The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-07-24
THE CONSTITUTION READY.
WILL BE CONSIDERED THIS WEEK.
North Dakota's Laws "a n state Prepared
and Awaiting the sanction of the
Convention Now In Scssion-Com-
piled BY Able Lawyers.

BISMARCK. OAK. July 21.-The constitu
tional convention has been given genuine
surprise by the presentation of a complete
sttution. which will be considered during the
present week. This constitution is said to have
been prepared with great care and after
consultation with some of the ablest constitu-
tional lawyers in the Union. In many respects
it is identical with articles already introduced
in the convention. III is a compilation Of the
best provisions of the constitutions OF the
different states and the United States fitted TO
North Dakota.
With regard 10 taxation, II has no specific
provisions embodying in it the Wisconsin con-
stitutonal provision on this subject. which
provides that the rule of taxation shall be uni
form upon property made subject TO taxation
by the legislature, leaving the power of regu-
lating the method of taxation with the legisla-
ture. 1t also provides that the property of
non-residents shall not be taxed at a higher
rate than that OF residents; gives the legisla-
ture the power to fix the passenger and
freight rates on railroads and transpor-
tation companies the rates to be reasonable
and the courts to decide what are reasonable
rates; il prohibits the loaning of the credit of
the state to any association or corporation;
vests the judicial power in a court of impeach-
ment consisting OF the senate, a supreme court,
district court county courts and justices OF the
peace-thus providing for the establishment Of
county courts; limits the number of judges OF
the supreme court TO three, which may be in.
creased after five years. IL provides against
female suffrage.
The house OF representatives shall consist of
not less than seventy-fve nor more than i2O
members, and the senate not less than one
third flnn half of tln eiLo Of
of the house. Each organized county shall be
entitled 20 nc least one member of the house.
The senators are divided into two olasses-one
to be elected for two years, and the other for
four II provides for biennial sessions of the
the Legislature, not exceeding ninety days, to
convene on the first Tuesday in January after
the election. Two.thirds Of the members elect
may override the veto power; the governor
shall either approve or return bill within live
days from the time Of its delivery 90 him. and
shall have ten days after adjournment within
which 20 approve or reject. IN case OF objec-
ton, he shall file the same with the secretary
OF state within the time specified.
IL is against minority representation, provid-
ing for elections BY plurality vote. IL gives
the legislature full power 10 regulate liquor
licenses Any coal lands which the state may
acquire In the congressional grant shall never
be sold but may be leased. The school fund
shall be invested in L. :. bonds, bonds Of the
state or first mortgage securities OF the state at
HnA UlOIt tilAH Hhll Alb NtAuN VI Ait ihhhs
The school fund shall be considered trust
fund the interest TO be used for the school, and
in case of loss OF any any part of the prin cpal,
the state must make il good
IL prohibits the passage of special laws. The
property OF the wife before marriage and what
she may acquire during marriage shall be ex.
empt from execution claims against the hus-
band. 1t directs the Legislature to pass liberal
homestead laws; prohibits foreign corporations
from transacting business in the state until they
appoint an agent in the state who shall be
subject TO process by law; provides that
no foreigner shall vote until two years
after he has declared his intention 10 become a
citizen, and that the reading of the declaration
of independence with facility shall be con-
sidered test of the qualification OF a voter.
No act of the legislature shall take effect with
in sixty days after adjournment unless
specially provided in the preamble or body Of
the act
This constitution will furnish an abundance
OF material for discussion, and those who have
read it predict that it will be adopted with
very few changes.