The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1907-07-12
CHANGES ARE MADE
The Constitutional Convention May
Destroy Republican Objections
to Original Document.
to the ohieftain.


commendable spirit of fairness, the
assembled constitutional conven-
tion is endeaVoriDg to meet objections
to the constitution as now framed, and
to adjust the legislative apportion-
ment so as to give no cause for fur
ther Republican complaint. The list
Of twenty-six objections sent to
Messrs. Murray and Ledbetter by At
torney General Boneparte will receive
careful consideration and fair treat
ment.
Just what changes in the original
document will be made as yet remains
to be seen, but the general opinion
prevails that many Objectionable fea-
lures set forth in the communication
from Mr.. Bonaparte Will be so modi-
fed as to avoid further friction and
delay.
Many important changes we're made
yesterday in provisions to which OBJ
lection has been offered, but when 1t
came to the alleged gerrymander the
delegates baked.
The most important amendments
we're those touching public service
corporations They include the com
plete elimination OF the section pro-
hibiting foreign corporations from re.
moving case from state to federal
courts without consent of the other
party, and material modification of
the section giving the state the right
to discriminate against foreign cor
porations in whatever way IL pleased
The section prohibiting the pur-
chase by public service corporations
of parallel or competing lines was
amended to read: Except by enact
ment Of the legislature, on recon-
mendatiUn of the corporation COM
mission" and further provision was
added denying the legislature the
right to permit mergers of the sort
between foreign corporations.
To the much criticised section de-
nying the franchise to officers and
soldiers of the regular army, an
amendment was offered covering the
features objected to, but was later
Withdrawn TO allow revision Of the
wording and was not acted upon at
this time.
The coventi0n knocked out the sec
tion in the suffrage chapter by
which it has been charged the
Democrats had expected to be
able to disfranchise the negro through
legislative action, and without the
necessity for constitutional amend
ment. 1t provides that the legisla-
ture may make additional limitations
on the right of suffrage and may add
additional disabilities thereto
Even the initiative and referendum,
which has been regarded as almost a
sacred thing by some Of the members
of the convention was subjected to
number Of changes. IL was provided
thar the legislature should make pro-
visions for carrying the initiative and
referendum into effect If it failed
or made inadequate provision, the
governor OF the state SHOULD do SO by
executive order. The governor is now
deprived Of legislative authority.
Another change is that any measure
referred to the people by the initiative
a majority of all votes cast az
the election at which it is presented,
while measure referred by the refer
endun shall be approved if it receives
"a majority Of the votes cast there
on"
The provision that the writ Of hab
Gus corpus shall not be suspended is
amended by adding by the authqri-
tiles of this state, so as to make it
clear that no interference with federal
is intended.
The section providing that no feder.
Il ofilceholder shall be Eligible to any
oflice" in the state was amended to
provide that he shall not hold any
such Office.
Bob" Williams pointed out that a
strict construction Of the section
night prevent Governor Frantz from
a candidate for governor Of
he new state while he retained a fed
iral position as governor Of the terri
ory Of Oklahoma.
The section providing jury trials in
cases is restricted to apply
,nly when not in the presence or hear
ng Of the court or a Judge sitting as
uch. Instead Of requiring the board
# agriculture to be elected in such
manner as the legislature shall pro-
lde, it is now to be selected.
Delegate Kornegay is still contend
ng for some Of his personal ideas on
he initiative and referendum.