Omaha daily bee., 1889-10-03
THE CONSTITUTIONS ADOPTED.

In all the new states the constitutions
were adopted by overwhelming MAORI
ties. 1t will be interesting to again re-
fer to the most prominent features of
the organic laws of these new common
wealths, in some of which notable de-
partures are made, though in the main
they follow on the lines laid down by
the best approved constitutions of the
older states.
In the bill of rights the constitution
of South Dakota contains all the
time-honored provisions regarding the
right of petition, freedom of wor-
ship, security OF life, liberty and prop
erty, post facto laws, supremacy of
the civil over the military power, etc.
Joined with the declaration OF the ne
cessity of frequent recurrence to
fundamental principles is the averment
that "the blessings of free government
can only be maintained by firm ad
herence to justice. moderation, temper
ance, frugahty and virtue" notable
provision is that no distinction shall
ever be made by law between resident
possession, enjoyment OF, or
descent OF property, nor does
the constitution authorize any
such discrimination against anon-resi-
dentalicn. The system of jury trial is
retained, but the legislature is author
lied to provide for fewer number of
jurors than twelve in the lower courts,
nd i,to h,y rth he of ba
jurors in civil cases. The constitu
tion is somewhat radical in dealing with
the executive, legislative and judicial
departments of the government Re-
straints aud inhibitions not found in the
older constitutions are laid on the legis-
lature, the executive and the courts.
Members of the legislature before
taking their seats must swear
that they offered no bribes for
votes and made no promises in the ma
ture of bribe to secure their election,
and further, that they will not receive
or accept, directly or indirectly, any
money, pass, or other valuable thing
| from any corporation, company or per-
son for any official act they may per-
lOliu. n ihcthDoI tClhoiuS w JdhO Uhlo
| oath will forfeit his ssat, and a member
swearing falsely shall be disqualified
| from holding e seat in the legislature
or any Office in its gift. Sessions of the
| legislature are biennial and limited to
| sixty days. Special legislation is pro-
| hibited in a large number OF cases, and
| provision is made for the punishment
| tr;t ;tnf T., 20
legislature or other public officers. The
| governor is given only very limited
| pardoning power. In cases where the
| sentence is death, imprisonment for
| over two years, or fine exceeding two
hundred dollars, the governor cannot
act except upon the recommendation of
board of pardOns consisting of the
attorney general, and the governor
must report to the legislature all par
dons granted and the reasons therefor.
The governor has the usual veto
power, which is extended TO the
disapproval of items in appropriation
bills. There are strong provisions foi
the prevention and punishm mt OF cor
rupt practices on the part OF the execu-
tive, or for any attempts on his part to
influence members of the legislature 10y
threatening them with the use of hi
official power. Regarding corporation
the right to amend charters is reserved
the power of eminent domain asserted
over corporate property, cumulative
voting secured to stockholders, ant
consolidation OF competing railroad
lines forbidden. Railroads are declaret
public highways, subject to legls
lative control, and full power is re
served to the legislature to regu
late and fix their charges. Railroa,
discrimination is prohibited absolutel
and without qualification.
A notable feature OF the North Da
kota constitution is the declaration il
the bill of rights that "the state O
North Dakota is an inseparable part o