Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1896-11-19

Wilson, three Of the New CASTLE county
Delegates, withdrew from the con-
yention and declined to participate in
its deliberations ON the ground that tho
convention had not been called in the
proper legal way. Afterwards Rothwell
Wilson and David Hazard resigned,
but the convention refused to accept
their designations Daniel Corbit filed
his written protest against the legality
Of tho convention, but continued as a
member, and took part in the proceed
ings Of the convention during its entire
session. The convention was in session
30 days, adiourning on April goth, 1852.
The Constitution framed by this con-
yention was submitted to the people Tor
ratification, but it failed to be APP
proved, and all Of the work OF the con-
vention went for naught The vote was
taken at the October election in 1858
when 4, III votes were recorded against
the Constitution and 2,716 for it,
majority Of 2, 061 against it,.
The Hon. James A. Bayard and other
leading Democrats worked against the
revision and secured its rejection at
the polls As he left the convention
Mr.. ,Bayard voiced the sentiment of bis
party in these terms:
II view the question of representa-
tion as question of personal right,
affecting myself and my constituents; a
right founded on the plainest and
clearest principles OF justice in Re-
publican country. AS the Uonstitu
tion now stands. J am aware that am
deprived, of it,; but l have the conso-
lation of knowing that l am deprived
| of IT under a pre-existing Constitution,
not male with that intent. and there
fore / may bear with the evil until
can, In some way, get it redressed
But were 1 to vote for the ratification
and my constituents as political slaves,
for that is what you make us when
| you refuse our request, l. should con-
will oppose your Constitution because
you deny that equal justice to the
people Of New Castle, which is all
| they ask and IL We are not your equals,
| we shall endeavor to see what our rights
are in some other mode. -
Mr.. Bayard's sentiments were ap-
plauded by the audience last evening.
Mr.. Conrad reviewed briefly the
| alterations proposed by the Convention
| of 1859. The membership of the
House was changed from 81 to 80, IL to
come from New Castle, s from Kent
and 0 from Sussex. The Senate was
| increased from 8 to II members, four
from each county. The General Assem-
| bly, could increase the membership Of
the House by two-t thirds vote so long
| as it did not make it exceed 49, The
| freehold qualification necessary to hold
| an office was abolished. The authority
| of the Legislature to grant divorces and
| to vacate or lay out public roads was
| taken away.
Life tenures in Office were abolished
| and all officers were made elective by
| the people. The judiciary was COM
| posed of the same number Of judges as
at present. The Chief Justice and
Chancellor were elected by the people
OF the Stats for 10-year terms. and an
| associate judge elected in each county
for 10 years. The Chief Justice and
resident judge Of each county were to
hold court, doing away with the present
system. The sheriff, coroner and other
county officers were elected by the
| people for fourryear terms, and Justices
OF the peace elected in the hundreds
for q term of four years. The attorney
general, State treasurer and State
auditor we're elected by the people for
| a term Of four years. The qualifica-
tions for voter were made the same as
at present, except the necessity of pay
| ing county tax within two years.
The law against bribery and cor
ruption at elections was made very
| strong.
"A vote of thanks was given Mr..
Conrad for his paper.
On motion of Judge Grubb the papers
were referred to the committee on pub
LEGATION.
Before adjournment President Lore
appointed Mark M. Cleaver, George A.
Elliott and Ponnock Pussy to nomi-
nate officers for the annual meeting of
the society, which will be held next
month,