The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-02-14
ito REVISE
| CONSTITUTION
Such a Proposition is sprung
Upon Legislature.
It May Be Adopted members of the
Tax Com. Invited to Attend Hear
ings.---Tax Bill Will Reach
House This Week.

st Paul, Feb. 1O.-'rhere is one
more hope of getting a constitutional
convention in Minnesota.
Representative Sherman Smith of
Minneapolis introduced 81. F. No. IL
Saturday submitting the question of a
constitutional convention to the people
at the next general election.
The bill provides in simple terms,
that at the next general election the
proposition "shall there be conven-
tion to revise the constitution" shall
be submitted to the electors. If a ma
jority shall vote Eyes" the legislature
shall at the next session provide for
calling the convention.
Mr.. Johnson. also of Minneapolis,
took strong stand for the bill, and
tried to get it passed under suspension
of the rules This nearly took away
the speakers breath, and the house
did not recover from the shock in
time to vote. On viva voce vote the
motion was lost.
Mr.. johnson then moved that the
bill be given its second reading and
placed upon general orders. He said ::
eff this house is honest, and mem
bers both for and against this bill are
sincere in what they say, this bill
ought to pass 1t should have passed
last winter"
Mr.. jacobson said: "This bill re-
lates to taxation and is entitled to re-
ception as much as the tax code. 1t
may be that we cannot get the remedy
wanted without a constitutional con-
vention. I am glad to see that some
of the interests which have fought it
in the past have come to look on it
favorably. 1t may be a solution of
the question.
This from an ardent friend OF the
tax bill was rather surprise, and Mr..
Burns of Fillmore sounded a warning.
He said: 81 have no objection to this
bill, but this is the wrong time to
bring it up. 1t will be used as a club
to defeat the tax bill. The author is
on record against the tax measure.
The gentleman from Lac qui Parle is
falling into line with the men he had
on the gridiron yesterday"
Mr.. Jacobson replied that he was
only calling attention to the rule,
which would permit the reception of
the bill.
Mr.. Smith, author of the bill, said :
81 introduced this bill after care
full consideration of the problems in
volved. We are working in Mime
apolis under an Anticipated charter,
similar to that of village. We can
not get new charter without spe-
cial election, and the council refuses
to call one. No matter how much
taxes we raise, we have to stick to
our antiquated system of disburse-
ments. We could save $500, 600 a year
by new charter. A constitutional
convention and new constitution
would enable Us to get one. I am op-
posed to the drastic features of the tax
bill, but would vote for it with GER
tain amendments. I am in earnest
about this bill, and if you don't pass
it, you will have fight on your
hands"
Mr.. Wallace, also of Hennepin, said {:
"This is a more important measure
than the tax bill. 1t passed this house
three years ago and year ago, and
was killed in the senate. There is no
time like the present. I am willing to
pass it today, under suspension of the
rules
Mr.. Roberts feared that the bill
would interfere with fair considera-
tion of the tax bill.
Between those naturally opposed to
constitutional convention and those
suspicious of the bills object, it failed
to secure suspension of the rules. At
the request of its author it was refer
red to the committee on judiciary,
which now has the constitutional
amendments in its hands. The prospect
for passage of the bill are considered
bright.