Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1893-01-05

lOthl amount OF CIRCUITS, general =. ...-.-
Total amount of lab ,lities... 6Si,75O %
Assets exceed liabilities. tsiTOgl.t
The credit OF the State being thus placed
in the front rank the lowest rate of inter
est is paid upon our public obligations,
and sense of security is dlffused into the
private transactions Of the people, through
ont the community, making the means
easier of borrowing at lesser rates, and in
viting capital to invest within our borders.
The lowest rate of interest always follows
the best security and abundant capital
inures to the benefit of the borrower, en-
abling him to make easy terms. Nothing
that tends TO discourage investments nj
capital within the State should be allowed
TO creep in under the cover OF mistaken
legislation.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
Among the important questions which
imperatively require your early considera-
tion and iudicious action is that relating to
the calling of a convention for the revision
and amendment of the existing constitu-
ton of this State
This constitution was adopted by the
convention of 1881. Since then it has re-
mained unchanged except by two minor
alterations through the Legislative mode of
constitutional amendment. That IL has so
remained during GO years of practical oper-
alton, especially i'll view of the surprising
changes wrought by the spirit of modern
progress and improvement, is convincing
evidence Of the wisdom and foresight of its
authors, and of their comprehension of the
conditions needs, characteristics and ten
denotes of the people of this common
wealth.
That the plan of government established
by this constitution has been admirably
adapted to the situation, means, and gem
cral interest of our people, and that il has
in remarkable degree secured to them
capable and honest public servants, and Il
frugal, efficient and reputable ndministra-
ton of the legislative, executive and Judi
cial departments Of the State. and has thus
maintained the public honor and general
welfare, with comparative economy to the
taxpayers, is certainly undeniable. But it
is nevertheless true that within very
recent period, owing partly to altered CON
ditions within our state, and partly to the
example and influence of constitutional
changes in other states, a considerable por-
tion of our citizens have eyinced desire
for convention for the revision and
amendment Of our present constitution.
Accordingly, III recognition of this senti-
ment, the General Assembly lat its sessions
of 1857 and lS9l) has twice made provision
for special elections to take the sense of
the people in regard to the calling of such
ii
gradually increased is shown by the fact
that the vote in favor of such convention
was materially greater at the second than
at the first of these elections.
The election of 1887 was unsuccessful;
and that the special election of 1901 also
failed to furnish the majority necessary
for the calling of convention, as pre-
scribed by the act authorizing said cleo
tiun, clearly appeared upon the ascertain
ment of the state of the vote thereat sub
sequently made by the inspection boards
of canvassers in the several countless
although the conclusive ascertainment of
the result of said election is yet authorita-
lively to be made by this General Assem-
bly,, pursuant to the provisions of the fifth
section of said act
In anticipation of the possible failure of
said election of lS0l the General Assem-
bly, which passed the act authorizing 1T,
subsequently,, at the same session, also
passed an act (by two-thrds vote of each
branch thereby proposing an amendment
to Article X. of the constitution, and there
by providing for the takirg vote of the
people in respect 10 calling convention
at the general election. The object of
| this proposed constitutional amendment is
| to give the people an opportunity, under
| the most favorable circumstances consist
ent with the public welfare, again To eX-
press their will at the ballot-bOx in regard
| 70 the Ga'lhs Oh cphstiIuiiollal CoiiEeh-
tlon. ms proposeu amendment. before
IL can become a part of the CON tuition,
must first have been approved by the gov
| ernor, and subsequently duly published
| for the consideration of tie people, and
| ilnailY ratified by threeslOutths vote OF
each branch of the General Assembly at
| its present session.
As my approval OF said amendment was
| n condition precedent TO your ratification of
han.
the general necessity of any such action,
but also the suitableness of this particular
measure. Upon reflection was favorably
convinced in respect to both and accord
| ingly gave it my official approval; where
upon it was duly published for the con
sideration OF the people, and now awaits
your action in regard 60 its ratification.
Although the reasons both for and
against its approval were grayely con
sidercd, vet those in favor of the proposed
amendment seemed greatly to outweigh
the objections to it,. In view of the fruit
less expense of the two recent special eec
tons. aud of the fact that the result at that
Of 1881 came within few hundred votes
only Qt the majority required to authorize
the calhhsol aeonvGntion, It seems not only
ludlciohs Dht Just 70 auord to the people
III Il Saie an reasonable way (as TINS amend
ment does favorable opportunity to ex'
press their will IN respect tu convention
under circumstances which will be most
likely to cause the least in convenience tc
the voter and the least expense TO the tax
payer. FOR the attainment of this end
the vote at a general election, in conformity
with the provisions of said amendment
mquestionably offers greater advantage:
than that al special election.
Whilst there are strong arguments in
favor Of taking the sense Of the people ii
respect TO calling convention ut Il timt
,t.l,t tttux ~ aNfh II,
influences attending u general election
vet the prevailing practice elsewhere is In