof
for the redress Of grievances"
While a constitutional convention
would give some hope to the men who
oppose the principles OF prohibition, yet
this fact should not stand in the way of
proper organic revision of agreat State
instrument. Whatever may be my per-
sonal views on this question, am not
disposed to let my Judgment 60 astray
or so specialize my work as to hinder OF
delay needed changes. An intelligent,
PATRIOTS people in troubled Controver-
sial period like this can be ,fely trusted
on any great principle involving the hap
piness OF the home. The resubmission.