The evening world., 1894-06-12
THE PENALTY FOR MURDER.|
Proposal to Make It q Life Term
with No Chance for Pardon.
Constitutional Convention Hears
Moro Suggestions To-day.
nv Associated Prcss.)

~ ~
ALBANY. June 1.-THE Constitutional
Convention met at 10 o'clock with u
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 civil-ser-
vice reform.
Mr.. McMllland and Mr.. Goodelle pre-
sented similar petitions.
MIR. Francis presented i've memorials
and petitions from citizens of Rens.
selaer County, asking that an amend
ment be adopted, providing for the an
nual inspection. by a committee APP
pointed by the Governor or Legislature,
of reformatories. asyluns. nunnerics.
converts. monasterics and such institu-
lions.
several petitions in favor of extending
the right OF suffrage to women were
presented. also against sectarian apDro-
priations.
Mr.. Countryman presented n 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 q. the
number of indictments for murder in the
first and second degrees, found by
1894, inclusive, and the number OF con-
v~ictions In both degrees. Referred.
Among the amendments proposed to-
day were the following:
Mr.. ilske-Providin that divorce proceedings
be had In open court before a judge thereof.
Mr. Tucker-Providing agains, property qualia-
cations for voting or holding Office.
Also, prohibiting imprisonment for debt except
q person owing a debt not e%Sccedins $50 to a
female for labor or service by her rendered.
Also. providing that no statutory limitation
shall be placed upon the amount Of damages
recoverable by civil action for the loss OF human
life.
Also. abolishinE capital punishment. ~revoking
the pardoning power In sentences for life. and
directing the Legislature to substitute life i'm
prisonment, with privilege of retrial In the
event OF newly discovered evidence.
Also. submitting the question OF woman sui.
rage to the people. with the revised and amended
Mr.. MISUNDERSTANDING for a Constitutional
Convention in 1914 and every twenty years there
after.
Mr.. Mlvord-Providlng that the canals shall
remain the property OF the state and under it,
management forever. except in case the National
Government shall at any time desire to hav,
control for the purpose OF making, them Ma
tional works. and to so deepen. widen and Ell
large the same as to permit the navigation OF the
Great Lakes OF tho West: and the tide-waters Of
the Atlantic Ocean within the borders OF the
State, by vessels navigating such lakes, without
j.. l.. Greene-Provlding that any person charge
with receiving a bride. or with Offering or proinis
ing n bride. shall he permitted to testify in hi,
own behalf before any civil or criminal prosecu'
tIOn tneTpIOr, anu III hl Investigations, tTlalSt
examinations or PROCEEDINGS before any cour
Officer or body authorized by law, or in any in
Nestlsation before 4 Legislative committee. tn,
taking of testimony shall be governed by the leea
rules OF evidence, and pny person summoned shal
have the right to appear with counsel.
Mr.. Roche-froviding for the election by the peo
pie of o Superintendent OF Public Works and th'
submission to the people Of the question OF en-
larging the canals and bonding the State for tina
purpose.
MIR. Emmet-Prohibiting the appropriation %
public money raised by taxation or otherwise fol
payment OF service. expenses or any other manner
In aid Of any %paroohial or ecclesiastloal sShoOl.