Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1872-11-27
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
The fundamental law--the Coustitu-
tion-is the most important instrument
that a State or nation can have for iis
government, if it be founded on correct
principles. The present business inter
es,s and just requirements of society in
general. in Pennsylvania. demand that
our Fundamental law be made to conform
to the spirit of civilization. higher. than
that enjoyed by those who paved the
way for the present prosperous and com
Portable condition thst we all enjoy.
With these requirements in view
Constitutional. Convention has been called
by vote Of the people Of this State
| xnd has entered upon the discharge oi
it's duties. 1t met several weeks ago. AZ
the reader we'll knows, at Harrisburg
Up b last week the time wss necessarily
consumed by that body in organizing
| Then, however, it reached a point in it,
proceedings when it became proper to
receive resolutions from members relative
to amendments 70 de Constitution. From
,heee resolutl0ns the Constitution in EN-
bryo will be constructed. We submit to
the reader . synopsis Of the resolu'ions
offered and ask that they be carefully
read. We are indebted to the Philadel
phia Inquirer and Pres and Pittsburg
Gazette for the concise statement OF the
resolutions, which we here present:
The Governor shall hold Office four
wears, and then be ineligible to re elec'
lien until after the expiration Of four
years;
One inquiring into the expediency OF
making the Governors term four years,
and no person to bold more than one
term in eight years;
One inquiring into the expedirncy Of
having judges appointed by the Govern
or, with the sesent of the Senate. and to
provide the method of retiring aged
judges
That all special exemptions from tax.
alton be prohibited
That the term Of representatives be
extended tn two years and Senators to
four years, with one regular session every
two years
That the suasaee be extended to all
adults without regard to sex;
Thst all electors shall reside in the
election district ninety days, and have
paid State or county tax within one year
which shall have been assessed within
sixty days before voting;
One prohibiting the Legislature from
passing local or special laws on the fol
lowing .utjects Reg ulating Of munic
ipal affairs granting Of divorces lay
ing out. opening. or changing of streets.
roads or alleys; changing the names Of
persons or places regulating the Prac-
lice in courts changing venue incor
porating cities, towns. Villages. or award
ing or amending their charters /; regulat
ing eli. c,io". borough or township offices
the Jurisdiction Of Justices Of
the peace. aldermen and constables
regulating the management Of common
schools fixing the rate of interest al
ecting the sale of real estate of minors
and persons under disability; relating to
and incorporating ferries aud bridges !;
creating, increasing or decreasing the
ties of public officers during their term !;
granting of any special or exclusive priv
iIese. granting of any power in any case
within the province Of the courts /;
That the Judges of the Supreme Court
be increased, and the State divided into
districts to which they shall be asrign
I'd
That all appropriations for denomina-
tional or sec,arian purposes or schools be
prohibited. This was presented in sew
eral forms, covering every possible phase
Of the question
That the offices of Aldermen and Jus.
tices OF the Peace be abolished, and min
or courts substituted with judges learned
in law
That all public officers shall be paid
salaries. and all fees be paid into the
treasury
That the power Of the Executive to
grant pardens be limited
That no law be passed limiting amount
Of damages to be recovered
That there shall be no appropriations
for charitable or educational purposes;
That no Judge shsfi deliver any but
written charge to a jury. copy OF which
shall be filed with the records;
One inquiring into the expedicncy Of
establishing court Of pardons
One requiring those who vote under
naturalization papers to hold them six
months p,ior to election;
One prohibiting any Legislative. execu
tive or judicial officer from accepting
pass or gratuity from any railroad.
One 10 compel every voter under GER
tain penalties to exercise the right Of