The evening world., 1894-06-12
PENALTY FOR MURDER.
Proposal to Make It a Life Term
with No Chance for Pardon.
Constitutional Convention Hears
More Suggestions To-day.
CBy Associated Press.)

ALBANY, June l2.-The Constitutional
Convention met at 10 o'clock with a
light attendance of members.
The President handed down a batch OF
petitions from citizens OF New York ask
ing that municipal and State appoint
ments be made on the line OF civn-ser
vice reform.
Mr.. McMilland and Mr.. Goodelle pre-
scented similar petitions.
MIR. Francis presented five memorials
and petitions from citizens of Rens-
selaer County. asking that an amend
mcnt be adopted. providing for the an
nual inspection, by n committee ap-
pointed by the Governor or Legislature.
of reformatories, asyiums, %nunneries'
Several petitions in v OF extending
the right of suffrage to women were
presented. also against sectarian appro-
priations.
Mr.. C%ountryman presented a protest
against striking the word male from
the Constitution. signed by several
thousand women Of Albany County
the Secretary OF State report to the
Convention, on or before June %, the
number of indictments for murder In the
Grand Jurles in the State from 1889 to
1894, inclusive, and the number OF con-
viCtions in both degrees. Referred.
Among the amendments proposed to-
day were the following:
Mr.. hlate-Iroviding that divorce proceedings
be had In open court before n Judge thereof.
Mr.. TuCker-Provfdiug against property qualih-
cations for voting or holding oince.
Also, TrchibitinE imprisonmeut for debt. except
a person owing a debt not exceeding $50 10 u
female for labor or service by her rendered.
Also. providing that no statutory limitation
shall he placed upon the amount Of damages
recoverable by civil action for the loss Of human
Also, abolishlnS capital punishment. .reyokins
the pirdonirg power In sentences for He, and
directing the Legislature to substitute life I'M
prlslnmont. with privilege Of retrtal in the
event OF newly discovered evidence.
Also, submitting the question OF woman snt-
rage % the people, with The revised and amended
Mr. Hcrzcborg-Provldins for a Constitutional
Convention In 1914 and every twenty years there
after.
Mr., notwithstanding that the canals shall
remain the property OF the State and un2er Its
management, forever. except in case the national
Government shall at any time desire to have
control for the purpose OF making them Ma
large the same as to permit the navigation OF the
Great l.akos OF the West: and. the ~dc-wate OF
the Atlantic Ocean. within the borders OF the
state. BY vessels navigating such lakes, without
breaking cargo
J. l Greene-Proyiins that any person charged
with receiving a hrihe, or with Offering or promls-
Ing n bride shall he permitted To testify In hts
own behalf before any civil or criminal prosecu-
examinations or proceedings before any court
orrcer cr rody authorized by law, or In any in
vestratlon before n Legislative committee. The
taking Of testimony shall be governed by the legal
ru'crs Of evidence, md any person summoned
shall have to risht 10 appear with counsel.
Mr. RorhC-PrCvIding the election by the people
N a sppcriutcTfcnt Of Public Works and the
slhmiF sion 10 the pep9'e Of the question OF en-
larGins the canals and bonding the STATE Tor that
rIfrcse.
NJ. Em~wet-Proh,hiting the appropriation OF
prbIlc money raised by taNAtion or otherwise for
rayment Of service, expenses or amy other manner
In aid Of any parochlai or ecclesiastical school.