Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-08-06
A NORTH DAKOTA BREEZE.
Senator Reagan Refers to the War Debt
and a Delegate Creates a Sensation.

The North Dakota constitutional convention
at Bismarck was addressed yesterday by Sem
ators Stewart of Nevada and Reagan of Texas.
An unpleasant sensation was caused by Dele
gate johnson of Nelson City. During the re-
marks of Senators Reagan and Stewart on the
silver question they referred to the war debt
johnson rose at the close Of Reagan's speech
and proceeded to take Reagan to task by stat
ing that if he had read history right the Sem
ator from Texas was in JEFF Davis cabinet when
the war debt was being incurred. At this point
Delegate Purcell arose to inquire whether or
not johnson intended to insult Senator Reagan.
Immediately following this query Matthews
Of Crank Forks moved to adjourn, which mo-
ton prevailed by unanimous vote, and the
convention adjourned while Johnson was still
on his feet.
THE SOUTH DAKOTA CONSTITUTION SIGNED.
The South Dakota convention met at Sioux
Falls yesterday and seventy-two of the seventy
five members affixed their signatures to the
constitution. There was a reception and ban
quet last night in honor of the delegates The
work OF the convention meets with universal
approval
THE WASHINGTON CONVENTION.
In the Washington territory convention
yesterday the committee on amendments
presented report that amendments to
the constitution shall be adopted when
passed by two-thirds vote of the legis-
lature and ratified by a majority vote OF the
people. An article ceding the jurisdiction to
the United States of all military and naval
reservations was passed; also an article on pro-
hlbltion, which is to be submitted to a vote of
the people as a separate proposition. 1t for
bids the manufacture or sale of liquor except
for medicinal, scientific, or sacramental pur-
poses. The vote was 81 ayes to IL nays in favor
OF the article aa separate proposition.
The committee on revenue reported limiting
the state taxation to three mills on the dollar
and exemptlng from taxation public property
buildings for public worship, public libraries
charitable institutions, grave yards and $3.50 of
personal property to the heads of families.
The Legislative committee reported that the
lower house shall have not less than sixty three
nor more than nlnety-nine members, and the
senate from one-half to one-third that number.
The first Legislature will have thirty-five sem
atOrs and seventy members. The senators hold
once Tor four years; the members for two.
Sessions are biennial, limited to sixty DAYS.
Aliens are forbidden to hold any property
but mines, and corporations, the majority OF
whose stock is held by aliens come under the
same prescription. The legislature is forbid
den to pass special laws incorporating towns
changing county lines, RENTING fines, giving
effect to wills or other documents. Convict
labor, except on public works, is forbidden after
January, 1890. A bureau of statistics and i'm
migration is established.
The convention spent the afternoon consider
ing section Il of the article on corporations.
establishing railroad commission and de-
feated it, although power is given to the legis-
lature to create one if desired.
REQUEST TO THE PRESIDENT.
The Idaho convention is about through bust
ness. Yesterday a strong resolution was
adopted asking President Harrison to take
steps to prevent the free importation Of Mexi-
can lead. The convention decided upon the
election OF state officers after the constitution
has been accepted by Congress- The PROPOSE
tor for such an election caused warm dis
cussion.