The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1897-06-17
CONVENTION OR NO CONVENTION.
An Indictment in the Peoples Behalf, Some
Wise Suggestions,

seem that they should meet with their
earnest consideration and hearty sup
port. Economy in public affairs should
be attempted at all times, but especially
so now, when thepeople find it difficult
to support themselves comfortably and
meet the present burdens of taxation.
The reforms suggested may be briefly
stated as follows:
/. A change in the judicial system
of the state, fixed by the constitution,
by which it is claimed can be effected
in sslaries of judges and clerks of not
less than $4,000 year. There are
five states of the forty five of the Union
who retain the same system as Tennes-
see. The others have combined their
courts of law and equity, thus securing
saving in expense, and equal, if not
greater efficiency.
2. Such changes as will secure
more speedy trial of criminals, instead
of keeping them confined in the jails,
generally at the expense of the state or
county, until their cases are finally
heard in the court of last resort. Our
system fixed by the constitution, per-
mits the supreme court to hear such
cases only one a year. The public pays
the expense.
3. Such changes as will permit the
Jarvis law to be still further extended
in its operation, thus securing greater
economy in the expenses of govern
ment.
4. Such a change as will permit each
county in the state to determine in itself
whether it will adhere to the old county
court system of government, OR adopt
the system of county government by a
small body of county commissioners,
elected by the entire body of voters.
The latter is thought by many to be
more effective in the larger counties,
and more economical.
8. Such change in the taxing sys-
tenn, fixed by the constitution, as will
not require that farm property and the
assets and franchises of great corpora.
tions shall be taxed on the same basis,
and under the same rule. They are en-.
tirely different in their nature, and
should be placed on a different basis in
taxation.
6. Many of the progressive states ol
the Union authorize cities and counties
to offer special inducements to factories
in the way of taxation, as consumers o.
raw products, and providers of employ
ment for labor. Tennessee, in hel
constitution prevents this, and some OF
the reforn1ers suggest change in this
respect.
7. Such changes in the taxing provi
sion as will permit school districts o.
civil districts of a county to levy specc
lal tax, as the city districts do, fo
school or road purposes.
s. Such change as will permit thu
people to select the secresary of state
comptroller and treasurer, thus avoid
idg the great and expensive waste o
of the legislature now required in theil
election, and also avoiding the corrup
trading of votes on important ques
tions, at the expense of the people, il
order to secure the election Of infu
entail friends. This temptation shoulC
be taken from the legislator, and from
the candidate for such an Office to ''fix'
the legislature in his own interest
8. 1t is also suggested that pro
vision be incorporated in the constitu
ton against the issuance of free passe
to public officials and members of tn
Legislature. Such a provision is in tn
constitutions of Arkansas, California
Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri
Pennsylvania, Washington and New
York. 1t is protection to the railroad
against the thoughtless or corrupt off
cial, for the railroad, when requested
can not refuse pass with safety to it
interests ; and it is a protection to tn
people against the secret influences
whether designed or not, of gift i
the pocket of him who should be abso
lutely impartial. 1t will bring about
better condition of the public min
with reference to both the railroads an
the officials, removing a potent caus
for suspicion and distrust. 1t is in til
interest Of purity in public affairs, whic
will meet with opposition only fror
those whose designs are improper.
These are some Of the most prom
nent reforms suggested, and it is de
sired to secure convention compose
Of men of capacity and integrity to cor
slider them, and in such hands we sha
surely secure a great Improvement i
, our organic law. No mistake con
. made, for eventually it comes to th
| people for ratification or rejection.
, Reformer in .he Nashville American.