Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1910-11-22
CONSTITUTION IS COMPLETED
Race and Language Question Form
the Paramount Issues.
MR.. TAFT's ADVICE IS REGARDED
Advocates of "Sufe and sane DOcu-
ment Opposed by Delegates, Who
Made InsIstent Demands for
PrOgreasive Features.

SANTA FE, N. NJ, Nov. 2.-The consu-
tuition for the state of New Mexico, framed
by the convention which closed today, con-
tains 10000 words, 1870 sections grouped into
twenty-five articles.
Probably no other commonwealth ever
was confronted with the peculiar difficult
ties that faced the constitutional conven-
ton when IL assembled Chief and para
mount despite repeated denial, was the
race and language question.
The $4,000 people of New Mexico who are
Of fSpanish-American descent demanded pro-
lection of their equality before the law, and
retention of their ancient rights and prlv-
ileges. They were suspicious Of the fed
eral enabling act which demands that arf
the state officers and Legislators must
speak English,
The convention also bore in mind the ad-
vice of President Taft TO formulate q safe
and sane" constitution, a constitution un-
like that of Oklahoma 1t, too had to take
into consideration the insistent demands for
progressive features, demand out Of
which the democratic minority naturally
made political capital.
The various county debts. which the new
state is to assume. the regulation OF land
donations of 100000 the regulation OF the
to be dealt with.
New Features Adopted.
As a result a constitution following the
older models was adopted with these salient
new features;
An elective corporation commission hav-
ing no judicial powers, but having the
right to regulate rates for transportation
and transmission, to grant charters and to
Il
ranRement Immediately takes the decisions
of the commission to the state supreme
court, which must pass upon them with
| out delay.
The initiative was rejected, but refer
| endum clause was included, which enables
| 20 per cent Of the voters, upon petition, tc
suspend a law within ninety days of a
! legislative session and 10 per cent OF the
voters upon petition to submit a law passed
by the last legislature to a popular vote al
the next election, while majority of the
legislature. may submit to the people con
stituuonal amendments.
Prohibition and local option were ex.
| cluded, but the way was left open to the
next Legislature to deal with these ques.
tions. A stringent anti-pass section was
| adopted
Raises boundary of Dispute,
The constitution raises a boundary dis.
pute with Texas and Colorado; It provides
for an elective judiciary from top to bot
tom and for elective state officers. II i'm
its the tax rate to 12 mills the first two
years and 10 mills after that. It grants {,
women the right TO vote at school elections
and makes them eligible to be schoo
directors and county school superintend
ents The constitution also abolishes the fe
system, at present the rule. It prohibits
separate schools for Anglo-saxons AM
spanish-Americans and provides for tn
payment by the state OF the railroad bon,
Indebtedness OF s1,OOO.OOO through the sal
OF 100000 acres OF land granted by con
gress. No distinction is to be in the fran
chise in jury duty, in holding office othe
than that Of state and legislature on &C
count Of inability to speak English.