, 1889-10-01
1T is FINISHED.
The Constitutional Convention Fin.
ishes Its Labors.
A Couple of Changes Made on the
Final Reading.
The Session Ends in Pleasant Ex.
pressions of Friendship.
SIGNING.

LII Tue RttuefiuR Rioom VI a RioIiOun
September evening. with a gorgeous sun
set of strange and thrilling beauty visible
from the large windows of the magnifi-
cent capitol building. thirty-five mem
bers of the constitutional convention
signed the instrument which they have
framed during the four weeks Just past.
There was scarcely any ceremony about
the final work of the body and while the
exuberant spirits of some OF the younger
members found vent in sallies of wit,
there was still something impressive
about the act, and a hush fell over the
throng about the presiding officers desk
when the members one by one affixed
their signatures to the document which
will in a great measure control the des-
tiny Of what is certain to become a leader
in the sisterhood Of states, a brilliant star
in the armament of the republic, an oc-
cupant of a place in the front rank in the
onward march of advancement.
To some perhaps came the thought
that an instrument similar in import, but
formulated under far different circum-
stances, had beer signed by the first
Americans-men who pledged their lives,
property and most sacred honor to the
enforcement of the sentiments expressed.
There was no necessity for this, but each
signer has declared that he will spare no
effort to accomplish the objects of the
convention-statehood for Wyoming, wise
and liberal laws for her people and econc-
my in government.
President Brown was the first signer.
His signature is in the bold hand which
indicates the man oil force. Each letter is
perfectly formed. Secretary Jeffrey came
next. He is a splendid penman. Then
came Ex-Governor Baxter in whose sigma
ture one can read character. The others
followed in alphabetical order, President
Brown calling each member forward.
THE y READING.
All of the forenoon and a greater por-
ton OF the afternoon was spent in read
ing the completed constitution section by
section and voting on articles entire. There
was little argument. Changes we're made
as indicated here.
sUBTRAcTING AN OFFICER.
On Mr.. Hopkins motion the Office OF
inspector of coal mines will be temporarily
dispensed with in the new state and the
geologist will perform his duties. Mr..
Russell protested and Mr.. Coffeen OBJ
jected while Mr.. Palmer and Mr.. Nor
gan CANT to tho rescue of Mr.. Hopkins
in urging the economic measure. The
change is in the form OF a concession to
the element insisting upon an immediate
tonnage.royalty on the coal output. The
inspector is now required to visit each
coal mine in the territory every quarter.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
There was no debate on the educational
qualification in the suffrage chapter but
these gentlemen voted no on this account:
Messrs. Clark, Wagner, Irvine. Preston,
Riner and Russell.
LEGISLATURES FIRST SESSION.
The length of the first legislative session
was, on final reading of the constitution
reduced from ninety to sixty dayss
A PRESENT FOR MR.. BROWN,
When the reading of the constitution
had been concluded Judge Conway took
the floor and requesting the privilege to
address the convention a few minutes said
that it was his lot to perform a very
pleasant duty and hoped that Mr.. Burritt
would not make a point of order nor Mr..
RIner move for an adjournment. The
unanimity of action which marked the
closing hours OF this convention and the
absence Of bitter contests caused the
speaker to remark that it was pleasant
to see brethren dwell together in unity"
When debate became warm and
procedure irregular a plunge into
chaos was avoided by the pre-
sanitation of Burritt's point of OF
der. They had forgotten time and Ia.
bored with persevering industry, but Mr..
Riner's motions to adjourn had saved
them from complete exhaustion. Mr..
T~eschemacher had seen to it, as chief of
r~evisors that no details were omitted. But
the man to whom they owed more than
any other for the success Of the conven-
ton was the able president, whose courte-
sy they appreciated, whose fairness was
indubitable and whose friendship was to
be priced by any a
Mr.. Conway then handed the president
a rich Masonic emblem Of great beauty
and unique d~esign-gold and palished
gold quartz.
If President Brown previously had an
inkling of what vas tc occur he showed
no signs of it. Hot tears welled to his
big eyes, the grand voice trembled, seem
ing to encounter an obstacle. He
could only say in accepting the
beautiful token that he realized
his imperfections and sometimes
thought he had fallen short OF the ex.
pectations OF his friends as president of
the convention, but he had made honest