Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-10-07
WAR DETRACIING FROM INTEREST
 IN CONVENTION
Constitutional Convention to Convene Six Weeks
 From Tomorrow.
(By Clio Harper.)

tional convention of 1917 is rapidly approaching. Six weeks from tonor- row noon it will be called to order ir the hall of the house of represent atives by Secretary ot State T. J. Terral.
 But there is no preliminary discus l sion about it's work. The newspapers are not indulging in any consideration of the things it should and should not | do. The delegates are withholding l their views for expression in the con- vention itself, rather than discussing their views with the people. And the peo pie appear to be apathetic or at least indifferent.
 Under normal conditions, when Texas lynching was given as big head | lines as the destruction of German division, all public forums would have been over-run with suggestions, and debates, ana propaganda for the ap preaching convention. But now it ap pears that Weightler matters are en- gazing the public attention. The war and it's effect upon the future, and it's immediate effect upon the people, are of the most vital interest, and yet the making of a constitution by which the state shall be governed for gener- ations-the present one has been in active use for 43 years--is surely matter of equal importance to the peo- pie of Arkansas.
 There are many things to consider, and discussion may come when the convention actually gets down to work. The agitation of last summer for the postponing of the convention did not make much progress, and now very little is heard on the subject. There was undoubtedly some setniment-and is yet-for postponement, but it is not by any means general. The pre- valent opinion appears to be that this is just as opportune time for the writing of a constitution as next May or next August, and that nothing would be gained by delay. With the exception of few who are committed Ito a policy of delay, the delegates are coming with the intention of entering lupon the task for which they have been chosen with a determination to do their utmost to write an instrument that will be a model and that will en- able the state to make greater strides in the things worth while.
 Few Faddists Among Delegates.
 A survey of the personnel of the convention convinces an observer that the fads and i1nracticable fancies of idealists and radicals will have very little standing among the members The new constitution must not be made a patchwork of freak legislation neither must it contain revolutionary provisions, or it will not be ratified Il,,- 4Lo ,,oo,1o Tho OE1o horoo oopcti tition is an illustration-it too ex- tremely socialistic to be strong and forceful document upon which ma terial, permanent growth may be bas ed.
 There are two propositions that are certain to attract great deal of at tention, and that will doubtless be the subject of bitter forensic debates. These are equal suffrage and prohi- bition. That both will be written into the constitution is almost certainty. Partial suffrage for women has been practically applied in Arkansas and the women will have their first op- portunity to exercise the cherished prerogative in the ensuing municipal primaries. But even this partial suf- frage has thoroughly established the principle, and it is not probable that | the convention will take a backward Istep in the face of the inevitable. Suf- Ifrage for all citizens, men and women, lis essential to the perpeuity of our free institutions and the making of Ithe world safe for democracy.
 Another certainty is that there will be written into the constitution that (which has been attained by statute the statewide prohibition of the sale !of intoxicants. This, too. has been so thoroughly demonstrated as an eco homie necessity, to say nothing of its moral aspects, that the supporters of the whiskey regime are being rap idly out-distanced. The people do not wantliquor traffic brought back into thestate. There will be small and noisy element insisting that the con- vention shall not adopt a statewide prohibition plank, but it requires no prophet to foresee that they can not expect to win their contention. The business interests of the state have joined with the church workers in de manding the clinching of their hard won victory.
 1 Then there is the taxation problem, the revenue question for state and municipality, the encouragement of capital, and many other things enough to keep them busy and to call out their best.