Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1897-07-07
VIEWS OF CONGRESSMAN.
The Hope of the state Lies In a New Com
stltutlon.

washington, Jan. 10, 1S97.-(Special.)
Too much weight can hardly be given
to what Senator Bate has to say. lie is
the only member of the delegation who
has been governor since the adoption OF
the present constitution and, constantly
conscientious as he has always been, his
study and experience as chief executive
during two terms have impressed deeply
upon him the defects Of the present fun
damental law. When seen by mo Sena-
tor Bate said in response to my request
for an expression.
The Necessity Great.
That there is necessity for changes
In the constitution OF Tennessee there
can be n question. The present one was
adopted when we were just from under
military rule, with its influence yet upon
us, and it fell short in many instances
OF what our constitution should be. AS
to the time when a new constitution
should be presented and voted upon is a
matter of which the representatives in
the legislature, fresh from the people,
are the better judges, but in answer to
your categorical question l say l am in
favor of a new constitution in Tonnes
see."
Senator Harris spoke as follows:
without going into details OF dis
c%ussion, | will say generally that | ia yor
the calling OF a convention looking to
the correction OF certain defects in the
State constitution which prevent the
present instrument from responding
most wisely to present conditions"
Hero is what Hon. w. c. Anderson
CRep.) OF the First district wrote:
TO give ones reason for favorinc a
constitutional convention would REQUIRE
much time and space, so | will abbre-
viate by saying | favor it for many rea-
sons. | recognize in this question only
the general welfare Of the State, and do
not look upon it from a partisan or poll
tical standpoint"
When Congressman Patterson, Of the
Tenth, was approached, he dictated the
following:
VI have for some years past favored a
constitutional convention. The present
constitution is practically as old as the
State. In view OF the geography OF tho
STATE, there was some reason for hold
ing the supreme court in each grand
division OF the State, but now, with ex-
listing means OF transportation, the SUI
preme court ought 10 hold it's sessions
at the capital and the Encouragement
ought to reside at the capital, as the law
officer of the State government. Further
more, l believe the constitution ought
to be SO amended as to give more en-
couragement to the development OF the
State. 1t is absurd to tax both the cap
ital stock and property OF manufacture
ing companies. Requirements such as
this drive capital and enterprise from
the State. There are many other rea-
sons for a constitutional convention
which might be suggested had / more
time"
Hon. James D. Richardson gave noe
the following:
VI have read the dispatch OF Col. Coz,
expressing himself upon the wisdom of
making some changes in the Tennessee
constitution, and will say that | concur
IN Wnat ne mas SAID.
Here is an expression from Congress-
man Cox of the Seventh:
II think our State constitution Is
very defective and it should be cor
rected. 1t was adopted in what was
practically war times, and does not re-
spond to present conditions. l think it
very seriously defective"
Hon. j.. c. McDearmon handed me
this:
Il am in favor Of a constitutional con-
vention In Tennessee. The constitution
OF 1870 was adopted only a fcw years
after the close of the late wal between
the States, and under circumstances and
not propitious for that
Thoughtful elaboration and considera-
ton necessary for the construction Of
the constitution of a great State like
Tennessee. But the convention was
composed OF many OF the ablest and
most patriotic men Of the State, and
their handiwork 1will be an enduring
to their exalted intelligence
and broad craftsmanship. The consti-
tuition has most admirably served its
day and generation, but since its ratif-
cation marvellous progress has been
made in every department Of civiliza-
ton; ~wonderfal. inventions have wrought
great changes in the arts and sciences
and in habits and customs Of our people.
Our population has been greatly in
and our aggregate wealth i'm
mensely augmented since 1870, and my
Judgment is that the time has arrived
when that ancient buJ honorable docu-
ment should be revised and changed so
as to conform to the new era which has
dawned upon our country since it was
adopted"
Il also think that tho present is an
auspicious time for the selection Of DEL
egates to a convention and for the con-
Of a new constitution. We
nave just passed through an unusually
exciting political campaign, and the
minds of the people are comparatively |
free from rancorous partisan %preiudices.
The reign OF political demagoguos has,
ut least for a time, passed away. Intel |
and true worth are largely in |
ascendant as the controlling inau- |
in political parties, and l believe
If a constitutional convention is
provided for its membership will en-
brace our most intelligent and patriotic
men, and that they will submio a con-
for ratification Of the people
which will represent the best thought
Of the age and will be acceptable to all
progressive and patriotic citizens, re-
CARELESS Of party affiliations or political
opinion"
Hon. Z. w. Carmack, now congress-
man from the Tenth District, under
date of April 10, says:
State constitutions are intended pri-
marily to restrict the law-maEing power,
and to that extent they limit the right