The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-01-11
c. H. REEVE.
No Convention but a Good Many Amend
ments.

or as little OF IL as you may feel disposed.
My impressions have not been favorable
to a constitutional convention, for the
reason that believe in as little changes
as possible in established laws, especially
fundamental ones. II has taken a quarter
OF century to settle a new constitution
and the statutes made in pursuance of il,
so the courts, the legislature and the peo-
pie can know what to rely on as being
settled law
With change of social and commercial
conditions in the progress of civilization,
notifications of constitutional and statu-
tory eDactmenis become necessary from
time to time, but there should be as little
change as is possible-only enough to
make the law accomplish justice. where
change is required by changed conditions.
Our constitution is the frame work for
q governmental organism, and the struc-
ture is completed by the law-maklng de-
partment. 1t provides for Legislative,
executive, judicial and administrative de-
partments, comforting such prerOga tives,
powers and limitations as are deemed
best in the establishment and mainte-
nance of stable government 1t Is pre-
ing privileges, powers and Limitations as
to the people. Il provides for amend
ments in an economical manner and one
calculated TO insure against hastv action
by the people or their representatives,
one that coDpels deliberate consideration.
In the course of events amendments have
been made that were deemed essential
without disturbing the general provisions.
and a few changes can he made In ike
manner. as may be found necessary.
Whether n sufficient numbe can may be
a matter for doubt.
4 convention would tear in pieces the
one we have and make another at enor-
nous expense to the state. We have no
assurance that the new one would De any
Improvement on the present one as a
whole. and We may well lear the spiri. OF
innovation that constantly acts from i'm
pulse-mistaking 1t for JudEment-and
being sadly in error too often for the pub
lie welfare.
On the other hand, it is true, that a
good many provisions can bs made for
the betterment of the fundamental law.
and il is doubtful if, during our short leg
islative terms. they would get judicious
consideration and proper formulation, but
If q Joint committee could be assigned TO
the dutg. relieved OF other work. 1t IL DOS
sihle il might present better work than
a convention of 80 members would. My
impressions have been favorable TO such
action.
As t. amendments would favor pro-
visionr:
l. Limiting the pardoning power Of
the governor and constituting board
of pardons con -isting OF the state board
of charities and correction. the prison
board and the governor.
>. Extending the time of legislative
sessions-hoth general and special.
3. Limiting the granting OF corporate
franchises prohibiting organization OF SUI
coordinate and auxiliary corporations un-
der anv corporate organization: limiting
the powers ami term ana the business TO
the objects specified in the charter, aud
making stockholders Liable for the cor
porate obligations.
T. Requiring municipalities to reserve
a portion OF the income arising from the
exercise o. franchises granted prohibit
ing them from giving vested rights in the
streets or other municipal property TO the
exclusion OF mimic pal control a. the in
terests of the municipAlitv NAV require;
and prohibiting the granting OF any mo-
nopo v.
). Prohibiting the appropriation OF
money by the legislature Tor any purpose
other than the necessary uses OF the STATE
in conducting government.
6. Prohibiting legislative appropria-
tions bevOnd the amount o. revenue or
resources provided for.
Z. Extending the terms OF some official
positions.
s. Definitely fixing tie jurisdiction of
the courts ia relation to elections and
election returns. and especially as TO men,
bers OF the legislature. where each house
is the Judge of the qualifications and cleo
ton of the members.
9. Requiring laws to 30 provide that ir-
regulariiies or misconduct of election
officers shall not operate to disfranehise
the voters OF the precinct or locality
affected.
Personally | would favor provisions:
q. Making the elective franchise de-
pendent upon actual and proper use of it.
Neglect to use it without lawful excuse or
abuse OF it by offering or accepting bride
10 forfeit the right TO it.
b. Limiting the elective franchise to
actual citizens.
c. Subjecung all property. except
public property, to taxation. no matter by
whom owned or for what purpose used
a. Prohibiting local legislation abb
solu,ely, by any kind OF subterfuge or pro-
vision.
z. Making certificate of court, after
examination of applicant, necessary to adj
mission to the bar to practice law as an
attorney.
J. Making any competent person in
the state eligible to q judicial Office in any
circuit or district. without regard to his
D ace OF residence in the state.
q. Prohibiting enabling or curative
statutes except in cases whore the act
done would have been legal il rightly
done, and is voidshle only for irregularitv
And especially, acts 10 make that legal
which had no legal existence at the time,
and scts for the relief of defaulters or their
sureties
h. Making tho right to personal liber-
ty dependent on abs,sntiOn from crime
and disturbance OF public order; and once
forfeited, TO be restored only 10y Judicial
order on proof that the offender is re-
formed and fit 10 be trusted on parole,
made by the board of pardons.
!. Requiring prosecuting attorneys TO
be sworn rs TO prosecutions as the grand
jurOrs are as 10 presentmenie to prose-
cute none through hatred. envy, mai ice or
ill-will. nor leave any unpTosecuted
through fear, favor, affection, reward, or
the hope of il, nor merely TO convict; but
10 discover the truth as to the guilt or in
nocence OF the accused, that the law may
accomplish justice.
]. Giving courts power and making IL
a l.