The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-04-05
FAVOR DELAYING
The REVISION
Republican Leaders Plan 1or
Constitutional Convention.
GOES TO PEOPLE IN 1908
Delegates 10 Convention Elected Precisely
the Same as The General ASssmbGmsn
Are Chosen.

Ata conference between Governor Ut
ter and the Republican leaders I'm the gem
eral assembly a form OF getting at the
constitutional convention problem in re-
sponse TO the popular demand was decided
an such a way as TO delay the suomis-
sion OF the question OF forming OF such
n convention until the next presidential
year. 1908 and the revision of the Con
stitution. n any. until nearly 1910.
There is a measure now before the spe-
cial legislation committee or the SEN
ate approved by the Citizens union or
Rhode Island, which will apparently he
regulated TO rearmost seat in favor OF
this new partisan measure
The scheme provides for legislative in
dorsement IN the interim, as does the
citizens plan. but cut out the election
of delegates 90 the convention until the
whole project is assured. while 1t also
confines the representation In this conven-
tion TO the manner OF representation then
in vogue In the assembly.
The promoters OF the plan say their
object is the same as that desired by the
Citizens union. but its working out Is
arranged after the style which Is consid-
cred by its promoters as being OF greater
value as a public measure.
The new plan in effect provides for r.
Constitutional convention. to be decided
on by the people in 1908. with provisions
made for similar Endorsement and legis-
latfve sanction that is included In Pro-
Yessof MacDonald's and the unions plan.
REVERSED UNIONS PLAN.
The plan is almost a reversal OF the
unions ideas. as Il calls first for the
passage OF the enabling resolution by
the present general assembly, concur
renee by the assembly OF 1905. and adop-
ton by the people In the fall OF 1905. II
adopted by the people. IL will become
n part OF the present Constitution. so
that in 1903 and every 20 years thereafter
there must be submitted 10 the people the
qustion OF whether or not there shall be n
Constitutional convention.
A reason for the delay in submitting
the proposition to the people until 1908 is
explained by Governor Utter I'm that 1905
being presidential election, more
popular endorsement or disapproYal OF II
might be obtained.
Another feature OF the plan that is
rega rded by It's hacker as being an i'm
portant one r. that the representation
for such "A convention II just the same
as that OF tho general assembly. The
plan Of the Citizens union, by which the
cities are given the control OF the con-
vention. being killed by what is regarded
as more equal representation.
SAME AS THE ASSEMBLY
The substitute measure may be even
tually reported In a form somewhat as
follows:
Resolved. a majority OF all the mem
bers elected TO each house OF TIE general
assembly voting therefor, that the follow
ing amendment TO the constitution OF the
state be proposed TO the qualihod electors
OF the state. in accordance with article
13 OF the constitution for their adoption
90 be denominated article il OF amend
ments:
Article IL. section I. In addition TO the
method provided for the amendment OF
the constitution OF this state by article
13 thereof. the general assembly, at the
general election TO be held in the year
1908 and in each goth year thereafter
shall by law provide that the question
shall there be a convention to revise the
constitution be decided by the electors
and In case a majority OF the electors
voting at such election shall vote in the
affirmative, the general assembly at itS
next session shall provide by law for the
election OF delegates to such convention
The number OF delegates shall be equa
90 the number OF members OF the gen.
eral assembly. and shall be apportonet
among the several towns and citle:
in the same manner the mem
bers OF the general assembly one
delegate from each town and city shal
be elected by the electors qualified e
vote for senator therein. and the remain
ing delegates. from each town and citS
shall be elected In the same manner a:
members of the house OF representatives
are elected. No revision or amendment
OF this constitution agreed upon by such
convention shall take effect until the same
has been submitted 10 the electors and
approved by three-ffths OF those voting
for and against the same"