Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-06
nn11Nr1T, or OTNsOns.

COUNCIL OF CBNsORS.
The Constitutional Vermont is probably older
than that of any other State in the Union, hov-
ing been adopted March 10Th, l77s. The pco-
pie who made it did their work strong and
thoroughly. They put it out OF the power of
the people who came after them or of the Legs.
lature to interfere directly with it provisions.-
They provided for scptcrnol examination of
the acts Of every department of the govern
mont, to inquire if the Constitution has been
observed in every part and received no detri-
ment, and incidentally for the amendment of
any article when an absolute necessity therefor
shall be apparent to this scptennial committee,
called Council of Censors. The article of the
Constitution 0he 43d, or lasD providing all
Til is as follows:
SEB. 49, In order that the freedom Of this
commonwealth may lie preserved inviolate for
ever there shall be chosen by ballot, by tie
freemcn Of this state on the last Wednesday in
March, in the year one thousand seven hundred
and ninety -nirc and on the. last Wednesday in
March in every seven years thereafter, thirteen
persons who shall be chosen in the same man.
ner the council is chosen, except they shall not
be out Of the council or general assembly, to be
called the council Of cCHSOrS who shall meet to-
gethcr on the first Wednesday Of June next
ensuing their election, the majority of whom
shall be quorum in every case, except as to
calling a convention, in which two thirds of the
whole number elected shall agree and whose
duty it shall be to inquire whether the consti-
tuition has been preserved inviolate in every
part during the last septenary, Gncluding the
wear of their serv ce) and whether the legis-
lative and executive branches of government
have performed their duty as guardians of the
people, or assumed to themselves, or exercised
other or greater powers than they are entitled
to by the constitution. They are also to inquire
whether the public taxes have been Justly laid
and collected in all parts oil the commonwealth
in what manner the public moneys have been
disposed of and whether the laws have been
duly executed. For these purposes they shall
have power to send for persons papers and
records they shall have authority to pass
public censurcs, to order impcachments, and to
recommend to the legislature the repeating such
laws as shall appear to them to have been
passed contrary to the principles of the con-
stitution: these powers they shall continue to
have for and during the space Of one year from
the day Of their election, and no longer. The
said council of censors shall also have power to
call convention, to meet within two wears
after their sitting il there appears to them an
absolute necessity of omending any article of
this constitution which may be defective, ex-
planning such as may be thought not clearly
expressed, and of adding such as are necessary,
for the preservation Of the rights and happiness
of the people. But the articles to be amended,
and the amendments proposed, and such arti-
ces are proposed to be added or abolished,
shall be promulgated at least six months before
the day apl onted for the election of such con-
vention, for the previous consideration Of the
people, that they may have an opportunity of
instructing their delegates on the subject
In accordance with the provisions Ct the
above article the tenth Council of Ceasors is to
be elected on tie last Wednesday of March
next. The election is to he made, Of course
upon general ticket.
In matter Of so much importance, and to
secure the services of men of the requisite
ability and experience, it strikes us as highly
desirable that the nominations of Councillors
should not be left to newspapers and commit
tees, but that the people themselves shall meet
in convention and se.ect the most suitable and
proper men for the place As this is not par
tizan question it would be eminen1y fit that
convention be called without distinction of
party, so that all the people in the state may be
therein represented
We care not how nor by whom this State
convention be called, provided that the call is
made in season and is broad and effective If
no more feasible way presents itself we would
suggest that the State Committees of the
various political parties in the State unite upon
cali, provided they can make the necessary
consultation and agreement in season. Other
wise, the State Committee appointed by the
State convention that nominated our present
State officers can make the call. There need be
no reasonable objection TO this if the call itself is
sufficiently broad TO include men of all parties.
1t is now but eight weeks TO the day of cleo
ton, therefore whatever is done must be done
quickly.
1t is generally conceded that the Constitution
can be amended to the advantage of the people
in several important particulars. OF these we
propose to speak hereafter. Our present pur-
pose is to open the door for the nomination of
a suitable ticket in such manner as will COM
mand the confidence of the people generally,
and thus avoid the mistakes made at the last
septennial election