New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-10-02
CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION.

The Republicans of Nebraska are 10 be
credited with the most novel political sugGes-
ton of the year. Their convention, held re-
Gently In Omaha, adopted a platform defining
with admirable clearncss and thOrOughness the
Issues on which the Republican party appeals
for support this fall and expects to appeal for
support AT the approaching Presidential cleo
ton. Appended-with no obvious relevancy
10 the other declarations of policy we find this
curious DEPRESSION into abstract politics: 1--WE
commend 10 the thoughtful consideration Of the
"Rcpublican party ~ the Nation the prOpO
"slton that a National convention be called by
"twO-thirds Of the States 10 revise the Constitu-
'tion of the United States under provisions OF
Article Of the Federal Constitution" Article
' prescribes two methods Of securing consti-
tutonal revision. BY the first the two houses,
having passed proposed amendment by two
thirds majOritieS. submit Il for ratification to
the State legislatures. threefourthS Of the States
concurring TO validate the amendment. BY
the second the legislatures Of two-lhrdS Of the
States-thrty under present conditions may re-
Quire Congress to call a National convention,
whose work must subsequently be approved by
the legislatures in three-fourths Of the States.
The second and more difficult but by far the
more sweeping and radical method. IS that
recommended by the Nebraska Republicans.
Such a proposal reflects. perhaps, certain
degree OF dissatisfaction with the workings OF
our Federal system Some OF lis machinery is
undenably cumbrOus, and fails TO allow that
direct play OF the popular will for which there
IS an increasing clamor in many quarters. Some
Of the problems Of modem politics might he
dealt with more effectively no doubt, were the
Federal Constitution a trfe more flexible and
elastic But, for all that, no reylsiOnary move
ment seems likely In orr day 10 develop more
than purely academic interest. The practical
obstacles 10 constitutional amendment are i'll
themselves almost prOhibltyc, and nothing but
the pressure Of an overwhelming National senti-
n1ent could compel the least important readiust-
ment i'm the system Of Federal balances. No con
stitutional change has been more vigorously ad-
vocated in recent years than the election or
United States Senators by the direct vote OF the
people Yet with all the agitation directed
against the present indirect system OF election
through the State legislatures. no percepuble
progress has been made toward revisionary ac-
ton Congress has again and again refused to
submit the proposed Senatorial election amend
mont 10 the State legislatures and these bodies
themselves are most unlikely 10 initiate or sane
ton an innovation which would rob them Of one
az their most valhen pOntcal pieIOShuNes' Anu
II q simple AMI strongly advocated change IN
the constitutional mechanism Is so difficult OF
accomplishment. what an extraordinary concen-
trntion Of effort and sentiment would be re-
CURED TO effect any radical alterations in what
the experience Of more than n century has de-
yeloped into a relatively rounded and hardened
constitutional SYSTEM
American opinion. in fact. IS not prepared to
g., x,-ffh nj ftv no If
constitutional convention. II is scarcely san
giiDe enough to believe that n present day
gathering OF revlsers would sustain the reputa-
ton for insight. moderation and Sagacity
achieved by the original trainers Of our basis OF
union Most Americans recognize IN the Federal
scheme Of government under which we live