Evening star., 1934-01-21
MOVE TO REFORM
CONSTITUTION OF
| TENNESSEE GROWS
Gov. McAIisters Platform
May Embody Revision of
1870 Document.
BY THOMAS FAUNTLERoY.

Il.
Special Dispatch to The Star
MEMPHIS, Tenn, January 20.-Gov.
McAlister's announcement last week
that Tennessee should have a constitu-
tional convention TO rewrite the States
organic law has not only increased the
Governors popularity with the business
interests Of the State, but apparently it
has given the State administration
strong campaign plank. 1t is sure to be
one Of the major administration points
in the primaries this Summer and the
general election this Fall
The present constitution was written
in 1870. At the time the prime objec-
tive was the assembling of a set of laws
that would at once satisfy the victorious
element in Congress Just emerging from
reconstruction success, and reserve to the
people Of conquered State some of
their rights and privileges. Aside from
this the document was largely reiter-
alton of the constitution Of 1884 and
that, in turn, of the constitution of
1895.
The 1870 constitution worked well for
more than 40 years. Along in the COS
movements began to amend it, For
the next 20 years the revisionistS
contended themselves with proposing
amendments None ever was adopted.
Then, as a bold step, Straightout con-
ventions were suggested and put up to
the people. Though the subject has been
voted on at least four times within the
last IS years, 1t has never won the ap-
proval Of the people.
Justices Opposed.
With the modern tendency 10 consoli-
date counties and abolish Offices. the
convention movement has had to COM
whom are more persistent in their op-
position than justices Of the peace.
Since each civil district and each in
corporated town is entitled to justices,
there are some counties which have
from 40 to so justices. Banded together,
they exercise a sharp influence in the
elections. The convention movements
have consistently carried the cities, but
have lost in the country. particularly
in East Tennessee, where the Republic
ans have professed suspicion OF new
document to be written by Democrats.
Heretofore, the constitution move
ments have been pushed by members Of
the bar in the various sections. II has
never ILdQ dS lIS Champion q
candidate for Governor who seems like
ly to make it a part of his program.
Gov Peay in 1922 abandoned the idea
in favor of a reorganization plan which
was accomplished by legislative action.
The result is that most of the State Of
fcers are appointed by the Governor
and are responsible to him. The Secre-
tary Of State, the treasurer and the
comptroller are elected by the Leglsla-
ture, and the attorney general Is ap-
pointed by the Supreme Court. Thus,
Tennessee has short ballot.
The main points in favor OF q new
constitution center around tax pro-
visions. The old constitution prevents
the Legislature from assessing any
species of property differently from
other property. The result is that some
industries and businesses find the tax
laws burdensome and chamber Of COM
merce secretaries find that good deal
of business is driven from the State.
The coming of the Muscle Shoals de-
velopment with cheap power is likely
to attract industry. and the State Is
anxious to offer worthwhile induce
mentS.
Friends of a new constitution viii
make an effort to have both parties in
dorse the plan in the general elections.
They contend that it is not a party
matter. and that with proper safeguards
in representation there will be no oc-
casion for any party or group TO be
| singled out.