Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1848-12-13

yened in cases OF emergency
Such feature, in our State Constitution.
would lessen the expenses Of Legisla-
ton nearly one half, and thus save the
expenses of the Convention itself, within
the first two years; and it would afford a
better opportunity to the people OF know
ing what the laws are. before they are
modified or repealed.
II is also 10 be desired that the Consttu-
ton should be so amended, as TO prohibit
the creation of any public debt. excep,
under restriction as 10 amount, and object
i Years Of prosperity may cause the severe
lesson we have been taught on this sub
iect to be forgotten. and we can not too
strongly guard against a recurrence Of
similar improvidence.
Akin to this, in principle. and policy,
would be an amendment requiring, for the
passage Of every bill granting money from
the Treasury. or public property to in
dividuals, a majority Of two-thirds, in each
house of all the members elected. In that
case a claimant would still be left in
better position for success before the Le-
gislaturc, than before jury Of his coun-
try. when unanimous verdict is requir-
ed, besides the burden Of sustaining his
claim by legal proof.
ton of the State. already referred to, and
it may be safely affirmed that a claim that
will not commend itself, to the approval Of
twothirds Of the representatives Of the
people should not be allowed.
But although an amendment of the
constitution, on these and some subordin-
ate points. is regarded as highly promo,ive
of public good, yet think no convention
for tina: purpose should be called unless
first authorized by direct vote of the
people.
Tho opinion has been expressed that by
the eighth article Of tho present cons.itu-
lion, tho people havo no right to vote up
OF this question, cxcep. in every twelfth
f year thereafter. But it seems now 10 be
generally admitted that that article j. d.
| rectory and not pcrmissve.
In framing the constitution, II was doubt
less borne in mind that tho future condi-
ton Of tho State, might require corrospon-
ding modification of TIN! instrument. But
: by securing 10 the people the privilege Of
: voting upon tho question every twelfth
, yenr, their power TO exercise that right in
D any other year tor which their representa-
;. lives should mako suitable provision, was
Il not taken away. II II was taken away,
II was competent by lcngthening the inter
val for tho vote 70 any imaginable extent,
! To virtually bind postcrity in all future
tIrno and prevent any amendment whatcv-
err.
, The present tme is believed 10 be pro-
pitous for moving in this question. We
: havc Is. loft behind uS tho excitement Of
Z national election. Ii the vote directed TO
= DO tnkcn ut tho election next August.
l should DO in favor Of n convention, :hc
Y duty would dcvolve upon tho legislature
3 IT :ho ncxt session, Chat Of lsi9-5O.) to
t provide by law, for the election Of dele
r ~atcs at tho following general clcc,lon.-
: Tho convention might be held during the
a following autumn, aud tho people would
c then havo tho opportunity Of ratifying or
e rejecting tho amendment, ut tho August
L election, in 1851. Thus tho whole Tues-
il ton would be disposed Of before tho Pres
: iden,ia election of 1872. which would not
If DO tho case, if tho initiative should not be
: taken during tho present session. II Is
: difficult to fin Il citizen who is not in ia
$ vor OF some amendments to the cons,itu-
u ton. and tho only, or ncarly tho only op.
~ position To- tho measure, IS tho fear tina,
10 others would be made moro than counter.
oi balancing tho advantages. Bat in no in
r stancc has tho constitution Of my Other
?. State, been amended, (and tho instances
&c have already boon many,) III which it i.
r not a!mos; universally regarded as an i'm
. provomcrt, and i. can hardly DO supposed
ii that Indiana would DO an exception.
4 1t is therefore respectfully rocommcn
he icd that provision DO made a, the prcscn
II session for submitting this question, to TIT
a dec ision of tho people at tho general cleo
n ton. in Angus; next. This question j
r, will be borne IN mind, was voted upon n
IN tho election Of 1916, and tho returns mad,
to tho Secretary of State showed TINT 81,
OF o2l votes were cas-, for. and ~ .4S1 vote.
"a werc cast against it, being majority o
he 5.O36 IN favor Of calling convention
s. Tho vote was small. but If it indicated any
IN thing. it was. that tho popular will favor
~ ed the measure.
Or The noxt Legislature howevcr declined
md perhaps properly so, to provide, b.
y law, for calling a convention, and mainly
i, is presumed. because the vote was ia
al from bong n full ono. being less thhn on
H. half of tina, cast for officers ut tho SAM
or election. Another reason was, tina, n
III returns whatever were made from thirteeI
u counties; my information since that tim
~ leaves q strong conviction on my mind
Is that large ma loriiv Of the people are no,
OF in favor of tho measure.
OF Tho official business Of the Quartz
iS Master General since his last annual re
$ port. has not been Of such n character !
: his opinion would require n spocia
y communication at this time. That of tn
Adiutant General is herewith submitted
OF and will doubtless receive from you III
4, requisite consideration.
al The Hospital for the Insane Is at longt
Is IN successful operation under tho charg
+ of skiltu and humane superlntcn ten
y DR.. x. J. Patterson. late Of the Lunatl
:" Hospital of The State of Ohio.
in, The cdiicc has been so far complete
Ia. as 10 furnish accommodation for about Fl
-, ~ patients. but as moro than that numbe