The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-04-13
tere.t taken in voting by the people as a

terest taken in voting by the people as
whole.
Substantially my proposition Is the
same as prepared I'm the sos. by con-
vention of members of both parties ana
agreed upon. although voted down by the
people at that time.
Now, about the basis of representa-
tion In the constitutional convention.
took the basis OF the general assembly
as IL exists at that time because that
Is the way provided by law to as fairly
represent the whole people as possible.
ANY constitution OF a state Is binding.
morally and legally. on the people so long
under II owe It moral and legal obed-
ience.
GOOD LAW ON THE SUBJECT.
Here is a good law on that subject.
believe:
1.-The basis Of our political systems is
the right OF the people TO make and TO
alter their constitutions OF government
But the constitution which at any time
exists till changed by an explicit and
authentic act OF the whole people is sac
redly obligatory upon all.
The very idea OF the power and the
right OF the people to establish govern
ment presupposes the duty OF every in
diyidual TO obey the established govern
ment'
THAT Is from washington's address. in
which he refers 10 the constitution, but
when people quote from II they rarely.
II ever. use the second paragraph. which
gives a different Interpretation to the
whole thing.
ANY right under the constitution is a
conferred right. The fact that you can
vote when you become q years OF age n
an arbitrary decision, based on expert
ence even though there may be a num-
ber who could vote inteligently year or
more earlier.
LAS ! said. any fundamental change I'm
the constitution OF the state must he con-
ferred under the constitution as II then
exists and not as someone thinks that II
should be. and the convention when IL
meets should be organized as TO ex-
press public sentiment as legally formu-
lated at the time OF said convention
BENEFIT TO CITIES.
Thus you see II the constitutional
amendment recently passed in the gen.
era assembly passes the cities will be
benefited In their representation In the
convention, for the amendment will for
instance given Providence 25 representa-
tives and consequently the same number
OF members OF the convention
This would also provide that the state
be divided up into districts. which plan IL
is understood General Brayton also fa-
vors II IL Is not adopted II will he the
same as now, in either case II will he the
same as the existing system of electing
the general assembly"
CITIZENS UNION PLAN
What objections can you see 10 the
passage OF me Citizens union plan?" the
governor was asked.
He replied; "As | understand II, the
DILL provides for the election OF delegates
in November, 1905. the meeting OF the
convention In December to prepare the
draft Of the proposed constitution.
Then, I'm 1895, they submit the draft
10 the general assembly, elected under
the rotten borough system as II is term
ed by some. 70 tinker with and amend
as IL suits them If approved IL goes
10 the 1907 assembly to be tinkered with
some more. ~ IL desires. and then in
1901. II approved IL goes out 10 the people
for their sanction by three-hfth vote
before 1t can he a part OF the copsti-
tuition.
1T is directly opposite Nto the process
which think Is the better one and would
in working out hardly attain the ends the
union desires"