Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-06-29
THE CONVENTION.

As stated in yesterdays Gszstte the
constitutional convention positively de-
clined to take the oath Of Office, adopt
ing by vote OF II to 49, motion 70
postpone Its consideration indefinitely.
The decision was reached only alter
two hours OF warm debate.
Gen. Rufus A. Ayers offered reso-
luton that the convention adjourn
June 20 and reasonable October 10.
he asked for immediate consideration
of bis motion. The matter was laid
on the table.
A considerable number OF resolutions
we're offered, the most striking one OF o
unique nature by Col. John Q. sum
mers, which provides that every white
female citizen OF the United States Il
years old, who shall have been a resi-
dent of this State II months and OF the
city or town in which she shall offer to
vote three months next preceding any
election, shall be entitled to vote and
hold Office.
Colonel Summers also presented q
resolution to the effect that the appoint.
ing power OF the board OF visitors OF
the charitable institutions equalize as
near as possible the members OF said
boards between the two political parties
| of the State. He further offered reso-
lutions that the Office Of Lieutenant
Governor be abolished and that the
| functions be filed by the senior Sena-
| tor; that homestead and other excep
lions now Ia existence be incorporated
intact 10 the organized law OF the State
Mr.. O'Flaherty offered resolution
providing for the freedom OF religious
thought and worship. The resolution
is an incorporation of section 80 OF the
declaration OF the Bill OF Rights OF the
Maryland constitution. Maryland was
the first OF the American colonies te
guarantee religious freedom OF thought
and action, as, indeed, she was the firsl
country Ia the world to guarantee re-
ligious freedom by legislative act.
Judge Pollock presented resolution
declaring that the members OF consti
| tutional convention are not officers o.
the State, but delegates OF the people
Mr.. Barbour presented q resolution
providing for the election OF judges BY
the people, and also specifying thai
they may be removed by two
thirds vote OF the Senate.
Judge Gllmer offered q paper pro-
yiding for State school fund to bs
divided between the races In proper
ton to the school population and gu
thorizing the races In each county and
city to supplement the amount 30 to be
provided by State taxation by permit
ting each race by vote to tax itself fol
the benefits OF liz respective schools,
such provision not to be mandatory.
A commissioner and board of direc'
tors to manage the insane asylums o.
the State was provided for In resolu
ton offered by Mr.. Esglsson. The
commissioner and directors are to re-
ceive suitable salaries.
Judge Epp, offered resolution pro
viding for viva voce voting. A resolu
ton was offered by Mr.. Blair to require
taxpayers to furnish q list OF taxable
property.
The convention received an invita-
ton from the Newport News Military
Academy to be present Monday night
and listen to an address by w. j
Bryan. No action was taken on the
proposition.
The committee on preamble and bill
of rights held a meeting yesterday
and resolved to adopt as Q general plar
the bill OF rights In the constitution o
1851.
Sections one. four, five, six and
seven OF the present bill were adopted
section two being stricken out. The
judiciary committee engaged in a pro
longed discussion as to the ACCESSIBILITY
OF changing the name OF the Virgins
Supreme Court of Appeals by strickine
out the.words ''of appeals" A motion to thai
effect was defeated by vote Of 8 to 5. The
| Jurisdiction Of the court was considered, but
no action was taken.
The committee on retrenchment yesterday
went over the whole range Of State officer
from Governor to constable and decided thai
a number could be dispensed with. One
| justice of the peace In each district was pro
nounced sufficient.
Ths auditor and treasurer and other Off
cials have been summoned TO appear before
the committee Tuesday morning.