The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-01-18
FIX UP Old ONE.
Plan to Hold a State COnStitu-
tiOnal Convention.
Senator Stannard Thinks Pres.
ent Document Is Obsolete.
NEED MANY CHANGES
Will Precipitate a Lively Row in
the Legislature.
Travis affinity" Bill Makes Its
Appearance.

A resolution looking to the calling of
a constitutional convention, was intro
duced by Senator c. A. Stannard, OF
Emporia, who says such step should
be taken by the legislature and the
people of Kansas. If, when the resolu-
ton goes to the committee, it is reported
favorably, there will probably be live
ly session in the senate over the adop-
ton of such measure. The passage
of the resolution at this session, would
call for a vote on the question in the
general election in November, 1S1z- IL
the proposition carried the 1913 leglsla-
ture would then make provision Tor the
calling of the congress.
According to the senator from Lyon
county, the constitution is old and more
or less out of date and harmony with
the fancies and whims of the Kansas
voters. He says that the many pro-
posed changes would twist the orlgl-
nal form into such a shape that even
the constitutions own parents would
not recognize it. For these reasons he
feels that a congress should be held
that will fix the matter for some years
to come
changes said Stannard, that I think
a convention should be held and al
Just some of these matters and make
new constitution that will fit our pres
ent needs. There is the proposition for
the trial of all civil cases before the
jurisdiction in the federal courts, there
is the recall, the initiative and referer-
dunn, the short ballot bill and all these
things, which if they pass, viii require
many changes in the constitution.
STANDARDS theory is not universal in
the senate by any means. Many of the
men in the upper house believe that
the old, ironclad constitution OF Kan
sas should be left just as it is, ana
that any effort at fixing will only result
tod C1In
measure gets by the committee the SEN
ate will see one of the warmest lights
of the session when the kinks are IRON
ed out on the floor.
Senator Milton, of Wyandotte, has a
Arm conviction that Kansas needs
deed of trust law and he will introduce
a measure similar in construction TO
the one in operation in Missouri, where
the Kansas City senator sometimes
loans money. He claims for his bill
that it will reduce the interest rate In
Kansas and make possible the lOaning
of money in the state that now goes
elsewhere on account of the 10 months
redemption law. He would not repeal
the present mortgage law, but would
make the term of foreclosure in Kan
sas shorter than the statutes at pres
ent provide. He would also do away
with reciverships in the cases of the
small borrower and would make pro-
vision that Wl6r6 Cne man VINO DOFTOWS
money for one, two or i've years should
make a showing when his paper falls
due and should not plead the customary
redemDtionS.
Senator Robertson has introduced a
bill, which will provide for the country
school in the weak district where there
is little property of value and where the
patrons cannot afford to employ a
teacher, but want their children to at
tend school at home. Robertson would
compel a general tax of one-half of one
mill on all real and personal property
which amount should be paid into the
state treasury for the support of the
weaker and less fortunate school dis
tricts.
Senator Carey has a new bill or
county engineers. outlining their du-
ties, but leaving their selection option
al with the county commissioners il
the various counties.
Senator Milton would amend the
present state banking laws governing