The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-03-23
| Democrats and Populists United
IN Voting for II.
D INSTRUMENT IS OUT OF DATE
krsucd During the Days Of Re-
Of Act
Failing for n Convention.


1. II was formed In 10. when Ala
Sas suffering the distresses OF re-
{rtion and many of its provisions
kibitions were recognized TO be out
II had for many years been
! that Alabama elections were
iently conducted and that in noun.
Ethe state in which the negroes mad
tgest voting strength their votes
lot counted.
IL patent fact that 1t would never
tthe Interests of good government
H. the negro to control the analrs
of the counties. or even OF any or
helmets in the counties, and 1t mas
difficult matter for Alabama to
Eherself against the charge of ballot
4 The tax rate by the constitution
4 cd TO three fourths of l per cent
use of the State and county, and
bnicipal tax limit Is one-half of
HI. In a number of towns and elites
state the municipal LAX rate has
bund to be insufficient TO permit of
bper development OF the municipal
i the support of its public institu-
is a notable example
IA good many years Alabama has
kuted IN very small way to the
4 of her public schools. Compare
4 the support accorded schools al
neighboring States is embarrassing
4 average citizen of Alabama Many
Limitations contained in the old con-
bn are considered 10 be drastic and
&per the progress and prosperity of
Municipalities and counties. The old
4 organic laws Is thought to be out
u and not in harmony with these
&siye times, and hence the desire
b new one.
Id was introduced IN the legislature
b. providing for the holding of
&htional convention during the FOL-
4 fall. 1t proved to be very live is
Ethat Legislature, but was finally de-
hin the senate by a close vote. When
5sembly which Las last adjourned
bed last November. Senator jenkins,
hi young representative from VIII
oDnty, introduced similar bill and
81 passed the senate by very safe
4nd subsequently passed the house.
kill became law before the recess
a legislature on December IL, and
&tractcd public attention since that
FThe act provided that an election
4 be held on the irst Monday i'll next
40 determine two things: First
IN the people of Alabama desired a
.pnstitution and, second, who they
to have as its formers. In that elec-
&EtickeL will be Used on which there
"a printed the words 'for constltu-
nd the words against constitu-
and the voter shall indicate his
by cross mark in front of the
which express his desire in the
q On the same ticket shall be printed
me OF such gentlemen as may be
tied by the several political parties
bama as delegates to the conven-
be convention which is proposed Il
embled on the first Monday in Au-
@he divisions of Alabama will hav,
me representation as they have il
neral assembly. There will be 10I
Ers, representing the counties of tbs
las in the present house OF represent
and there will be thirty-three rep
10 tives chosen from the senatorial
2cts of the State. as in the presen
n of Alabama. These delegates will
ether as one body, and to them viii
Wrusted the formation of the new
III fundamental laws to govern tn
~ of the people of Alabama. TIL
4htains no provision that the oonstitu.
- dopted by this convention shall b
XRd back to the people for their sc
"a and ratification, and this fact ha
inany to be opposed to the mo9S
Hwho are otherwise disposed to faNo
Il may be suggested. however, in thi
Xction that the convention, when ]
bles, Will be supreme and will NO
Nerned by any Specifications LAID
by the legislature. 1t is understoo
he majority of the gentlemen VIII
ndldates for delegates are dispose
Ter the constitution which the con
IN will adopt back TO the people. an
9believed that the convention will re
an election to be held to determin
er the people want the new constltu
u whether they prefer tho old. q
"wednesday the gentlemen who hay
elected by the various democrats
meetings and primaries in the sever;
Fes will assemble at the county seal
Melect the democrats whom they wis
Dresent them as delegates and repro
lives in the constitutional eonven
FL They viii also appoint delegates I
state convention. which will be hel
pntgomery on the 10Th OF the preseI
n TO nominate the thirty-three deli
n from the senatorial districts Of II
Brmation from the various parts OF ti
IA leads TO the belief that the pop,
Rlnited with the democrats in the pr
Is last Saturday as rule, and I'll
Wmption is that they will not hold al
8ntion. Indeed, 1t Is stated that the
y understanding between the dem
y and populists that II the latter par
Heorded in the constitutional CONVEX
kthe same number of representative
rp 1t now has in the State senate
~ its voters will unite with the den
"a In bringing about fair elections. II
4rlieaus have not been heard from
sNatter; IN fact. that party seems n
.sye taken the slightest interest in al
He proceedings thus far.
tfre is very little doubt that II the co
|}pn is held provision will be insert
}he new constitution providing for L
fhchlsement of many OF the color
< ms of Alabama. The probabilities a
an educational qualification for vo
r Ill be established, and il so, its pu
and It's effect will not be to depri
honest virtuous white man on !
We privileges. The indications a
Is the convention, II It is voted for
people. will be composed of men
character and integrity. The dem
VIII prevail overwhelmingly in I
nnel OF the convention, and II m
az in case the educational qualific
$ inserted It viii be accompanied
e. revision that no Federal or COME
"A soldier or the descendant of a
la or Confederate soldier shall
Fred by reason of his inability TO re
klwrlle or to interpret any part of
ealtution OF Alabama, or whatever e
Ifdueational qualification may be.
act which calls the convention pr
that II shall not remain in sessi
than fifty working days. but as t
nuon Is superior TO the legislature
ther law making body Of the state,
sion will be of no avail IL there is a