The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1934-08-23
The Proposed
Constitution
By
JOHN EWBANk

mission which framed the propos-
ed constitution was composed of
as fine a group of well educated
men as could we'll have been chos-
en-, neither do ! doubt the SINGER
ity of purpose on their part. On
the other hand, l do not think
their work should be accepted by
the people solely upon the basis
of the caliber and sincerity of the
men composing the commission. |
think their efforts should be ap-
preciated, but we'll studied before
accepted as the supreme law of
the state.
The commission was composed
for the most part of lawyers of
high standing, and while l fully
recognize the absolute necessity
of the legal profession being lib
orally represented in any matter
pertaining to the law making au-
thority, | am of the opinion that
great lawyers are liable to be out
of touch with the common thought
of the masses.
The spending side of the prop
osition was, as | see it, represent
ed by the department of revenue,
through Mr.. Maxwell. There was
also DR.. Clarence Poe, publisher
of two farm papers.
In reading the proposed constl-
tuition over carefully three times.
became progressively convinced
that the proposal was framed in
an atmosphere of the professional
mind on the one hand and in that
of the spending side of the gov
eminent on the other. / am con-
fident, despite the call upon the
state institutions for information
and advice, that close touch with
the people was lost through the
commission method.
In a convention the people agi-
tate the political Importance of
the work of the convention, as it
tackles the various problems, both
through the press and private and
public discussion. Then, too, the
matter is brought close home in
, the campaign to elect the dele
gates to the convention.
Under this method, the people
become politically minded as they
would in no other way. The peo-
pies mind, so to speak, is solely
directed towards the pole star of
their liberties-the constitution.
The members of the convention
represent every shade of political
thought in the state, and the
search light is turned, for this rea-
son, on every proposal suggested
for incorporation into the consti-
tuition. No snap-judgment can be
taken, and under this method the
people become part and parcel
Of the thought that solidifies,
through the delegates, into the
proposal. When it is then present.
ed to them they are virtually vot-
ing on something in which they
had hand in drafting and on
something about which they have
| DeeH ueSply HleIeSIeu.
The commission form loses all
this opportunity of getting the
people back on the job and it
lacks of the spirit of Democracy.
Also under the convention pro-
gram there is more likelihood Of
getting men of wider experience
in the everyday problems of life,
while on the other hand, there is
never a dearth of professional
men, whose services are indispen-
sable. 1t is a well balanced group.
backed by public conscience and
interest that is needed to give US
a new constitution.
The present constitution has
been thoroughly interpreted by
the courts and we at least know
the worst. Amy new instrument
would of necessity come under
this process and for years much
of 1t would not have court inter-
probation, and to that extent we
would not know where we are. 1t
is incumbent, therefore, upon the
people to know as far as they can
what manner of instrument thew
are accepting, and | presume we
all know that no instrument, how
ever framed and by whom, will
meet the objections of all. In this
instance the question is, what do
| the majority think?
I shall. in futura articlac dio-