The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-01-23


THE OPPOSITION TO A CONVENTION.
Mr.. w. A. Shaw, editor Of the Texas
Farmer, has been extensively interviewed
in the daily newspapers and among other
things takes strong ground against the
calling Of constitutional conventions.
After asserting that "a combination OF all
lobbyists may be expected on one point.
tc-wit, the effort to secure constitutional
convention" Mr.. Shaw Is reported TO have
said:
THE great reason behind this movement
IL never stated, unless 1T be in committees
of the whole third house. That reason Is
that the corporations want new c0nsttu-
ton. They have no hope OF securing amend
/ ments to that part OF the constitution ralat.
ing to corporations, but have strong hope Of
comprising their designs II they can secure
new constitution. hencc, the entire lobby
will work for this scheme, co.operated with
all the dailies. ! have endeayonad to get at
the valid reason for constitutional conven-
ton, II there be such. pumping process
as to one member Is fair sample OF all.
{ Why do we need a new constitution:
WHAT'S the matter with the one we havef'
was asked senator. .6
!" Oh said he. the thing We have is a
cumbersome affair. 1t Is more like system
OF laws than q constitution, amy way. Then,
think OF our judiciary systeml What u bur
changed I. q,
Have you a draft Of the changes you would
advocate? II SO, would like TO see 1t. IL
~ L. a remedy for this most extrayssant
branch Of our government. why not OFFER IL
as an amendment? The people will certainly
seops sd " ,.v. Z, a,.,, !, -. ,n,rs,. /,
think should al" be made. replied the senator
but you must admit we need something. And
Il seems 10 me tho best way TO get IT would
b by constitutional convention, where tul
\ ND freo nf this other dPfprtG
IN the instrument could be had
Il suggested that perhaps the other de-
tects related to change N provislons con con
II was suggested that, perhaps, some sharp
railroad lawyer In the convention might
change an and for nm or. or something OF
that sort. In a way to nullfy the commission
law. or some other law-or. AT least greatly
lessen rs effectiveness. 1t was suggested
that perhaps some lawyers would like to sea
new constitution because the present In
strument has already passed the ordeal OF
interpretation by the court OF last resort at
an expense to the people Of many thousands
OF dollars; that II is possible some lawyers
may be sufficiently selfish to want this sort
of useless and expensive luxury re-mposcd
upon the people. IL was suggested that when
the present constitution WIS adopted the old
Changers were In the saddle. SO to spsak. and
that perhaps tho agitators for constitutional
convention were opposed to the theory that
the pillow has anything To do With ciylllza-
ton, or has any right to consideration In
law-making. Hence. constitution Is want
*
81 There you go bug hunting, said the sen
ator. No real reform looking to the up
building Of tho business interests Of the coun-
Try can be sugsested that you fellows who
tickle the bosoni Of mother earth with a
lead pencil don't find out that y is sons to
ruin the farmer. You absolutely make me
II had a talk with Ex-Governor IIogg about
the constitutional convention schemc. He
doesn't like It even a little bit. lie snid he
was out OF politics and taking no part In tho
shaping OF Hesitation, but said he In sub
stance, ! owe the people Of Toxas too much.
and love them too much, not to take hand
X any such scheme is attempted to he
worked -sndt-f prccict dict not only the
sahehse itself but any fellow who nj locates
II will be repudiated by the people
The Post Is particular to quote Mr.. Shaw
At lcng;h for the reason that he may be
assumed to voice an element of opposition
which can be looked for in this connection.
Indeed. The Post is inclined from certain
circumstances to the opinion that the gen
tieman speaks by inspiration, perhaps by
d,,ly delegated authority, as 1t We're.
The words Of Mr.. Shaw are Important,
therefore. IN that they indicate the char
acter Of the opposition to the movement for
: new constitution. rather than for any
argument h. makes. for really he makes
mons. He simply leads of in what no doubt
y 10 be . campaign OF narrow prejudice. Of
eppeals to the approximations OF the people.
holding up corporations and alleged indi-
NidnAt schemes Of ayarice as "bogie men,"
- well ~ = system Of Intimidation and
attempted political coercion OF members OF
~ legislature who may be disposed to
recogniEe the demands for fundamental Inn
prpvement ~ our system and TO submit the