The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-11-24
From the Alta Californian.
Convention in California.


Most ofthe provisions ofthe proposed con.
stitution had been acted and passed upon
in committee of the whole, and that we
suppose may be taken as fair index o1
what will, be the action of the House.
The bill of rights, as adopted in commit
tee OF the whole, embraces twenty sections
of the usual character Of such provisions
The only point upon which it was suppos-
ed controversy would arise-the ques-
ton of slavery-passed without debate
and unanimously, utterly prohibiting sla'
very. Some few were in favor of submit.
ting the matter to the people for separate
vote; but it was not contended for with
any show of strenuosity, and was voted
down almost unanimously.
The suffrage question was the source ol
considerable debate, but was finally dis.
posed ofby admitting all male citizens Of
the United States, six months resident in
California, and 2l years of age, (Indians
Africans, and the defendants of Africans
excepted y to the privileges of electors.
The Legislature is to consist of two
branches, an assembly and senate, with
such general powers, privileges, and duties
as are usually given to such bodies. Bank
ing corporations, and lotteries are prohibi-
ted, and all other corporations, except for
municipal purposes, are to be established
under general laws, the stockholders to be
individually liable for all debts. Some
considerable debate, occurred upon a
provision which allows corporations to be
formed for receiving deposites Of gold
and silver. 1t was urged that, under
such provision, an irresponsible system
of banking might grow up; but the section
was finally so amended as to answer all
objections, and in that shape passed.
The members of the assembly are to be
elected annually, and the members of the
senate are to hold their offices for two
years. One-half of the senate is to be e.
lected each year. No person can be a
member of the legislature who has not
been a resident of the State one year, in
addition to other qualifications.
The number of members of assembly is
never to be less than twenty-four nor more
than thirty-six, until the number of the in
habtants in this State shall amount to one
hundred thousand, and after that period
at such ratio that the whole number of
members of assembly shall never be less
than thirty nor more than eighty. The
senate is never to consist of less than one
half the number of the assembly.
Some division of opinion arose on
proposition made by Mr.. McCarver to pre-
vent free persons of color from settling in
California, and also to prevent slave hold
ers from bringing slaves into the State for
the purpose Of liberatng them 1t finally
passed in committee of the whole; but it
has been looked upon since as jeoparding
the ratification Of the constitution by Con-
gress, and as this feeling was gaining
ground the House probably will strike it out.
A governor, lieutenant governor, secre-
tary of State, comptroller, treasurer, attor-
ney general and surveyor general, con-
stitute the executive department. They
are all to hold their offices for two years.
The governor and lieutenant governor are
to be elected by general ballot; the secre-
tary of State is to be appointed by the
governor, by and with the advice and con-
sent of the Senate; the comptroller, and
three other State officers, are TO be elected
by the legislature in joint ballot for the first
term, and afterwards by the people at the
general State election. An effort was
made in the committee Of the whole to
strike out the office of comptroller, but it
failed. 1t will, however, be again pressed
in the House; and as the Office is totally
we trust the motion will be
successful. The governor has the usual
powers, including the veto, and the privi-
leges and duties of his Office do not vary
materially from those of all other States in
the Union. The other State officers cor.
respond in duties and powers with those
generally ascribed to them.
The article relative to the militia, as
passed in committee Of the whole, is SUBJ
stantially such as is found in other State
as is that also relative to a.
mendments.
The boundary judicial, and educational
questions were not decided upon at last
advices, but it was supposed the conven-
ton would adjourn in all the first week in
October.
PORK MARKET-The St. Louis Union,
of the 10th inst, in its commercial article,
says:-"The first purchases of any i'm.
portance in St. Louis, were made yester-
day. by Messrs. Law & Sigerson, Of about
l 200 hogs, mostly of extra fine qualify,