Democratic banner., 1850-05-27
Constitution and bylaws
ref . OF TBEnt
McPIKE AND STROTHER TRAIN,
ta., .iia,F FOR C.ALIFORNI.A. ~ 10 r..

us OF St. LouiS. was maze chairman, ana LII. j
L. Taylor, Of Palmyra, Secretary The Presi
dent submitted a few happy and pertinent re-
marks, after which the Committee, Messrs.
Chiids, and Gordon, DR.. Taylor and Bartlett,
through the chairman. DR.. Taylor, offered a con-
stitution and by-laws, who accompanied its m
PRODUCTION with these words: !" ~ Ho''
"Friends:-For by that appelkiian we
recognize all present We propose on this
occasion, as you have heard from the speech
of the chairman, to organize our company,
and to effect the desired end, we shall offer
for your consideration system ofrules
which are subject to rejection, amendments
or adoption, as we may determine upon,
when we have passed an interchange Of
opinions. We meet as strangers, though |
feel as friends, with love and fidelity ia each
hear, that will continue steadfast amidtrials
and difficulties-6e ii so-then in our delib-
erations the shining virtue of forbea.ance
and kindness will be apparent. We should
be slow in misapprehending one another,
and in all probability confusion and diseord
will be unknown TO our journey. The SUD-
shine of peace and good feeling among us
will cause many an obstacle to be uiob-
served, and cause laborious journey to be
lightened through the smiles of concord and
We hope there will be no diff
dence in the expression Of opinions Upon
this or any other occasion. tits the life
spring Of liberty and all gaod government
the analysing principle that fsrits ott er-
ror and establishes truth. We should act
understsndingly in reference to our system
Of government, weigh well the matters to
be presented, and once we have agreed up
on plan, let us pledge fidelity to its sup
port. regarding the enforcement Of ourisws
as being absolutely requisite to a safe, hap
py and quick Journey ..'1'- .'.' '.I.'"
The constitution and by;lass nppA be-
ing read we've unanimously adopted 3.
B. Ellis, M. D., of St. Louis, was chosen
Captain; J. Priest, of Marion co., Iisuten-
ant; R. L. Ward, Of Indiana, Commissary.
The meeting then adjourned.
Rhereas, we have before us an arduou, and
difficult journey through an uncivilized land,
where we are continually liable to depredafons;
it becomes highly necessary for our safety that
we should organize the train Of McPik. and
to be governed strictly by such avs,
as the company may think expedient and proper
to adOpt-AsD WHEREAS, no ASSOCIATION Of indi-
viduals, without laws can exist In harmon, we
deem it our duty to enact rules for our rsgula-
lions and to append such punishment. TO eaih Of
fence as the company may view important
THEREFORE We, the passengers in said .rin. IN
order to make safe and speedy our passageto the
"Gold Diggings," do ordain and sstablih the
following Constitution and BY Lawsfcr our mu.
tual government: -fq 4-' .-a. snar 81
si- ,g5 ARTICLE /. -i..zE q
Sec. /. This train shall be governed BY one
Captain, one Lieutenant. and one CommiIsary, ,
each Of whom shall be elected through ballot by
the mojority Of passengers and teamsters, who
shall hold their Offices during the trip, unless re-
moved by vote Of two-thirds. '"'
r'aa7 H. ARr,e,. II hEa aa.' '.''9z
Sec. ]. The Captains duty is and he shall
have power to direct the route Of the train to
provide for and determine the different encamp-
nentS, to appoint the time of departure, to sp-
point the guard, to order the arrangement of the
sentinels, to inspect the arms and accoutrenents
Of the train, to assist the night guard. to sup-l
press all disorderly conduct or disturbance and
70 have such other powers and attend to such
other duties as may belong to his Office. 81,
Co. q Tha I 1,,t,,s anJ h. II, n