The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-06-21

are the reasons, Mir. President, why the committee felt compelled to urge upon this House that tAe section as adopted stand.
 MT. Graham cTaiiadega)-For the first time, Mir. President, in the discussion of questions before this body, I beg the indulgence of the Convention for a few words against reconsideration of this proposition. I think that I can mention one fact which has been over looked by the members of this Conven- tion. When a man becomes a candi- date for the Legislature and Is elected by the people, there Is an implied scon- tract of employment and service. and the member of the Legislature has no right upon his part to break that con- tract and to enter other employment, except by the wishes and the will of the people. Gentlemen of the Convention, when member of the Legislature; is appointed from his position to some higher office, at that time he leaves his people without a representative in the General Assembly, and there can pe no successor under the present Con- stitution, except by an election of the people, and at great expense to the peo- pie. l want to say further, MT. Presi- dent, that it is a violation of good faith as between employer and employe. If man comes to the Legislature sorely for the purpose that he may reach some higher position, he ought to put his people on notice before he comes, that they may seek out some one that will stay with them and serve them through the time for which they elect him. If may be pardoned the expression, believe that a member of the Legisla- ture should, for the time being, take down his lightning-rod. If he does not care to- do it, then let him stay at home and keep 1t up with the hope that he may receive some appointment to higher position. It is not merely between the Governor and the mem beis of the LegislatuSe--I waive that point as having been sufficiently and earnestly urged, and rely solely upon the question of good faith between the representative and the people who have elected him.. l do not lay any stress upon the point raised by the gentleman from Crenshaw (Mr. SentelD of con- scripting members for the Legislature. There have not been many in the past; there are not likely to be many in the future;- take away the hope of reward, and the hope of promotion by appoint ment, and let a man become candi- date for the Legislature solely upon the proposition that he is the man that tfiC pcOpiC NdHlt anu th1S hO 10 b AA&oA loyal and patriotic enough to stay by the post to which he has been called and render the people patriotic and honorable service. based upon the hope of approval by his constituency at home, and not upon the hope that he may be appointed to some higher po- sition. I hope that this Convention will refuse to reconsider what I think to be one of its best acts since 1t has been in session.
 MT. Reese-The stenographic report of yesterdays proceedings correctly shows, I suppose. some remarks mada on the floor, which might be construed as a reflection upon the ebiiIIy and work of my distinguished colleagues from Dallas. These remarks were made by me. did not mean to say that Dallas had not selected her delegates from among her most able and trusted sons. These gentlemen have, in the highest degree, the trust and the con fidence of their people. and our people have gladly availed themselves of their services whenever offered.
 Mir. President. feel hurt that my distinguished friend from Montgomery should have thought that endeavored to lecture him. Why, my admiration and affection for the gentleman would
 
 candidly say that while the remarks were being made the gentleman was no. in my mind at all. I feel sorry for it, because I appreciate and admire the gentleman too much, to criticise any thing that he should say.
 MT. Jones (Montgomery)-I have only to say that I take no offense at the criticism and I am sorry If my friend from Dallas thought I displayed any heat. There is no man on the floor for whose good opinion I have greater regard.
 MT. O'Neal Nauderdale)-No gentle man who has advocated a reconsidera- ton of this Section, has contended that the effect of the Section as already adopted, is not to increase the inde- pendence of the Legislative Depart ment in this State. It has been ar gued that this is a novel proposition. l deny that statement. It has prece- dent in some of the greatest States in the Union. The great imperial State of New York has a provision in it's Con- stitution. more far reaching in effect than the one proposed by the Commit tee on Executive Department. l viii read that provision to the Convention. Section of the Constitution of New York provides as follows: No mem- Der of the Legislature shall receive any civil appointment within this State, or to the Senate of the United States, from the Governor, the Cover nor and Senate, or from the Legisla- ture, or from any City Government during the time for which he shall have been elected; and all such ap- pointments. and all votes gwen for any such member for any such office or ap- pointment shall be void"
 MT. PCStus-I would like to ask the gentleman from Lauderdale a question
 Mir. O'Neal--Certainly.
 Mir. Pettus-For information. Do You know how much the Representa- tive in the General Assembly of the State of New York are paid for their service as such officers?
 MT. ONeal-I think about $1,5O0 a year. The same provision, MT. Pres ldent, can be found in the Constitu- tions of California, Georgia Missouri Montana, Nebraska and Pennsylvania. The gentleman from Limestone, who advocates a reconsideration, contends that under the present system we do not secure the election of the ablest and best men in the State to the Leg islative Department of the Government NJ. President, we are bound to recog- nize the fact that the eg.s.ature is largely composed of ambitious young men who are seeking a political pre- ferment and political promotion at the hands of the Executive of the State Remove this temptation, and the re- suit will be that you will elevate the tone of the Legislative Department and increase it's independence.
 The paramc unt purpose of this Con- vention is to purify and elevate the