The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-22
STATE CONSTITUTIONS COMPARED,
AS TO THEIR TWO DEPARTMENTS.
Second of Series of Articles by John Garland Pol
lard, Setting Forth Valuable Information for
Those Who Are Interested in the Proposed
Constitutional Changes
Constitutional Changes.

, for they now look TO the Governor. by his
veto power, and the courts, by their
power 10 declare laws unconstitutional.
to protect them against hasty, ill-consid-
cred and unWise acts of the legislature.
Our forcsatherS demanded as one of the
greatest safeguards Of their rights that
the legislature meet frequently Gas a rule
annunlly): to-day there is growing feel
ing that the legislature meets too often
nearly every constitution limits the period
of their sitting-and there is a general sigh
OF relief when they break up and return
to their homes. Formerly the people. re-
lying on the wisdom and patriotism OF
Their representatives. gave them a wide
discretion; to-day the actions of the legis-
lator are hemmed about with constitu-
tional inhibitions. showing that the people
not only doubt his wisdom, but his honor.
Why is il that this once most honored
branch OF government has become lost
in public esteem? To say that the average
intelligence and integrity of the legisla-
ture is now below that OF the people would
be untrue; but the legislator of to-day has
temptations which his predecessor of one
hundred ycars ago never Greamt of. The
great growth of business interests and
their concentration under control of cor
porauonS, which are creations of the law
and governed by the law, has given rise
to branch of legislation which vitality
affects the private pocket-book, and which,
therefore. appeals more directly to per-
sonal interests as against public welfare
After an examination of the Constitutions
OF all the States. the writer has been struck
With the fact that the present Constitution
of Virginia is notably wanting in many of
the useful and most important provisions
guarding against administration of pub
die aitairs- This cannot be accounted for
by any great confidence which Nirginians
had in their officials, for it is a notable fact
that al this time of the adoption of the
Constitution under which we are living,
official honor was at a low ebb.
AS TO QUALIFICATIONS.
Let us now compare the various ConSti-
turons, relative 20 the qualifications Of the
members of the Legislature, their salaries,
their oath, their duties and Sundry restric-
tons upon their powers.
The early Constitutions required certain
property and religious qualifications. A
NUMBER OF States now require of a men,
Der that he believe III the existence OF
God Tennessee. following the example of
several other States provides that, where
as. ministers OF the Gospel are by their pro
fession dedicated TO God and the care of
souls, therefore no minister Of any de-
nomination Whatever shall be eligible to
seat in either house OF the Legislature
-AS-uc lIoil -titSe exceptions. age anu TtS!-
dence are the only requisites remaining.
The minimum age Is from twenty-one 20
twenty-five years. and each member must
be resident of the district from which
he is elected. English writers criticse this
latter ruic. because they claim ut keeps
the best talent of the whoia State from
competing for the public service. in order
that local mediocrity may ba exalted be
You'd its deserts"
The annual salary of the LEGISLATOR
ranges from $3.50 to $500. but most States
provide per diem compensation Of from
$3.50 TO S during the session of the Leg
islature but also provides that this COM
pensation shall cease after a specified num-
Der OF days. provision not so much in
the interest of economy as the outcome of
the knowledge that when 4 legislators pay
stops, thereupon Immediately does he stop.
Massachusetts, and Rhode Island hold
annual sessions OF the Legislature: most of
the other States have adopted biennial ses-
stems: the average restriction on the length
of the term being about ninety days
IRON-CLAD OATHS
II Is interesting to note the efforts of the
different States to appeal to the consciences
of their legislators by administering IRON
clad paths OF office. In all States they are
required to swear that they will support
tha Constitution OF the State aud Of tho