The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1922-08-25
NEWS FROM THE CONSTI.
TUTIONAL CONVENTION

| WAASsIh Ny IAAGEuJlNe
Secretary Of the Missouri Press As.
ISOLATION.
Jefferson City, Aug. 18.--Aftei
more than week Of general debate on
the report of the Committee on Judic-
larry it has become apparent that no
vote will be reached on the report as a
whole for another week. While the
report has been freely criticised by
several members Of the convention il
is not believed that the contending
force are so far apart as appears OH
the surface, The evident desire of all
that the best possible document shall
be devised for the benefit Of the peo-
pie is clear. The method of arrival at
a common understanding is the prob
lem to be solved. One member ex-
pressed the belief that 70 per cent of
the members of the convention desire
a change that will simplify the judic-
ial system, and he declared that they
must get in the frame of mind to eff
feet compromise If they were to
work out system that would be sat-
isfactory to the majority and that
they could offer to the people as a
step in advance over the present mode
of procedure.
The provision for new county
court offered by the committee has
met with considerable opposition, but
some modification may meet the gen.
eral approval. The idea of the judic-
larry committee is to have the new
county court take the place of the
probate court and also that it be given
jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases
and over civil cases up to 1000, with
concurrent jurisdiction with the cir
cult court between $1,000 and $4,000.
Open at all times is will be accessi-
BILE to the public and be real peo-
pies court. Provision is made that
the Judges can hold court in more than
one place in the county, thus serving
the convenience Of people living at a
distance from the county seat. 1t is
provided that the judges shall possess
the same qualifications as are re-
ouired for Judges on the circuit bench,
and that they may sit in the place OF
circuit judges when occasion demands.
1t is designed that the circuit judges
will handle felony cases, divorce cas-
es and civil actions where large sums
are in litigation. 1t is also designed
that they will relieve county judges
in counties where the work is too
heavy for one Judge. The way is left
open for the legislature to provide
for justices of the peace in small
communities where there is a demand
for them, giving them civil jurisdic-
ton in cases up to $3.50. Much has
been said in debate for the retention
Of these justice courts, the opponents
to the committee report urging their
retention in the constitution. Some
speakers have urged one trial court,
and would provide for circuit court
in each county with enough extra
Judges to help those who are over
worked. 1t is possible that some such
system may be worked out.
One of the principal bones OF con-
,ention is the provision for the ju-
licial council, or the powers given it
~ the committee. Here again the
forces are not so lar
part as might be judged by some OF
he speeches. Suggestions are being
,ffered for amending this feature OF |
he report that may make it satisfac-
ory to a large majority of the mem
,ers of the convention. One is that
he judicial council, however constl-
uted, be given power to promulgate
he rules OF practice and procedure
to courts of record, and al
o. when the business Of court re-
uires, to provide by rule or order for
&c from pOIITt |
o another to prevent delay and re-
eve congestion, with the provision
hat these rules shall be submitted to
he legislature for approval. 1t is Sc
iously questioned whether the coun-
il provided for by the committee
nth its absolute powers will meet the
pproval of the convention. Amend
tents will undoubtedly be made for
here seems to be belief that the
ouncil will be acceptable in modl-
ed form.
While a great amount of time has
cen taken up in the discussion OF
MS report 1t is one of the most I'M
ortant subjects with which the con-
ention will have to deal. The dispo-
ition of the committee has been to
low everyone who wished to speak
,r or against the report an opportun-
v to be heard. When all have spoken
ho wish on the general proposition
lie report will be taken up section by
action and is then open for amend
tent or approval. Several of the
oeakers have given notice that they ;
ill offer amendments to certain sec
ons with which they are not in full
cord, and it is believed by this pro-
,ss the members will find common
round on which all can stand.
Unless provided for in some other
,rm the public service commission
ill not get a place in the new con-
tuition, following the action of the
ommittee on Executive and Minis J
rial Departments in voting against
'oposal No. 115. This provided for
e establishment as constitutional
,dy of the public service commission
Missouri, consisting of five COM
issioners appointed by the governor :
i'd each holding office for six years. I
ne present commission is so COM
,sed and it has practically the same
'wers, the difference being that it is
statutory body. While some mem 7
RS of the committee appear to favor Q
me body of this kind as branch of ?
e ministerial departments, the MEM I
RS all hesitate to name it specific i
a 4 l. II