The Springdale news., 1918-11-15
STATE NEWS ITEM


Arkansas this week begins an lRtehs-
i've campaign Of publicity in behalf
of the proposed new Constitution.
From every part Of the state come
increasingly favorable reports as to
the attitude of the people toward the
new law. The fact that proposed
amendments to the old Constitution
were defeated in the general cleo
ton last week has been construed as
meaning that the few who voted at
all considered that it was useless to
vote for amendments that are em-
bodied in the new Constitution TO be
voted on Dec. Il.
\ careful analysis Of the new Com
stitution viii reveal numerous chang
es that ar maze from the old in
strument. aside from the greater
issues. that are recognized as I'M
provements:
Prosecuting Attorneys hereafter to
be known as District Attorneys. are
to be placed on a salary in lieu Of the
present fee system.
Members of the Legislature are
placed on salary, not to exceed
$1,000 for four year term, to be
fixed by law
The House of Representatives is
increased to 10 members.
The offices of Commissioner Of
Lands and Highways. Commissioner
of Education, Commissioner of Mines,
Manufactures. and Agriculture. Bank
Commissioner and Insurance Com
missioner are made Constitutional
instead of statutory. as they are AT
present.
Two new counties are created
Evans being formed cut Of Logan
and Wilson cut Of Clay.
1t is provided that an Actuarial
Bureau to fix insurance rates may be
created. to be under the control u
the Insurance Commissioner
4 is provided that kindergartens
may be established as a part Of the
public school system. and that a tax
not TO exceed one-fourth of enc mill
may be levied for public library pur-
poses
Il is provided that state or county
conviets may be worked upon the
public roads or upon any public works
under the proper state or county
supervision" but that no convic.
shall ever be leased or hired to any
person. firm or corporation
Laws may be enacted to encourage
forestry and TO conserve and regulate
/ the exploitation of natural resources.
4 proviso will permit the state to
acquire. own and operate its own
printing plant
The maintenance Of the eonfed-
crate Home and the payment Of Con-
federate pensions Is made mandatory
on the General Assembly.
State. county and municipal officers
are permitted to make bonds with
surety companies.
No officer. Of any district. county,
city or town shall receive emoIuments
exceeding 5000 net per annum.
The exchange. solicitation or giving
out # labor "black-lists" is prohib-
tied. and injustice toward and per
secution Of !ahorers thereby prohib-
tied
L IS provided that the General
Assembly may enact workmen's
compensation law.
Il IS provided that the General
Assembly may authorize the appoint
meat OF State Ge0logist by the Gov
ernor.
l. Is provided that the law-making
power may reduce the maximum con-
tract rate Of interest to eight per
cent per annum.
Il 5 provided that the Supreme
Court may assign circuit judges to
other districts than those in which
they reside which will frequently
greatly expedite legislation.
The Fishback Amendment" pro
h.bitng the payment Of Indebtedness
or pretended claims, incurred prior
TO 1874, is retained in the new instru-
ment.
10 state or county contracts shall
be awarded To persons related to the
officers making the awards, which
VIII prevent family fayoritism.
he state shall be redistricted from
time TO time for Senatorial purposes
according 10 the population shown bv
the Federal Census. but the Senate
shall never exceed thirty-five mem
bers
All State Officers shall be elected
Tor four-year term, and shall be
ineligible too succeed themselves ar
become a candidate for any Other
office during the time for which tbev
were elected.
There has never been Just such an
election as that which was hell in
Arkansas last week.
mere vas no interest in it. ap-
'afentiy anywhere in the state, ex-
#eept IA few Instances where tbora
were local contests.
me most carefully organized news
paper agencies were unable three davs
after the polls closed. to account for
more than 10000 votes. 1t is nrob
Oh
4ole that not more than 10000 votes
We're cast IN the state. while the nor
MAJ Voting strength is nearer 100000
10 be sure, there was no contest for
state officers. although the Socialists