The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1914-08-25

yembeT election were prepared by q
committee consisting of the Lieut..
Governor OF the State and five State
Senators, the Speaker Of the House
ard eight members Of the House and
Eve other reputable men appointed
ty the Governor of the State.
Both the conservative and pro-
rressiye elements of the Democratic
oarty were we'll and ably represented
in the personnel Of this commission.
The Republican party was repre-
scented by some Of the most honorable
and patriotic leaders Of that party in
the State.
This writer had the honor to be
a member Of the commission, by ap-
continent Of the Governor, and can
testify to the fidelity and painstaking
care of the commission in an honest
endeayor to arrive at the truth.
The constitutions Of every State in
the Union were examined with care
10 gather the wisdom and avoid the
mistakes Of the law makers of those
States.
The commission sought the counsel
of many men Of we'll known reputa-
lions for wisdom and sagacity, men
who had given much thought and in
yestigation to the matters before the
commission, and all suggestions were
carefully considered.
Then the commission got down to
work and threshed out the whole mat
ter and winnowed the pure grain,
casting aside the straw and chaff.
Then in the final vote Of the men,
bers Of the commission on the vari-
Gus amendments. they were adopted
almost If not quite unanimously. SO
much for the work of the cOnstitu-
tioi.al commission.
Then the General Assembly met in
extra session and after carefully re-
viewing the report of the commission
adopted the amendments that are
now before the people for ratification.
This is a brief history Of the origin
Of the amendments which 1 hope will
form a part of u organic law after
the election in November.
Appeal to Intelligence.
Now then, 1 want to appeal to the
Intelligence and honest, unbiased
judgment of the voters and tax pay
ers Of North Carolina. Is not the
work OF the constitutional commits
sion. which was reviewed by the Gen
erai Assembly, entitled to your con-
hdence? You can not question the
intelligence of either the commission
or the General Assembly. To doubt
their wisdom. would be to cast a doubt
upon the ability Of the people to main.
tain popular self-government. Tt
dispute the honesty and integrity o.
purpose or these bodies would b<
equivalent to ar indictment agains,
the best citizenship Of North Carolina
therefore, in all fairness, if the voter.
can not have all doubt removed by
thorough personal investigation Of tn,
Ehoie matter, should not credence b,
gwen 10 the work of men who actet
with all possible light and knowledg,
10 direct them?
No Blind Following.
would not have the reader un
aerstand h a / would advocate tn
iolowering of our leaders blindly
NOT at all. / would not do it myself
livery citizen should study all pub
nc questions and as far as POSSIBLE
nniolm himself so as to arrive at al
.hteiilGent conclusion. But in mat
..ers or legislation, and especially tina
pertaining to the organic law, a lars,
per cent of our people have not tn
opportunity or the facilities for max
ing a personal investigation. A grea
ueai must be accepted, if at all, O
souI iath in the honesty and up
Ioh'hess of the men whom you hav
.noseh TO represent you. Ia Othe
"oius' TO sum up the whole matter,
s~ Siu urge every voter to inform him
81 DIS 1ar as possible on the old, o
aresent constitution, and on tn
miehdments offered. thai he may b
1ba TO give an intelligent reason &c
:. iai'h IN him." But if he has nc
h,easohable understanding of tn
hiae matter, and must be guided i
.o,e Tor or against the amend
",s oy the ounsel of others, then
VII uust your o IN representative
IL mo nave acted u~nselfshly, as bt
tho for the best interest of a
uh people. rather than follow me
VII ho are either blind themselves {
sell. would mislead the people fro1
mus nus mere let me say thai / do n,
ali TO convey the impression tn:
,ha men who oppose the adoption
from ",nendment will do so blindly
800 selfish motives. Men can not a
see ahke They may differ and vet !
tho honest. But L do believe tn:
sleat majority of those who m:
either me AMENDMENTS will do
because thov a. 1911.