The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1868-07-09
CspAB BLUFFs, June 20, 1883.

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Mcssrs. Editors: In your issue of June
18th we notice a suggestion for, and
form of an amendment to the constitu-
ton of Iowa; and correspondence solic-
tied. pro and con: Worthy subject! a
That the great principles of liberty
and free government may be recognized
and perpetuated In their purity, VIZ de-
clare the people forming social COM
pact are equal in rights; and no man Or
set Of men are entitled to exclusive or
excessive pay, emolumentso or privileges;
but in consideration of public service
rendered, and it's value fairly estimated,
with service properly divided between
agriculture and the industrial arts.
All political power is in the people,
and all free governments are founded Oh
their authority and instituted for their
good and benefit; and not for individu-
ais, officers or companies; and they have
at all times are inalienable aud inde-
feasible right to alter or reform as the
majority of the people think right and
exped!ent. - "5 - = s~e =
Article ten of the constitution of Iowa
requires the people to vote on revision
in the year 1870 and every ten years
thereafter. Aud If the majority of the
people believe the government of the
in the interest ofindiyiduals, officers or
companies to tlfeir detriment, it is their
right and duty to project and enforce
such amendments to the constitution as
they deem necessary and expedient to
insure equal rights to all, by the follow
ing mode: On the Cd Tuesday of Octo-
Der, 1869 ,interrogate your candidates for
the General Assembly as to their views
and course, if elected, on the peoples
proposed amendment to the constitution;
elect only those who will vote for it in
the General Assembly; and the people
will be sure to have a chance to vote on
it themselves, and adopt it rs a part of
the constitution. We like seine of the
amendment alluded to as recently pub
lislied in your paper. Hope it will go
around and have many suggestions; and
have q mind to offer the following as an
amendment to the constitution of Iowa.
Laws shall be made by the general as
sembly to exclude from Office persons
dishonest, incapable, Incorporate Or not
frugal, viz: Those who have been or
may be convicted of larceny, bribery
perjury, forgery or other high crime or
misdemeanor-orin incapable orinef1icient.
in the office illed-or habitually intem-
perate or improvident of the peoples
money and franchises; and THAT all mon
ey appropriated from the state treasury
for local OF individual purposes shah be
by Il two-thirds vote of all the members
of the general assembly present. And
further, when the reports OF any depart
n!ent OF the general government, or of
the government of the State of Iowa
shall indicate a departure of their agents,
servants, or officers from the above re-
uuirements, five per cent. of said con-
stituent sivoting for said Officer NAV noti-
fy him to appear ut q time and place
designated before his constituents, to
satisfy them of the consistency of his
service to them, and the State; and in
default Of such explanation, or should it
prove unsatisfactory to the said constit-
uents present, i'll that case they may
vote then and there to retain or dismiss
said officer. Ii g majority should he for
retaining him, he will fill his term of
office; if not, his office becomes vacant
to be filled as provided by law. r. G.