The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-03-05
Opening of the Constitutional
Convention in Utah
HAS STRUGGLED FOR YEARS
Arranging to Add the New Star to the
Flag of the Union
The Delegates Organize and Are Now Ready
for Business-Commence Building a
Constitution Today

Salt Lake, March 4.-The day for the
opening of the constitutional convention
was hailed with delight by the inhabitants
of this valley, whose aspirations and con-
slant endeavor for statehood have ex-
tended over period of more than forty
years. The six previous conventions
which met and did their work adjourned
only to see their hope shattered and state
hood deferred. This convention, unlike
the six which preceded it, enters upon its
labors under the inspiring assurances that
statehood will speedily follow the COM
pletion of its work. The history of Utah $
forty years struggle for statehood is most
interesting. The struggle began less
than two years after the settlement of the
Mormon pioneers in Salt Lake valley, the
first constitutional convention being held
early in 1919. After the adoption of
constitution an election of the provisional
government was held and Brigham
Young was elected Governor. The consti
tuition was forwarded to Washington and
was rejected by Congress in 1850. Utah
was, however, at that time granted ter
ritorial form of government.
After lapse of seven years the second
convention was held and delegates sent
and constitution as adopted to Congress.
This petition shared the same fate as the
first, and it was not until January, 1862,
that the third convention was called.
On January 22d of that year constitu-
ton was adopted and George Q. Cannon
and W. II. Hooper chosen as delegates to
present the same to Congress. On the
Sd of the following March the constitu-
ton was almost unanimously adopted by
the people and Brigham Young was again
elected Governor. The people were a
third time disappointed as no action was
taken by Congress. Ten years later, on
February 10, 1872, the fourth convention
was convened at Salt Lake City and or
gained by the election OF h. NJ Barnum
as president. At this convention con-
stitution was agreed upon and forwarded
to Washington, but was adversely reported
upon by the committee to which it was
referred.
The fifth constitution was adopted in
1882 and ratified by The people, but was
again denied by Congress. Undaunted by
continuous disappointment the sixth
convention was then adopted, carrying
clause which declared bigamy and polyg-
amy to be incompatible with a republican
form of government. Congress having re-
lected this appeal, the statehood question
practically dropped out of sight until after
the division of the people on national
act provides for the election of 106 dele
gates, and they were elected in November
last. Owing to irregularities in returns
from the Third precinct of Salt Lake and
judicial decisions affecting the same five
delegates from that precinct have not re-
ceived certificates of election. In the
adoption of a constitution, prohibition,
woman suffrage, mining, irrigation, dis
position of the public lands and legisla-
tive apportionment are the questions that
will be most prominent before the conyen-
ton.
The seventh constitutional convention
was called to order by Delegate Crane, at
noon today, in the city and county build
ing, with 102 delegates present, fifty-seven
of whom are Republicans and forty-fi
Democrats. Prayer was offered by Prcsi-
dent Woodruff, of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints. Score
tary &. {. Richards then called the roll
and the oath was administered to the
delegates by Chief Justice Merritt. A
congratulatory address was delivered by
Governor West. A temporary organiza-
ton was then effected by the election of
the following officers: Chairman, James
NJ. Kimball; secretary, Heber NJ. Wells;
sergeantat-arms, j. +. Chichester.
The convention then adjourned until
tomorrow and caucus was Immediately
called for the selection of permanent Off
GERS. Apostle John Henry Smith of the
Third precinct, who has not yet received
his certificate of election, is the choice OF
the Republican members for permanent
chairman. The Democratic mem bers held
a caucus this morning, at which the Hon.
Moses Thatcher was complimented with a
vote Tor chairman of the convention.