The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-11-13
CONVENTION TALK CLOSED.
HOUSE VOTES AGAINST CONSTITU-
TIONAL REVISION SCHEME.

The Majority Against II So Decisive
That the Question Is Looked Upon
as Dead Issue So Far as the Press
cnt Assembly Is Concerned - The
Committees scheme of a COnven-
tIOn Composed of Ten Representa-
tiVes From Each Congressional
District 10 Serve without Pay Re-
ceived With Decided Disfavor.
Atlanta, Ca. Nov. 12.-The House OF
Representatives to-day defeated Mr.. New
ms bill for a constitutional convention by
a vote so decisive that the question may
be considered settled, so far as this gem
eral assembly is concerned.
The committees substitute, providing
for ten delegates to each congressional
district. aroused more opposition than Mr..
Nevins bill, and helped to defeat It,
Mr.. Hilrs bill to help protect dry coun-
ties from liquor drummers passed with
amendments protecting dry towns and dry
districts in wet counties. Speaker Jen-
kins left the chair TO support the bill.
Mr.. Moore of Carroll won a preliminary
fight on his bill to tax surrender values
OF life insurance policies, and the recon-
mitment of the bill was reconsidered by
more than seventy votes, indicating that
the bill has considerable strength. 1t was
opposed by Mr.. Knowles of Fulton and
Mr. Pearce of Houston.
The discussion of the constitutional cons
vention bill was the most interesting fea-
ture of the day Mr.. Boynton made a
statement, in explanation Of the action of
the committee on constitutional amend
ments, IN REPORTING the bill favorably. He
said they were not welded to the idea of
of holding a constitutional convention. but
saw ht to submit the question to the
House. If such convention is necessary,
he thought the committees substitute pre-
ferable to Mr.. Nevlns' bill. 1t provided
for 40 delegates or ten from each congress
slonal district, instead of $780, and provided
that the delegates should serve without
compensation. He thought they would
have glory enough, without pay.
MIR. Branch of Columbia opposed the
calling of a convention. I'm the first
place" said he 'if you want a constitu-
tional convention, don't adopt that sub
stitute. Are we going to have rich mans
convention2 II meets in July, when no
farmer can leave his crop"
Mr.. Branch objected to the provision
that the delegates should serve wlthoets
pay He referred 10 Cen Toourhs' actipsl
In borrowing 100000 TO defray the ex-
penses of the convention of 1871
Mr.. Nevin replied he did not know what
the convention would do, but he did pre-
sumo that 1t would be composed of hon-
orable men. Mr.. Branch had said the
convention was to be held for the purpose
of opening the treasury. This was not
true, Mr. Nevin said. There was a cry
for some constitutional amendment from
every section of the state, and there were
nineteen proposed amendments before the
committee. eve might go on forever
tampering and patching" said he, but
II seems to me that the best way Is TO
have convention and take up systemati-
cally the work of revision. The commits
tee on constitutional amendments is COM
posed of some of the most eminent men
in the House. They have reported unani-
mously for the convention. i don't know
how enthusiastic they are, but 1 take the
committees report for what it is worth.''
Mr.. Nevin then offered an amendment
providing for per diem and mileage for
the delegates. He did not think they
should be asked to serve without pay.
Mr. Ellis Of Stewart opposed the BILL He
thought it was unnecessary to call a con-
stitutional convention and prophesed that
it would stir up strife and precipitate the
agitation of questions which do not now
confront the public.
Mr. Hames of Warren, supported the
bill. He agreed with Mr.. Nevin that there
was need for revision Of the constitution
and said that the people should be fairly
dealt with.
Mr. Bond of Madison did not think IL
wise to call a constitutional convention.
He said amendments were submitted to
the people from time to time without ex-
pense and he saw no necessity for the ex-
pense OF special election and a subse-
quent convention. He opposed representa-
tion by congressional districts.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Bonds remarks
Mr.. Blalock called the previous question
on the bill and amendments, and MIR. Dick
erson moved to amend the committees
substitute, making the representation the
| same as that in the general assembly.
Mr.. Boynton, chairman of the commits
| tee, closing the discussion under the 20
minute rule reiterated the statement that
| the committee did not. insist on a constl-
| tutional convention, but did insist that
II one were called, 1t should be called on
| business principles.
CHEROKEES NOT CITIZENS.