The sun., 1919-08-18
SWEEPING REFORM |
PLANNED IN PERU.
President Leguia Outlines
4 Radical Changes in
Proclamation.
THREE FEDERAL STATES
Regional Assemblies to Be
Created for Local Self
Government.

Sweeping democratic reforms In the
constitution Of Peru are outlined III tne
recent proclamation issued by President
Leguia of the Provisional Government
which replaced the Pardo regime as the
result of the coup detat OF July q
President Lesuia in issuing this procla-
nation stated that the overthrow Oh the
former administration was the culmina-
ton OF a national movement for more
democratic form OF government Tor
Peru and that for this reason the nrst
action of the new regime should be ex.
tensive constitutional reforms sanctioned
by the people themselves.
With this aim in view he has pro-
claimed general elections and the meet
ing of a constituent assembly on Sep
,ember 10, which shall take Up the
work of democratizing the Peruvian
constitution. The various REFORMS are
to be submitted to the nation at the
time of the general elections and II IA
vorably voted upon are to be promui-
gated by the Assembly when It convenes.
Among the most important changes
contemplated is one which 10 In effect
liberalization scheme which will prac-
tically divide Peru into three Federal
States by establishing three regional as
sembles, meeting at Trujillo, Huancayo
and Arequipa. There Will be then
north, centre and south OF the republic.
These regional assemblies will hold each
year a session of thirty days duration
which may not be prorogued. Their
powers will be fixed by special law and
they will not occupy themselves with
personal affairs in any form. Their
resolutions will be communicated to the
Executive power for PRONUNCIATION and
IL he considers them Incompatible with
the general laws or the national inter-
ests they will be submitted with the
Executives observations to the national
Congress, which will proceed with them
| in the same manner as with laws vetoed.
Other important measures to be re-
| ferred to the national vote are as fol-
| lows:
| The renewal OF the legislative power
shall be complete and shall coincide with
the renewal of the executive power. The
duration of both shall be five years
! This change is evidently planned to gain
effective cooperation between the two
branches of the Government
The legislative power shall consist OF
Senate composed of thirty-five Sena'
tors and a Chamber of 10 Deputies
This number shall not be altered except
by a further constitutional reform. Ar
organic law will designate the depart.
mental and provincial electoral divi-
sions and the number of members to be
| elected by each.
The Legislature and the President
shall be elected by direct popular vote.
The ordinary Congress shall sit each
year for a session of not less than ninety
days or more than 100. Extraordinary
sessions shall be called when necessary
by the Executive.
| Congress shall assemble only to in
augurate its sessions, sanction interna'
tional treaties and comply with tho
powers granted 1t by the constitution.
There is incompatibilty in any mem
Der of Congress holding public employ
ment, whether local or national.
The diplomatic Ministers shall b
named by the Government Executive,
with the approval of the Senate.
Conflicts between capital and lahs
shall be submitted to obligatory arbitra
ton. This represents progressive socia
legislation of the sort found very work
able In New Zealand and Australia
Taxation on revenue shall be progress
sive.
A Council of State shall be forme,
composed of six members named by tn
vote of the Council of Ministers and ap
proved by the Senate. The cases l.
which the Government must listen t
the opinion of the council and tn
cases in which it shall not procee
against such opinion shall be determine
by law.
No one may draw more than one sa
airy from the State, whatever the EN-
ployment or function which he executes
The salaries or emolument paid by locs
Institutions or societies dependent on tn
Government are included in this prohlb
ton.