Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1889-07-25
CREAM OF THEM ALL.
A Complete Constitution Presented to the
bismarck Convention Careful
Work Of Able Lawyers.

! BISMARCK, Oak, July 2l.-The COZ
stltutional convention has been given
surprise by the presentation Of 4 complet
constitution which is being consicrc
this week. The constitution is said t
have been prepared with great care an,
after consultation with some Of the ables
constitutional lawyers in the Union, Ii
many respects it is Identical with the ar
tlces already introduced. II is aConpla
| ton OF the best provisions OF the cor situ
tlons OF the different states and the
United States, fitted to North Dakota.
With regard to taxation it has nC
specific provisions, embodying the Wis
consIn constitutional provision on this
subject, which provides that the rate OF
taxation shall be Uniform upOn property
made subject to taxation by the legis-
lature, leaving the power OF regulating
the mode of taxation with the legislature,
1t also provides that the property Of
non-residents shall not be taxed at a
higher rate than that OF residents; gives
the legislature power to fix passenger and
freight rates on railroads and transpOrta-
ton companies, the rates to be reasonable,
and the courts to decide what are reason
able rates, prohibits the l0aning OF the
credit OF the state to any association or
corporation; vests Judicial power in q
court OF impeachment, consisting Of the
cenate, supreme court, district court,
sounty 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 increased after five years.
1t provides against female suffrage.
The house OF representatives shall con-
sist of not less than seventy-fve or nor
more than l20 members, and the senate
not less than one-third or more than one
half OF the size OF the house. Each or
ganized county shall be entitled TO at least
one member Of the house. Senator's are
divided into two classes-one to be
selected for two years and the other for
four. -
1t provides for biennial sessions OF the
legislature, not exceeding ninety DAYS.
TWo-thirds OF the members-elect may
override the veto power.
1t is against minority representation
providing for elections by plurality vote.
1t gives the legislature full power to
reSulate tne liquor license.
Any coal lands which the state NAV ac-
quire in congressional grant shall never
be sold, but may be leased.
The school fund shall be invested in
United States bonds, bonds OF the state or
first mortgage securities of the state, mt
not more than half the value of the land.
The school bond shall be considered
trust fund, the interest to he used for
schools, and in case of the loss OF any
part of the principal the state must make
it good.
1t prohibits the passage of special laws.
The property OF a wife before marriage,
and what she may acquire during mar
riage, shall be exempt from execution Oh
claims against the husband.
1t directs the legislature to pass liberal
laws; prohibits foreign cor
porations 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 to become citizen, and that
,he reading of the declaration of indepen-
lence with facility shall be considered the
,est OF the qualification of voter.
No act Of the legislature shall take effect |.
within sixty days after adjournment, I'M !
ess specially provided for in the preamble |
n body OF the act.
This constitution will furnish album
lance OF material for discussion, and those
vho have read it predict that it will be
dopted with very few changes.