New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-04-19
THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION.

The Australian Federation Convention has
performed the work for which it wa called to-
getier, and has adjourned. Its proceedings were
marked by harmony and by the general approval
of the interested public. The constitution which
it drafted has been submitted Ito the various
colonies for adoption by their Legislatures,
which will probably be granted without delay
or opposition. Then it will be sent to West
minister for ratification by the Imperial Paria-
ment, which it is also likely to receive. This
done. and the formal assent of the Crown Sc
cured the Commonwealth of Australia will take
its place among the nations of the world.
Closer scrutiny of the Australian Constitution
only confirms the truth of the statement already
made, that has been modelled after the Con-
situation of the United States more than after
that of Canada or any other country The
name, "The Constitution of the Commonwealth
of Australia" is perhaps reminiscent of Crom-
WELL perhaps of the United States, but certain
ly not of the Dominion of Canada. The yari-
Gus colonies are to be called States, not Prov
inces. The Legislature will consist of two
houses, called the Senate and the House Of
Representatives The Senators will be chosen
for terms OF six years each by the State Legs
latures, and each State whatever its size, will
have eight Senators and no more eight, instead
of two, as here, because the Australian States
will be 80 much larger in size and fewer in num-
Der than ours. Half of the Senators will retire
every three years The House of Representa-
tves will be elected every three years by the
people, members being apportioned according
to the population, but each State being entitled
to at least four All the legislators will receive
salaries for their services.
The Legislature will have power to make
laws on about the same subjects as the Ameri-
can Congress. such as trade and commerce, Gus
toms and excise the public credit army and
navy, banking and the currency, the census,
immigration, copyrights and patents, weights
and measures, bankruptcy, naturalization, etc.
Besides controlling the postal service it will also
manage the telegraphic system; and it will enact
all laws relating to marriage and divorce 1t
will also have power to legislate on any topic
referred to 1t by any State, but only as applied
TO that State. Revenue, appropriation and tax
alton bills must originate in the House of Repre-
sentatives, and the Senate may confirm or re-
iect but may not amend them and there must
be no riders on such bills.
The Chief Executive will be a Governor
General, appointed by the Crown, advised by
Council of seven Ministers selected from
among the members of either house. The Gov
ernor-GeneIal will be commander-in-chief of the
army and navy, and will exercise a veto power
| over legislation. The national judiciary will
comprise Supreme Court, consisting of Chief
Justice and four Associates, which will be the
final Cont of Appeal excepting that the Grown
may in certain public cases appeal to itself in
Council. \ uniform tariff law will be estab-
lished, with entirely free trade between tho
States The revenue over and above the needs
Of the National Government will be returned
pro rata TO the States. The States will retain
all their powers except those expressly delegated
TO the Commonwealth. When State law Is