Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1915-08-27
NECESSITY FOR NEW ORGANIC Law, But
TINE UnPRoPInOUs.
Able Letter from Judge Edward N.
Pugh of Ascension Parish.

On August 81, 1915, the people will vot,
for or against Constitutional Convention
called under the terms of Act 80 of 1915
The delegates to this convention, yet Il
be voted on, have as matter of fac
been selected and with this knowledge D
the complexion of this convention and al
of the surrounding conditions culminat
ing in the call, the electorate are well ir
position tojudge as to to the wisdom o
holding convention. The decision O
this momentous question is non-politica
and is addressed to the conscience anC
good judgment of the individual voter.
As one of the accredited delegates tc
that convention, if held, deem it proper
and right to express publicly my views
| am opposed to making of constitu
ton under present conditions. The ne.
cessity OF new constitution is pressing
and the reasons therefore are strong and
persuasive; yet in my judgment af
ter serious thought, the present political
conditions throughout the state are such
as to render the making of constitution
at present in the best and true sense of the
word, impossible. Any instrument fran.
ed just now would be but the reflex oil
political thought and aims and necessar-
lily would be partisan to the core. Such az
instrument would be a "party constitu-
tom and not a constitution of the peo-
pie and for the people. 1t would be an
instrument converted under influence too
strong to be resisted and governed entire
ly by the same underlying causes which
have resulted i'm the constitutions OF 1870,
1893 and 1918, being considered so worth
less las none are so poor to do them rev.
erence."
A constitution is charter of our lib
tiles, the ark of our safety: it is not made
today or tomorrow, but for years to come.
10 measure up to the dignity and stand
ing OF constitution, it should be written
with greatest care, patriotism and conserv-
atism. Those framing it should be actu-
ated sorely by an honest and strong de-
sire to place on record an instrument
which of itself by wise provisions gives
full protection under the law to the entire
citizenship of this state.
We live in progressive age and the
problems to be solved by the coming con-
vention, if held, are numerous and most
Their correct solution, mean
ing so much to this state, will require the
deepest study and thought, with mind
and heart freed from political bias, and
with an eye single to the welfare of our
people. Partisanship has no place in the
making of a constitution and if conditions
are such as demonstrate that the body
polite is in state of violent unrest, and
it is battle OF political factions for SUI
premacy, then it holds to reason that this
is not the proper time to write consfi-
tuition. Political preferment, and the de-
sign OF using the convention. as a means
to and end, is not conductive to the max
ing of a true and stable constitution.
Judging from all the signs, prior to and
subsequent to the call convention, if
reid now, is to be but game Of politics,
pure and simple, test of strength be-
tween political factions, each striving for
ascendancy. 1t is inconceivable that a
framed under these condi-
ions will be safe and sane document
inder which we have to live for years to
.ome. 1t will be ut best but the wishes
md aims of the controlling and dominant
action. The time and conditions are not
'rOpitious for the undertaking of SO SER
Gus task.
But aside from this and shutting our
Eyes to patent facts, the very call of the |
has been brought by means |
md methods that at once challenge the |
Ittention of thinking and serious men. |
t isa question Of great import as to wheth-
n or not the electorate of this state will |
lace the stamp of approval on the meth
ID resulting in this call. 1t is conceded and |
matter of public notoriety, that to in
ure the passage Of Act 80 of 1915 an alli-
nee had to be made between the admin
stration forces and what is called euphe.
nistically the Organization. 1t is furth-
onceded that without this alliance Act SO
ould not have been passed. The newt
BILE conclusion from this state of affairs
J, that if the convention be held, it is by
ne grace and consent of the organization
he price asked for this gracious consent,
l am informed, was that the conven-
on be forbidden totouch upon or even
iscuss the subject of prohibition.
l do not stop to inquire as to the wis.
ON or experience of this eliminating
recess at the dictation Of political fac
on, but register my honest and solemn
rotest to the recognition in the slightest
egree of the Legislature having the pow
:, authority or jurisdiction as a condition
recedent TO tack on to the exercise of
he right by the people of having a new
'ganic law any and all limitations it
ay deem proper. This doctrine is taught
it'll the gravest consequences, and to
lopt it or in way recognize it would be
clothe the Legislature with such ire
endous power as to be menace to the ,
'erties Of the people. 1t would make the
legislature the sovereign instead of the
'ople, and vest in it power contrary to
c fundamental principles of good gov