The age-herald., 1898-11-25
LEGISLATURE
 AND ITS WORK RGassenbing After Its Brief HO|i-
 day of the Thanksgiving CHARACTER OF LAW MAKERS More Conservative and More Earp'st Than Predecessors. "A e 2 TUITION IS IN DOUBT S~ DG : for Convention Confronted es :,owerfuI Influences Opposing. $
 ArS
 TAXATION ROCK IN THE WAY Constitutional Extension of the Taxing Power a Menace to the Whole Peo-
 pie Relief From Some Evils
 1mperatively Demanded.
for a Convention Confronted
 :,owerfuI Influences Opposing.
TAXATION ROCK. IN THE WAY

Montgomery, November 24.-(Special)- The legislature will reassemble tomorrow, after it's brief holiday of Thanksgiving, and is expected to get down to a consideration of the really great problems that con- front it.
 The present general assembly has every appearance of being superior in energy, in- tellect and general capacity to the general assemblies of recent years. It seems to be more conservative, more earnest, more de- sirous of discharging the task before it.
 There is no evidence of fippancy, of care- lessness, of unconcern, of any sort of desire to shirk duty. Senators and members im- press the observer as being possessed of the courage to face the situation.
 These facts lead to the conclusion that there is going to be no rash or reckless legislation, but that the things will be done that need the doing.
 This legislature will proceed cautiously, but there is no present reason to doubt that it will proceed courageously. If it do not, the people of Alabama will be gravely dis appointed, not to say outraged in their con- fidence
 The Supreme Question
 The supreme question to be dealt with is that of the states constitution. Whether that written instrument of civic power and the liberty of the individual shall be amended, or be laid aside for a wiser one is for this general assembly to determine. One or the other of these two courses is imperative. The constitution cannot be suffered to stand as it is.
 Favor a Convention
 The better elements of the commonwealth appear to unquestonably demand a con- stitutional convention straight out, with no attempt at amendment. Call 1t new con- stitution, call it revsion-by whatever name you designate it, the best sentiment of those who go to form the state is in favor of a convention, with full power to deal with every matter concerning the welfare of the population. The majority of the men who keep going the machinery of state- hood favor convention.
 The Issue is Doubtful
 But the issue is doubtful. Influences of vast power are at work against the propo- sition for a convention. This opposition is based upon the matter of taxation Ger tain great forces not needful here to mem ton are afraid that convention m ght run rot with the taxing power, and every thoughtful man must acknowledge that this danger is not altogether visionary No such abuse of power is probable, but that 1t is possible cannot be dened. consttu- tional abuse of the taxing power would spell ruin to Alabama in letters that would stretch from Mobile to Athens
 Demand Earnest Consideration
 These are facts that demand the most honest, earnest, painstaking and unselfish consideration. They be not questions of patriotism, for Alabama matters in tbem- selves are not necessarily matters for the nations concern but the legislature has got to deal with facts of commanding local ism-home facts; facts that pertain to our own every day life here in the slxty-s,x counties.
 The Franchise
 The franchise cannot be further dallied with. As 1t now stands 1t saps the better life of the commonwealth. There is no good use in mincing or mouthing about it. or trying to overlook, dodge or disregard it in any way whatever It has got to be faced, and faced bravely, as becomes a brave people. The hour is struck. Times up. Comel The people demand that all just cause for tampering with the ballot shall cease. That cause does exist, has ex- isted for some thirty years; but it is of easy remedy. It can be and must be remedied by the present general assembly. The vi- cious must be deprived of the power of The day is come when every vote must be counted as it Is east No man shall have the power to change the ob- feet of any other mans ballot Jueffea must be done to ourselves. White men must rule, and rule by right of law as ght divine.
 Facts Less! Important
 There is no use dealing in this writing with the less important facts facing the