The age-herald., 1901-09-16
SAYING LITTLE ABOUT THE NEW
 CONSTITUTION Beginning of the Campaign May OispeI the
 Apathy TALK OF SHELLEY MEETING Many Believe 1t Was a Dsappoint- ment to It's Leaders-others Believe It Will Help Rat
 iflcation.
TALK OF SHELLEY MEETING

Comparatively little gossip Is heard concerning the new constitution. The apathy which has existed in this part of the State on this subject has not been dispelled. It is true, however, the cam paign for its ratification has not yet be- gun. To quote from MT. Dooley, "th'r campaign Is dead. there his not bin a blow giv' or took in th'r ward. Twill llven up, howivver, Hennissey."
 The little gossip that can be heard on the subject is evidently not for publica- ton. At the sight of a pencil and pad the takers shut up like clans, or sem sitive plant, only this latter simile Is perhaps a little too poetic to apply to politicians.
 One man, a prominent Democratic lead CT. in speaking yesterday of the Shelley meeting at the Morris Hotel, which was called to organize opposition to the rati- fcation of the constitution, said that he thought the meeting had been disap- pointment to those present, and that they did not meet with the encourage ment they expected.
 Meeting a Disappointment.
 "One circumstance going to show this, was the fact as stated in the Age-Her- aids account of the meeting, that they refused to give the names of those pres- ent, except" he continued" General Shelley and ex-Congressman Stallings. II the meeting had been successful and they had found sufficient sentiment in their favor throughout the State there Is no reason why those favoring this opposi- ton should not have announced them selves l know of other reasons he said, which I am not at liberty to men ton and which prove to me that the meeting was a disappointment
 Another prominent Democrat who did not care to be quoted on account of the position he holds said that In his opin- lon the meeting was called for the pur- pose of forming an organization solely. That those present knew they had no chance to win In their fight, and that all they wished to accomplish was to form an organization which they hoped to- make permanent and thus be in po- sition to command consideration at the hands of the Democracy.
 Another gentleman who Is pretty shrewd observer of events and who is on the other side of the party line, thought that the object of the Shelley movement was to combine with the Populisf5 B throughout the State with the hope of de- feating the regular Democratic organi- zation and obtaining control of State politics. This would involve of course new party either known under the name of Populist or new Democracy or some other cognomen applicable to them. Attitude of Republicans. What the attitude of the Republicans will be towards the constitution Is an- other matter of speculation. So far none of the prominent men In that party have expressed themselves. They are practi- cally laying low and are supposed to be saving wood The adoption of the con- stitution Is a Democratic matter, and the Republicans are, of course, opposed to 1t on that account but whether they will make an active and vigorous fight against it's ratificat ton Is not yet decided on. Pos sibly they may combine with the Shelley element, and if the Populists join with them IL may Inedl d Ntiy ilNciy anu CA- citing election.
 A prominent out-of-town Republican said yesterday that as far as the Repub- lican party was affected. the new consti- tuition was as bad for them as the old that they practically had no rights under either.
 "The Democrats" he said, ''callcd this convention for the purpose of providing for fair elections, but they signally failed to do this, and turned down propositions of Bob Lowe and Governor Jones. both of which would have accomplished this object. I think most of the Republicans look upon the matter as Democratic measure, and will stand off and watch the Democrats squabble among them selves"
 Pleased With Meeting. Democrat who is going to take an &C., tive part In the coming campaign ex- pressed himself yesterday as being pleased at the Shelley meeting.
 Tt will arouse interest,"" he said, ,"and I think will thereby make certain the adoption of the constitution. We would much rather have a little opposition than allow matters to drag on without interest. I believe that the people, once their in- terest is aroused and they make an intel ligent examination of the new constitu- ton, will realize that it Is superior to the old. It would be an unfortunate state oi affairs if 1t was not, considering the con. vention had the experience of other states to profit by as well the work ings of the old constitution for the last l twenty-five years"