The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1857-10-08
Present Denaocratic Constitution
Of Ohio.
Proposed Amendments by hs Black Repub'
HcdRS.

sive privileges, to limit the increase OF the
public debt and force its early payment, to
do away with privileged orders in the State
and compel the taxation OF Banks the same
as other property is taxed, with many other
reforms loudly demanded by the people, the
present Constitution Of the State Of Ohio was
framed by Democratic Convention elected
for that purpose and byta'Pery large vote ud-
opted by the people. Whle in the hands
of its friends this instrument has proved it
self ample for all the purposes contemplated
by its creation with but single exception
and that was the attempt TO make Banks and
other chartered monied institutions pay tax.
es upon their capital instead OF upon their
profits. or in the language C: the ConStitu.
tion ''to pay their burthen of taxation the
same 40 other property is taxed" This fail.
ore waa no fuult Of the COntiution, or OF the
laws OF the State courts; but being resisted
by Banks wos taken Up to the U. s. Supreme
Court, which Federal authority decided that
Bank ChSrter was a contract and the old
Federal doctrine of "vested rights" attach.
ed. The Supreme Court of Ohio and the
Supreme Court of rennsy yl7ania in full bench
have decided unanimously in favor Of the
Democratic idea that Bank Charter is not
a contract according to the constitutional
meaning of that term, and a large minority
and the ablest portion Of the United States
Supreme Court coincided with these State
Courts; but being law abiding party we
submit to this majority ruling Of that high
court with the best possible grace we can,
hoping that time, which is ever the triumph
ant test of the Democratic principles, will
clear out this fossilIuted idea from the Fed.
eral Judiciary. Uuder the old Constitution
the Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Co. was
createdwith powers omnipotent and char.
er perpetual. Under this doctrine of:'vested
rights" no future Legislature could ever re-
peal or even amend its charter. Although
adopted to. and granted by past generation
whatever change might take place in the
progressive mutations of time, this perpet.
, ual charter must remain the same until the
Arch Angel with one foot upon the sea, the
other upon the land shall declare that "time
shall be no rnore!" Numerous turnpike
charters were also perpetual, granting right
4 of way forever and the privileges of col.
, lecting tolls till Gabrial should blow his
trumpet. In all respects but this, the pre-
sent Constitution Of the State has answer
ed every purpose for which it was created
q and no amendments can reach the difficulty
r. hereof complained. A Black Republican
Legislature, after two sessions under on,
i. election have undertaken to show a superio
e wisdom in reforming our fundamental law
+, and for this purpose submit five proposition
e. as amendments to the people.
a The first is to change biennial to annua
in sessions, needless change as experienc
!, has proved, fer whenever it is necessary
i have annual oessiohs It can'be accomplishe
r. by adjournment just as well.
.. The secoLd, is in relation; to the Distri
St Courts, which Chief Justice BARLEY inform
he US can all be remedied by Legislation will
n, out any change in the Constitution.
as The third, is studied attempt tc smugg
,r, ia clause apparently to egualize taxatic
ic but really to give the Banks all the lee W;
nd they ask and allow them to swear off the
IS, taxes upon the people. Here is the "cla,O
III. alluded to: 49,
er. Gall property, personal and real, shall
ed subject to taxation bya uniform rule, at t
true value thereof, in money. but such d
duction from credits may be allowed as Il
General Assembly may deem erpe1ient."
er. A Fusion Legislature made up Of bankt
and brokers. "may deem it expedient" to
duet the entire circulation of Bank as bi
payable, and deposits too, which nine cas
in ten would leave nothing on which to
,, taxed. The present Constitution gives
Legislature no such discretionary power
/, The fourth is as follows: "Corporatit
Of every description shall be created; ,
corporoted powers granted oily by gene
attic laws which shall define the powers, pri
eges and immunities and prescibe the du
and liabilities Of euch class or description
corporations, but the General Assembly
enact special lasoS for the relief of corpo
can tions in peculiar. cases, and mag make spe
ally provisions in regard to the corporations
heir cases where from their peculiar lo.ation
held interest such special provisions are r;qU
I-l0 and may from time to time alter or repea
hool such laws, as are authorized by this
Gin, ton"
s-lo Here are powers granted in the last
OBJ Of this proposed amendment which an
the all the restrictions heretofore made.
evied makes the tegislatsreI ompimopent as
that the case Under the old Constitution. TT
the last two PROPOSITIONS above are the gis
9 the the whole.changes proposed to be made,
looks they, if adopted, would put the people
III as into the hands Of chartered monop poles
y the which they have for years been trying t.
80 tricate themselves. 1T
hear The fifth and last, refers to the 81
clans District system. 1t proposes to unite {
stick ties and to diuide counties to make 81
n the Districts. There are some reasons in
chase Of such system, but the danger apprt
tie. ded by the Convention when this subject
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