Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-12
A NEW CONSTITUTION.
IT MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE PEo-
PIE OF KENTUCKY.

Some of the Changes in the Fundamental
Law of the State to Be Voted on in Au-
gust-Some Provisions Are Decided In
novations.
LOUISVILLE, April 1.-THE Kentucky
Constitutional Convention to-day completed
the Constitution to be offered, and adjourned
at 12:4O P. NJ, after being in session 199 days.
1t has cost the State about 5000, 900, and
made very many changes in the old funda-
mental law OF the State. Some of these are
recognized as wise, but very many are un-
tried and are considered of uncertain benefit.
On account of the latter, the new Constitu-
tion will be opposed by many strong public
men, and may be rejected by the people
when voted upon in August.
The principal changes are as follows:
The preamble expresses gratitude to God
for American liberty. The bill of rights
pro vides that no grant of exclusive privi-
leges shall be made except for public serv-
ices; that no property shall be exempt from
taxation, except as provided in the Con-
stitutioA; that every franchise shall be sub
ject to amendment and revocation; speci-
fcally allows the passage of a compulsory
education law; forbids involuntary servi-
tude except for crime; forbids armed per-
sons to be brought into the State, except
upon application by the General Assembly;
revokes all lottery charters and prohibits
such privileges. Legislative sessions are
limited to 60 days, and all special laws are
prohibited where general law can govern,
and on many subjects special law is pro-
hibited. Counties, cities and towns are to
be divided into classes and governed by
general laws.
An official secret ballot is provided for,
with provisions modelled after the Australian
system to prevent bribery. One election a
year is provided in one place, and no money
is provided for it. A long section defines
the rights and privileges Of corporations in
general and their limitations in their rela-
tions to the public. The issue of stock, ex-
cept for money or other value at the current
market price. is forbidden; also the giving
of transportation or other passes to persons
who hold public Office. Consolidation Of
transportation and telegraph companies or
pooling OF profits is forbidden. Bank off,
GERS who receive money for deposit after the
bank is known to be insolVent are made
guilty of felony. A railroad commission is
established. Land, banks, stocks and money
are to be taxed alike.
The number of grand jurors is changed
from 16 to II. A uniform system of courts
is devised. The working of fconvicts outside
the penitentiary, and the payment of
employees except in money, are forbidden.
After five years, land titles in Kentucky,
especially in the Eastern Kentucky mining
lands, must be settled. Votes of tax Tor
railroads are forbidden.
The $500. 900 of direct tax returned BY the
Federal Government is added to the school
fund. School money must be distributed to
whites and negroes alike. and separate
schools for the races maintained. A State
reformatory institution is provided for. Two
amendments to this Constitution may be
proposed by any Legislature and modified
by vote of the people at the next election.