Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-08-25
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTs


AT the last session of the Legislature six
proposed amendments to the Constitution oil
Vermont were considered, and acted on
favorably; and at the coming session they
will again be presented, and If adopted by
both Houses they will then be submitted to Il
popular vote.
The first of the amendments confcrs upon
the Governor the power to remit fines and
forfcts and forfcitures, and TO grant re-
pricvcs, combinations and pardons after con
vction for all oircnses, except treason and
cases of impeachment, upon such conditions
and with such restrictions and limitations as
he may think proper, subject to such regula-
,ions as may be provided by law relative TO
the manner of applying thereof; but It goes
on TO provide that Sin cases of conviction oil
murder, no pardon shall be granted, nor
sentence committed, except upon the
recommendation in writing of n board
Secretary of State and three assistant
judges of the Supreme Court appointed
by the chief judge, or any four OF such
board alters full hearing upon due public
notice and in open session, and such recon-
mcndation with the reasons thereof at length
shall be recorded and filed in the Office OF
the Secretary of State. Upon conviction OF
treason he shall have power to suspend the
execution of the sentence until the case shall
lie reported to the General Assembly, which
shall either pardon, commute or direct the
execution of the sentence or grant further
rcpricve. lie shall biennially report to the
General Assembly each case of rcpricve
Communication or pardon granted, stating the
| Of hn pt ha al
was convicted the sentence and its date, and
the date of the pardon, communication or re-
pricve.
| The second amendment prescribcs the fol-
| lowing oath to be taken by members OF the
Legislature "You, do solemnly
swear Cor affirm that you did not at the time
of your election to this body, and that you
do not now hold any office of profit or trust
under the authority of Congress, 50 help you
God COR III case of affirmation under the
pains and penalties of perjury" 1t also de.
fines the words "oillce of profit or trust under the
authority of Congress" as meaning any office
created directly or indirectly by Congress,
and for which cmolument is provided from
the treasury of the United States"
The third amendment provides for Con
situional prohibition" 1t is as follows
"The manufacture and sale of intoxicating
liquors other than cider and wine made from
the fruits of this State shall be and are hereby
forever prohibited, except for medical pur
poses; and the sale of cider and wine mad,
ms aforesaid shall be so regulated and re-
strained as TO prevent drunkenness, paupcr
ism and crime"
The fourth amendment provides that thu
Secretary of State and auditor of accounts
shall be elected by the freemcn of the STATE
upon tie same ticket with the Governor
Lieutenant. Governor and treasurer.
The fifth provides that whenever any va
cancy shall occur, from any cause, in tn,
Senate or House of Representatives. the Gov
ernor may order new election 10 I'LL sucl
vacancy; and the sixth is: "The Legislator,
shall have no power to authorize II town Il
pledge its credit or 10 create any debt in ale
of railroads.
Some of the amendments are of considcra
bic importance some are not Some are de
sirablc others are quite the reverse.