The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-02-15

4 AshI uAHVG ~ M AA8 = Aka - 641&cs
The Montana Constitutional CouvsntIon
adjourned sine die on last Saturday evening,
after session Of just four weeks. Il adopted
constitution and memorial TO Congress,
and provided for the preparation Of an I'D.
dress TO the people Of Montana, which, with
ten thousand copies Of the constitution, will
be distributed. At the general election next
November this constitution will be submit
ted TO the electors for ratification or rejec-
ton. If rejected, that ends IL, unless at
some future time another convention shall
adopt 1t In part or entire. II ratified, then
application will be made TO Congress for i'd
mission, with It - the constitution; but IL
will doubtless be two, and II may be more,
years before Montana Is admitted. We have
not At present either the population or wealth
to warrant US In demanding Immediately the
sovereignty or assuming the responsibilities
and expenses Of State government; but in
both pre- requisites Montana Is rapidly in
creasing, and in two years more she will, we
believe, have the right II not the privilege to
be enrolled as State. 1t Is the proposition
now TO notify the Union that In another year
Montana will be twenty-one years old; that
the people have aspirations to be American
citizens In the full sense of the word that
we are anxious - soon as possible to have
Republican fern of government supersede
the present colonial system, and that we will
undertake to establish and maintain here q
State that will do It's duty TO the Union, take
care of itself, and add lustre to the National
fame. Statehood Is not attained without
effort, and II Is not always conferred when
deserved and sought until solicitation has !
been succeeded by demand. While some |
may think this present action premature,
even they will be most likely to protest
against Congressional delays before the OBJ
ject is accomplished.
As TO the Constitution, It Is q good one.
While little, II any, that 10 experimental has
been incorporated In It, 1t has neither been
prepared hastily, carelessly, nor recklessly.
Where sections were adopted from other
constitutions, their practical working was
carefully investigated; and whore new mat
ter was incorporated, 1t was after most care
full consideration and preparation, and ell
was subjected TO rigid scrutiny and four sep
arate examinations and discussions by the
convention. And this work was not indif-
ferently done. The convention had many
members of more than ordinary ability, and
every one was alert and earnest, when analy.
sir showed defects, In correcting the error or
that which was wrong. In all
the delibsrative bodies of Montana that we
have seen, and our opportunities have been
many, none have surpassed, If they equalled, =,
In intelligence, industry and integrity of
purpose that which framed the constitution.
Notwithstanding, there are features of IL |
that will challenge criticism and opposition.
Such was the case In the convention, and
'uch will be the case before the people.
Perhaps the constitution Is not entirely sat-
sfactory to any member who voted for It's
inal adoption. Some Of Its sections were
by . close vote. 1t Is doubtful =,
4 any thinking eiector Of Montana will ap.
prove Of every provision it contains, or, IL
approving, will net believe that something
las been omitted which should have had
'lace. Perhaps, and probably, the constltu-
lon of every State and Of the United States
. open TO the same objection. IL IL In Ito
ntirety and rs whole that every such doc
lment is to be considered, and the conclu-
Ion arrived at If 1t guarantees and will >,
ecure that which is the aim In our form of
overnment, ''the greatest good TO the great.
St number" We believe when, as IL was .,
nally revised and adopted, the constitution !,
{ Montana Is read and considered by the
lec.ors of Montana, and those of other .
tates or aspiring Territories, the members
{ the convention will get credit for framing :
be best constitution under which any Terri. :.
Dry has applied for admission.
II Is not our purpose In this general re- !,
lew TO discuss any particular provision. !,
there will be universal approval :.
( the work; In detail, there will likely de- !,
elop animated controversies, but we doubt
press or tongue will add much to that ),
'hich was uttered In debate while the pro. !,
isions were under consideration. =,
That there Is direct legislation in the In !,
Lrument Is true. That which may be 20 =
enominated Ii found In the constitution OF !.
very State, and Its incorporation therein in !,
reases rather than dlminishes as new consti- !,
ntions are adopted or old ones amended. =,
hat defects will be found Is certain; no a.
Hman work Is perfect. That opposition 4,
I'LL develop Is probable; we would cease to :,
rogress II we ceased to fnd fault. That :,
ne general verdict will be "Good," We have $,
o doubt; and If that Is the verdict at the :.
oils the work Of the convention will not !,
ave been In vain. u,