The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1910-11-25

SANTA re, y. NJ, NOV. 20 ne cOh-
ssitutional convention which met here
4 October 8 to frame constitution for
the state Of New Mexico, as provided
for in the enabling act passed by the
sixty-frst congress on June 20, 1910,
adjourned sine die Monday The ses-
sion of The convention was limited
TO sixty working days by the act Of
congress, but the delegates, in their
eagerness to finish and get the docu-
ment before congress during the
coming short session, has brought
their labors to an early conclusion.
The constitution will be submitted to
the people Of New Mexico the latter
part OF January for ratification, and
thereafter II will be passed on by con-
gress and President Taft.
Fourth Of It's Kind Held.
The convention just closed is the
fourth one Of its kind held in New
Mexico. The first constitutional con
vention was held in 1850, at which
time an organic law was adopted dc.
claring against slavery. 1t was sub.
mitted to congress but was rejected
On September 2, 1899, second
constitutional convention assembled
IN the historic territorial capital
This constitution was voted down
when submitted to the people for rati-
fication. A year later, OF on August
27, 1890, the convention reassembled
and revised the constitution previous
" adopted by 1t, only 10 have II turn.
ed down by the people secoild time.
Despite The setbacks Of former
years In their efforts 20 secure the
rights of self-goyernnent, the people
Of New Mexico believe that the con
stltution just completed will be ratI-
fled by an overwhelming vote att the
coming election, and that it will meet
the approval OF congress and the pres
ident, making possible the admission
of the territory as state by July 4,
1911.
The constitution was framed by a
convention composed OF 100 delegates
elected from tweniy.i TX counties. The
republicans controlled by a majority
Of n to 20 democrats. This party
therefore, claims the major credit for
framing the organic law and will
shoulder all responsibility. The con
stitu,ion contains upwards of 10000
words and comprises a total of TWEEN
ty articles. Admitting that there IS
much legislation contained in its 300
sections, the document, according to
an unbiased opinion, has many re-
deeming and progressive features
and few that call for condemnation.
There Is an utter absence OF radical
provisions, and the only form of di-
rect legislation is referendum
clause which will permit the people
to repeal laws passed by the state
legislature should any prove especial.
! ly obnoxious.
Provisions Of the New Constitution.
Among other things, the constitu-
tion provides:
All state, county and municipal cGi-
GERS shall be elected by the people.
"A supreme court of three justices,
eight district judges and a state cor
poration commission consisting Of
three commissioners, shall be elected.
State and county officers are to
hold office for terms of four years
and are to be ineligible for re-elec
tion to the Office they hold, or for any
other state or county Office. until
four years have elapsed exceptions
being made as to the state superin-
tendent of public instruction, state
commissioner of public lands, pro
bate judge and probate clerks.
Amendments to the constitution
must first be passed by two-thirds
vote of the legislature and then
adopted by majority vote OF the
qualified electors. No more than
dhree proposed amendments shall %
submitted at any one time.
All ate officials, members OF the
corporation commission and members
Of the judiciary, as well as Legislators
are forbidden to accept passes from
the railroads or iavors Of any kind
from corporations or individuals
The notorious fee system which now
prevails in county Offices, and which
has allowed such officers TO become
rich, particularly county treasures
and assessors, is done away with, all
officers being placed on stipulated /
salaries.
Women are given the right OF bal
lot at school elections and may hold |
ofiic eas school director or county SUI
perintendent Of schools.
Generous Grant Of Lands fol Schools.
The generous grant Of public lands.