Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-11-28
Constitutional ReUision

Pittsburgh Post Democrat).- -
The commission named by Governor
Sproul to start the movement for
revision of the State constitution
strikes us as close to the ideal in its
composition. including not only men
of eminent ability and training in
public affairs, but also women, so
that the subject may be dealt with
wisely and sympathetically from
every viewpoint. Included in it are
two members of the Presidents
cabinet, Attorney General Palmer
and Secretary of Labor Wilson. At
torney General Schaffer is the head
of the commission. Other State Of
ficers and former officers are in
cluded. Lawyers who are recognized
as authorities on constitutional sub
jects, jurists, farmers and journalists
are other members. This commun-
ity Is well represented. 1t is the
duty OF the body. which was author
lied by the latest session of the
Legislature, to study "comprehen-
sively and in detail the provisions
of the present constitution, in the
light of modern thought and condi-
tions," and make recommendations
to the next session as to what
changes are needed and how best to
effect them, whether by amendment
of particular sections or articles. or
by general revision. The popular
impression that nothing short cs
general revision will do. and that
the sooner public discussion. looking
toward a constitutional convention
Is taken up, the better.
Let this commission take up it's
work with the assurance that the
people of to-day will back it up en-
ChuGiaatically IL it recommends the
calling of a convention for general
revision.
WiIkcs-Barrc Record U9cpubli-
can) On the whole Governor
Sprouts appointments on the COM
mission to consider the advisability
of making changes in the Constitu-
ton of the State and to recommend
visable will meet with popular ap-
proval. 1t Is evident that the Gov
ernor game much thought to the
personnel. The twenty-five mem
bers, including two women, repre-
sent tho many diverse interests that
should have a hand In the work.
Most of the members have q State
wide reputation and will have the
| confidence OF the people. Two of
tne members are Onlleu states AT
torney General Palmer and Secre-
tary of Labor Wilson.
The initial task, that of revising
the Constitution in the light of
modern requirements, will be full of
difficulty. The members of the
commission will be bombarded with
many suggestions, sane and insane
temperate and revolutionary. II
will require much courage and much
intelligent planning to draft q code
of fundamental law that will at once
represent progress In meeting
changed conditions and will steer
clear of fanaticism and idiosyncracy
Only q commission made up of
broad minded, outstanding members
could be safely entrusted with such
a task. A glance at the names in
spires confidence that the commits
sion's report will make a strong ap-
peal to the people.
Evening Ledger independent. -
However unsatisfactory the situation
may be, 1t does not justify pessi-
mism. Constitutional revision L.
nearer than 1t has been for years.
| It's opponents in the past have sue
ceeded in obstructing all efforts to-
ward a change. This year they
were able to do no more than to
secure postponement until a more
convenient season. They had to con-
sent to the creation of commission
to study the subject. This is a long
step in advance. 1t brings the sub
ject up for public discussion with
concrete proposals in prospect.
There may be lingering hope in
some quarters that the commission
will ask for more time from the next
Legislature, but the chances are that
the people of the State will object
to further delay and will insist that
their representatives permit them te
make for themselves a modern con.
stitution and to eliminate from tht
| present document its medley OF out
| grown and archaic provisions.