Year: 1874

COmROSE THE CONSTITUTIONAL II


CONVENTION


It is now generally conceded that the
Legislature will, at an early day during the
next session, call constitutional conven-
tion. The Democratic platform, adopted
by a very large and intelligent body Of del
egates of the State; the various Congress
sional conventions, and the press of the
State of Texas, all, with unanimity never
surpassed, demand a constitutional conven-
tion.


1t is, therefore, fixed fact that such a
convention will be called, and that the dele
gates will meet early in the spring to PIE
pare the organic law of the State. In a
matter Of SO much Importance, of such vast
influence for veal or woe, for prosperity or
decay, it is essential, nay, paramount, that
all classes, professions and occupations
should be represented. 1t will not do
to take a narrow view of the impor-
tance of such a body, or to restrict
within narrow bounds the sources from
which emanate information as to the
provisions which should be Incorporated in
the Constitution. There should be a full
and free representation of the people Of
the whole State. While it is true that but
few men are required to draw up and
present to the convention the several pro
visions, ready for the action of the dele
gates, yet 1t is absolutely necessary that
every section of the State should be heard,
and their wants and demands respected.
Many important and essential provisions,
without full delegation, would be over
looked until too late to remedy the evil.


While we advocate economy in disburse-
ments, we take the position that it will be
less expensive to the State in the end to pay
a few more thousand dollars for a large and
full delegation than to have but few in the
convention who might not, and perhaps
could not, think of every provision which
should be incorporated in the organic law.


1t is true that the Constitution should
not be digest Of all the laws needed in
the administration of the government
of the State; but 1t should contain every
provision that may be essential in giving, to
future Legislatures, authority to pass laws
for the protection and encouragement of all
interests and occupations. AS the funda-
mental law, it should be comprehensive,
yet concise. Now we contend that in order
to make no omissions, there should not be
less than ninety nor more than one hundred
and twenty delegates. There are thirty
representative districts Three from each
would make ninety. But there are some
counties which never have representative
in the Legislature, because they are attached
to districts composed of more populous
counties. Now in order that such counties
may have an equal chance for sending dele |
gates to the convention, it will be necessary
to elect ten or more from the State at
large. If then the Legislature shall fix the
TS1I-clr~4E04t--thEAa- from each district and |
vention would consist of one hundred mem I
bers at least. Such number would give
assurance that no county or section would
be neglected. But the question may we'll be |
asked, how will the nominations of those
who represent the State te made2 Let the
Democratic Executive Committee of the
State call contention at the capital and
nominate them.-~


There may be some who will object to
so much trouble in securing full and fair
of the State. They must,
however, remember that constitutional
convention viii not probably be called again
fos many years. and that in framing an in
strumenu dl'7o much importance too IN 81
care cannot be taken.


We shall be pleased to have an expression
of opinion from our contemporaries in rela-
ton to the subject. 1t should be discussed
before the meeting of the Legislature, so
as to enable the members to act advisedly
in fixing the number. AS the press is the
medium of information, we trust that all
who take lively interest in the rapid and
permanent prosperity and development of
the State will give the public the benefit Of
their views.


The adoption of good Constitution,
such an one as will give ample authority for
wholesome and wise legislation, will be of
incalculable benefit to Texas. Better not
attempt to frame a new one unless the work
shall be well and faithfully done.