The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-07-10
ADDRESS TO PEOPLE [j]I|F'IL.IF
" the State Of Michigan Sub.
hitting the Proposed Re.
vision of the Present
Constitution.

oeh'ie It's auJourhment, prepare and
adopt an address to the people of the
state explaining the proposed changes
In the present constitution, and the
reason for such changes, and such 9TH
or nNatters as to the convention shall
seem advisable"
In compliance with the foregoing
provision the people of the state of
Michigan are invited to consider a
proposed revision of the existing con-
stitution. 1t will appear that the re-
vised instrument follows closely the
iines or the present constitution. 1t
Will be found that the changes pro-
posed are either. necessary or expedi-
ent, to meet new conditions, or to make
more certain the provisions OF the con-
stitution of 1850. Since the latter year
Michigan has grown from less than
$4,000 people to a great agricultural.
mining, manufacturing, Industrial and
commercial community of more than
100000 inhabitants. The constitution
OF 1850 has remained the organic law
OF the state for fifty-eight years. Our
society has grown vastly more COM
plicated. it's activities multiplied its
structure changed; every interest af-
fecting its development and minister
ing to its needs and welfare has been
deepened and broadened. The agencies
OF production and distribution have in
creased thousand fold. 1N -''
The assessed wealth of the state has
Increased from less than thirty mill
lions in 1850 to more than sixteen hum
dred and fifty-four millions in 1907
figures which forbid comprehension.
The city OF Detroit contains a larger
population today than did the entire
state Of Michigan in 1850. The mar
velous growth of the intervening years
Is thus portrayed and emphasized. BY
reason of this growth and transforma-
ton the constitution adopted fifty eight
years ago naturally admits of bene-
fetal revision and material amend
ment. ---.t..
In the revised constitution the old
framework OF government is most
carefully preserved: '--..-.N structrIrai'
changes are proposed. The historic
safeguards of salife,E liberty anasgprop-A
erty remain, with here and there
word or line to make those guarantees
more ample and certain. 1t is believed
that the efficiency of the state. govern
ment, by the adoption Of ,thes iamend-
ments proposed Twill be materially in
creased and better adapted to the re-
qrirements of theF present day. The
convention has applied fits work to
, questions OF northumberland as
closely as possible only deviating
therefrom in cases. eXceptionalGin char
acter or demanding revision by reason
OF changed conditions. 1t has been the
aim of the convention to leave matters
purely legislative in character to be
dealt with by the legislature as public
opinion may demand from time to time.
1t was early recognized and fully APP
preciated by the convention that
ERROR in the constitution may con-
tinue indefinitely while ERROR in
legislation admits of speedy correc-
tion. h@T tee @
The revision is chiefly distinguished
by certain new provisions deserving
particular mention by reason of their
obvious Importance. The following are
specified:
"a The elimination of the state CEN
Sus; (Sec 4, Art. V, Revision).
CD No local or special act of the leg
lslature can be passed in any case
where a general act can be made APP
plicable; (Sec. 80, Art. V, Revision).
3D. No local or special act shall take
effect until approved by a majority of
the electors voting thereon in the dis
trict to be affected; (Sec. 80, Art V,
Revision).
a. All legislation shall be by bill
thus preventing loose or hasty leglsla-
lion by joint or concurrent resolution;
(Sec. 49, Art. V, Revision).
(5.) No bill shall be passed or be-
rome a law at any regular session OF
the legislature until such bill has been
printed and in the possession of each
house for at least five days; (Sec %,
Art. V, Revision).
60 The representatives in the legis-
lature are placed upon a salary OF
$4,000 for the term, with a proviso that
when convened in extra session their
compensation shall be five dollars per
hay for the first twenty days and moth
ing thereafter; (Sec. Q, Art. ", Revi-
sion).
! (7.) The local governments are
granted enlarged powers; (See Art.
VIII, ,Revision)
(S.) A liberal scheme of home rule
for cities and villages has been ncor-
porated. (Sec. 81, Art. VIII, Revision).
(9.) Under safe restrictions cities and
villages may operate public utilities.
being first authorized by the affirrna--
live vote of three-fifths of the electors
voting thereon; (Secs. %, 20 and "a.
Art VIII. Revision). pa.
\ 10) The elective franchise is ex-
tended to women upon questions which
seek to impose direct taxes upon their
property; (Sec. 4, Art. III, Revision;
Sec. %, Art VIII. Revision).
. Q1) Committees OF the legislature
are placed under the control OF a ma
orty, Of that body, thereby subjectng t.
bills :, and measures in the. hands of
committees to the control of a majority q
vote. of either house; (Sec. Is, Art. V,
Revision). 81 90 =.
: d2) The Legislature is required to
DrONlQerra aSySJtIH III accounts
ing by all state officials, boards and
Institutions. and by all county officials:
fSec. 49, Art. X Revision). - t.4 80
OBJ The governor is vested with
power to veto specific items in appro-
priation bills; (Sec. 81, Art. V, Revi-
sion).
G4) Provision is made for the tax +.
alton OF the property of express, tele-
phone, telegraph, freight and other car
companies, and all corporations en-
gagged in any other public service bust
ness; (Sec. 5, Art. X, Revision).
(5) The general supervision of the
Agricultural College and the direction
and control of its funds Is vested in
the state board OF agriculture; CSec.
}. Art. XII, Reyision).
(16) Provision is made for the cleo
ton by the people of a state board of
agriculture to consist of six members
20 supersede the present method of APP
continent by the governor; (Sec. z,
Art. XI, Revision).
Q7.) 1t is provided that corporate
franchises can not be granted for a
0nuer term than thirty years; (Sec. 3,
Art. XII, Revision).
ugD No state money shall be de-
posited in banks other than those or
ranIzed under the national or state
banking laws; (Sec. Is, Art. X, Revi-
sion).
G9) No state money shall be deposit
id nj any, bank In excess Of fifty per 2
cent OF the capital and surplus of such