The age-herald., 1901-09-20

tickets at a less discount other than as sold to the public generally to members of the Legislature, or to any officer ex- ercising judicial functions under the laws of this State. and stringent provision is made for enforcing the prohibition. Rail- road companies are forbidden 10 pay rebate, directly or indirectly, or to aid In any act misleading the public as to the real rates. and the Legislature Is required to enforce the prohibition by suitable penalties.
 Protecting the Public Credit
 Specific authority is given the Governor to refund the State debt. and it is declar- ed in substance that the appropriations made by the constitution shall not hinder the State from usins any moneys In the treasury, If necessary, to protect the pub lie faith. With these provisions, remov- ing the uncertainties of the present con- sutuion, there is no doubt of the speedy refunding of the State debt at a much lower rate of interest which will save many thousand dollars per annum to the taxpayers and many times the cost of the convention.
 Amending the Constitution.
 In this respect the new instrument is vastly superior to the old. Three-fifths of all the members of each house, instead of two-thirds, may propose amendments The people, instead of waiting until the next general election for representatives. may vote upon amendments at the next general election after the session at which amendments are proposed, or at a special election fixed by the Legislature not less than ninety days after the final adjourn ment of that session. A majority of the votes cast upon the amendment will adopt 1t instead of requiring, as under the exist ing constitution, that this majority be also majority of those voting at the general election.
 The excitement attending general cleo lions for officials usually. prevents fair consideration of amendments and most frequently causes the failure of even the wlsest measures for lack of interest in them at the time they are voted on Un- der the new constitution the people can not be unduly delayed in moulding their organic law to their wishes nor be com pelled to consider amendments amidst the heat and parhsanship of political cam paigns.
 Review of the Changes.
 Frank study of the new instrument will convince you that it is pervaded by an earnest purpose to subserve the highest and best interests of the State. State taxes have been lowered. The power of counties, cities and towns to contract debts has been curbed, and the citizen Is better protected against unjust assess ment for paving streets and sewers The public schools have been fostered, and larger and more certain appropriations provided. The people have been relieved Of the harrassment and expense of un- necessary elections, and saved from the vexation and uncertainty of too frequent changes in the law or the apprehension thereof. The great abuse and favoritism or local and private legislation has been stricken down. leaving the law-making power free to devote it's energies entirely to matters of general concern. General laws secure local and private interests, and save the citizens from the necessity of leaving home, and the cost, delay and modification of supplicating the Legisla- ture for special or local interests. The government has been brought within more direct control of the people. Vacancies in executive and judicial offices can be filled only temporarily by the appointing pow CT, while heretofore the selection was permanent, for the remainder of the term. Circuit solicitors are to be chosen by the people. The voters in counties, cities and towns are themselves to determine the mourning of permanent indebtedness, and whether county seats shall be removed. Supervision Is extended over individuals and corporations engaged in the business
 
 so nodded as to better meet local wants, and more elastic power given to abolish or consolidate constitutional courts, when circumstances warrant The executive department has been strengthened and the Legislative department improved In many ways, heretofore pointed out. The power of impeachment no longer remains inert and helpless when the Legislature Is not In session. The impeachment laws have been wisely amended, and important provisions incorporated therein to stimu- late and enforce greater observance of the law. Prompt and easier means are af- forded the people to mold their consti- tuition by amendment to conform to their desires. The public credit has been pro- tected, and the standards of official con duct heightened by the requirements of the new instrument. Above all, the sanctity of suffrage and elections has been safeguarded.
 Conclusion.
 Those who framed the new instrument did not forget that 1t was the work of the dominant race, and should secure the