Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1902-04-05
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.


The Constitutional Convention which
hes been in session since the l2.n oil
last June, yesterday adopted the COM
promise suffrage plan without further
discussion. disposed OF the various mo-
tions to rescind sctlon already taken
and took q recess until May p. Dur
ing the interim 1t is expected the
clerical work will all be in shape, and
that on resssembling the constitution
will be ready 10 few days work for
final promulgation.
A halt was called on speeches as soon
las the session opened with lO-mlnute
lunch and leave TO print. A vots was
taken on the Gillespie suffrage SUD-
stitnte, which received the i've re-
publican votes. All motions relating
ID resembling the NO k Of the body were
quickly votsd down. The vote was
then tIken on the suffrage plan as
whole, and on roll cali it was declared
adopted By vote OF 81 10 IL, The
announcement was made by Free
ident Goode and there was shout oil
applause.
The plan provides for temporary
understanding clause which practically
makes the registrar for two years the
Judge Of tle qualifications Of voter.
During these two years it lie ex'
pected to get the names ofall the white
voters on the books and TO keep on the
bulk of the negroes. Alter that time
the polltsx of dollar and half year
for three years, in advance along with
an educational qualification Ia expected
10 keep them of the registration books
after that time. There is no doubt that
the plan will accomplish the purpose
and the beet lawyers In the convention
are satisfied that it will not come In
conflict with the Fifteenth Amendment
and tcat 1t is otherwise constitutional.
| Attorney General Anderson sue.
ceeded in securing the adoption OF an
additional section to the judiciary re-
port, which permits city OF less than
5000 population to combine with an-
other city of like class, and have a
corporation court with judge for the
Two places. This will enable Buena
Vista to retain its corporation court.
Judge Portlock made strong speech
10 support OF his resolution to rescind
the acton reducing the rats OF taxation
from 40 to 80 cents on the 500 value OF
real estate and personal property. Alter
a brief debate the motion to re5cind was
reiscled by the vote OF 56 to 70.
The only matter 10 which the
convention renewed its former action
Vas with reference to the terms OF office
of members of the Senate. The hold
over feature of the Senate ia not retain
ed exactly, but ell the members will be
chosen at once for terms OF four years
This was agreed upon as compromise
The efforts ID change the plan adopt
ed for choosing Supreme Court judges,
secretary of the Commonwealth, ano
State Treasurer were futile, but the
friends of long term senators WOE a par
tial victory. Before the vote on re-
} scinding WAS taken an understanding
, was reached to the effect that all the
senstors should be elected OF tae same
} time every four years and members o.
J the House be elected, as at present, fol
. two terms. There was q good deal o
discussion of the matter. Mr.. Witheri
quoted the record TO show that the mat
Ter of abolishing the 'hold-over Senate
: WAS fully discussed before action wei
, taken. Mr.. Hutton fought the propos
: ed compromise. The compromise wa'
3 agreed to. The vots was 81 TO IL.
r The motion 10 rescind the actor
> with reference ID the Supreme Cour
} was indefinitely postponed. Thii
ended the work of the body. Chair
, man Anderson, of the committee or
final revision, reque,ts ed members Il
send 10 the names of registrars, ant
Mr.. Blair gave notice that when th'
convention reconvened May 20 h'
{ would offer resolution resembling
every section OF the new constitution.
: The committee on revision was au
thorlzsd to cit during the recess aDC
, distribute 10 600 copies OF their repot
: 90 the completed constitution, 100 t
l. each member, ss soon as the printing
could be done.
Tho convention adjourned at 4:5l
: The session had extended within eign
days OF ten months. There were WILD
: shouts Of joy. .
There Is practically no doubt thai
! the instrument will be proclaimed
The members of the convention anC
tae leaders throughout the State seen
, TO favor this course.
} 49,. ~