Omaha daily bee., 1874-04-17

framing a CONSTITUTIONAL
ton bill. The next point and really
the most important one is whether
anything can be gained by conven-
ing a Constitutional Convention in
January instead Of March or April.
Assuming that the main object Of a
new constitution is to give more
equitable representation to all Sec
tons of the State by increasing
legislative representation in ratio
with our increased population
we must determine first whether
these objects will be attainable
sooner by the Journals extra fore
ing process than by the regular
way; and, second, whether the
forcing process will hasten the day
when this extra representation can
be practically used.
In order to arrive at a just
estimate, we will first review the
forced process and then the regular
one. Take it for granted then,
that the present Legislature assem-
bles i'm extra session about Novem-
Der first, that they can be harmon
lied upon the apportionment of
representatives to the Constitutional
Convention, and upon all the details
of the bill within three days.
Furthermore, let them call the
constitutional convention at the
earliest possible day, say by jan
uary 10th. Suppose, furthermore,
that the convention is harmonious
and completes its labors within fifty
DAYS, or about March 1st,. The
people must have at least sixty days
for the discussion and consideration
of the new constitution. Suppose
they vote upon and adopt it, say on
May first, with a provisO that it
shall go into immediate effect. The
people may also elect a new Legis-
lature at the time they vote
| ON constitution. Assume that
the result of the election is known
officially within thirty days.
That would enable the new Legisla-
ture to organize about July lst-,
1878. But would the people, espec-
tally the farming population, favor
a session of the Legislature, in the
midst Of harvest, unless some extra
ordinary advantage could result
therefrom? We maintain that they
would not, but on the contrary they
would for obvious reasons insist
upon postponing the session until
December, or even till January.
Now let us review the regular pro-
cess, We will assume that the people
will vote "for q constitution" in Oc-
tober, and that the legislature elected
i'm October will understand the
wishes of their respective constitu-
encies.
They assemble about January
10TH The Journal says the Sena-
torial contest will delay them, and
prevent them from acting promptly.
Now the Legislature of 1871 also
had a p~rotracted Senatorial contest.
When that had closed they we're dis.
tracted by the famous impeachment
trials, snd in spite all these obsta-
cles the Constitutional Convention
bill of 1871 was approved by tho
Governor on March 9th. Now as
sumo that the bill of 1875 is ap-
roved by April LIST, and the Conven-
ton assemblies by May 18th. Grant
them fifty days for framing the
Constitution, and sixty days more
for It's discussion and we can have a
new Constitution adopted in the
regular way by September 9Th.
The people may also elect the
new legislature and State govern
ment on the same day, contingent
upon its adoption. The new Legis-
lature could readily assemble in
December or in January, and the
result is precisely the same as If the
Journals forced process was adopted.
Now we will point out the Objec-
tionable features of the Journals
plan.
LIST. 1t involves a needless expense
for an extra session of the legisla-
ture.
I'd. 1t convenes the Constitutional
Convention and the Legislature at
the same time, and thereby prevents
members of the next Legislature
from serving i'm the Convention.
This will deprive sparsely settled
districts of the services of their most
eligible men in framing the organic
law.
Sd. 1t will cause confusion and
clog legislation. Members of the
convention will seek to exert an in
direct influence upon the Leglsla-
ture during the Senatorial contest,
and the State officers will be unable
to give both bodies the necessary
attention and information.
If the Journal or any other news
paper a controvert these points by
indisputable figures, the BEE is open
for conviction.