The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-02-08

There is once more hope of getting a
| constitutional convention in Minnesota.
! Representative Sherman Smith of Min
-neapolis introduced H. F.. No. u this
morning, 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 convention to revise the
constitution shall be submitted to the
electors. If a majority shall vote Eyes"
the legislature shall at the next session
provide for calling the convention.
Mr.. Johnson, also of Minneapolis, took
a strong stand for the bill, and tried to
get it passed under suspension of the
rules. This nearly took away the speak
er's breath, and the house did not re-
cover from the shock in time to vote. On
a viva voce vote the motion was lost.
Mr.. Johnson then moved that the bill
be given it's second reading and placed
upon general orders. He said: IF this
house is honest, and members both for
and against this bill are sincere in what
they say, this bill ought to- pass. It
should have passed last winter
Jacobson Favors 1t.
Mr.. Jacobson said: ."This bill relates
to taxation and is entitled to reception
as much as the tax code. It may be that
we cannot get the remedy wanted without
a constitutional conventions. I am glad
to see that some of the interests which
have fought 1t ia the past, have come to
look on. it fayorably. It may be a solu-
| tion of the question:
! This. from an ardent friend Of the tax
| bill was rather surprise, and Mr.. Burns
of Fillmore sounded warning. He said
II 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 qu1
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: u
! introduced this bill after careful con-
|
! are working in Minneapolis under an an
| tiquated charter, similar to that OF a
village We cannot get new charter
| without special election, and the coun-
! Gil 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 100000 a year by
a new charter. A constitutional conven-
| ton and a new constitution would enable
| us to get one. am opposed to the dras-
tic features of the tax bill, but I would
vote for it with certain amendments.
am in earnest about this bill, and If yor
don't pass it, you will have fight on
your hands"
Mr. Wallace, also of Hennepin, said
''This is more important measure thar
the tax bill. It 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 1T to-day
under suspension of the rules
I Mr. Roberts feared that the bill would
interfere with fair consideration OF the
! tax bill.
| Between those naturally opposed to {
constitutional convention and those sus
picious of the bills object, it failed tt
secure suspension of the rules. At thu
| request of it's author it was referred tx
the committee on judiciary, which nov
has the constitutional amendments In 1T
hands. The prospect for passage OF tn
bill are considered bright.