Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-01-27
The Constitutional Commission.

Yesterday, the Constitutional Commission was
engaged for the most part on the question OF ap-
portioning representatives to the legislature. The
question was ably canvassed and considered IRON
every point of view.
The first question came up on the number
which should compose the House. After discus
SION it was voted to 3 TO retain the present num-
Der, lJl.
The next question considered was in relation 10
retaining the present system OF county lines, and
as the result an order adopted, to l., to the
effect that representation shall first be made by
counties, as now provided in the constitution"
The next topic considered was the distribution
Of representatives within county lines, and the
discussion turned TO some extent upon the inc
quality of representation between cities and GER
| tain class of towns. As embodying the sense OF
the commission on this point, the following resolve
was adopted by a vote OF to =:
Resolved That that part of sec. ,, art. 1,
which provides for ratio of loo and an in
creasing ratio and limiting the number OF repre-
sentatives to seven, ought TO be changed.
As further step in this direction, the following
resolve was passed, by vote Of to /:
Resolved, That the counties be divided into
single representative districts, far it can be
done without dividing towns or any ward Of city.
The above resolves, with several other pape.-
| referring to the subject were referred 10 com,
mittee composed of Messrs. Talbot, Gilbert and
IIaines, to draft constitutional provision in &C
cordance herewith.
Mr.. Libby laid on the table a resolve declaring
that it is necessary to amend the constitution by
| incorporating therein propositions 10 the follow
| ing effect
| First That the Legislature shall have power
| to alter, amend or annul any charter of any cor
poration existing and revokable at the adoption
OF this article and all created hereafter, when the
same is injurious to the citizens Of the State, III
such ma nner as TO cause no in justcc TO the cor
poration
| Second That existing charters or grams un
| der which no organization has been made or bust
ness done, shall be subject to the same provision
| Third: That the exercise of eminent domain
shall never be ccnstreued to prevent the Legsla
ture from taking the property and franchises o
Incorporated companies and subjecting them Il
public use.
Fourth No corporation existing at the time o
| the adoption of this aitcle shall have the bench
| of any future legislation, except on condition o
the acceptance Of the provisions Of the constitu
| ton.
| Fifth The power to tax corporations and cor
porate property shall not be surrendered or sus
pended by any contract grant to which thu
| State shall be party
Sixth: A declaration that all railroads, canals
etc. are common carriers also that railroad
shall connect and transport each others passengers
ETC., without discrimination.
| A resolve looking to the comforting ofcondition
| al power Of pardon upon the Governor, was re
ferred to Messrs. Gilbert, Robins and Madigai
| for draft.
A resolve looking to the abolition of the Execu
tive Council was under discussion when the Com
| mission adjourned at $40.