time in that way. I had supposed that all reports from committees would take their place on the general order, and be referred to, and considered by, the committee of the whole.

;

chairman, has been somewhat wearied far as I am concerned, it is immaterial by their labors for some days past, and to me when this subject comes up, if would be very glad to throw this mat- those who are particularly interested in it, and desire to discuss it, have a ter upon its appropriate committee. Mr. MCCLELLAND. I would be fair opportunity to be heard. I know This particular subject-matter was very much pleased to have this com- my colleague, (Mr. D. GOODWIN,) who taken from the committee on the legis-mittee adopt the motion made by the is compelled to be absent, endeavored lative department, for some wise reason gentleman from Shiawassee, (Mr. PAR- to get some one else to take his place, undoubtedly, in order that it might sONS.) My colleague who submitted a and discharge his official duties, but have a committee of its own who should report upon this subject, (Mr. D. GOOD- failed. It seems to me that considertake charge of it, manage it, and per- WIN,) is absent, and I know he is very ation should have some weight with fect it in its different stages. The sub- desirous of being here when this sub- this committee. ject matter which was referred to that ject is discussed. If he was absent Mr. BLACKMAN. I certainly cancommittee has been reported upon by upon private business, as a matter of not see any reason for the postponethe committee, and that report is now course I could not expect that any len- ment urged. While it may be true, as offered as an amendment to the article ity would be shown him. But he is the gentleman from Wayne, (Mr. Mcon the legislative department. And absent discharging his duties as a CLELLAND,) has stated, that some memvery much against my wishes I am judge, in the Lake Superior region, bers on that side of the question who compelled, as chairman of the commit- and I am informed that he will return desire to be heard are absent, it is also tee on the legislature department, to by Wednesday next. Under the cir- true that there are absentees on the take charge of a subject which was cumstances, I would suggest whether other side of the question. considered by a larger committee than it would be extending the courtesy of Mr. McCLELLAND. I would inthe one I am chairman of, and a com- this committee, or of the Convention, quire if there is any one in favor of mittee composed of more distinguished too far, to allow at least that length of the other side of the question who is gentlemen, at least than the chairman time in order that he may be able to absent on special duty as my colleague of the legislative committee. I think return, to take part in the discussion is? I believe the gentleman from Van it is, therefore, an additional burden and consideration of this subject. It Buren is a lawyer. I ask him whether upon the committee on the legislative will be remembered that but four mem- it would be proper for my colleague, department to compel us to engineer bers of the committee on intoxicating Judge GOODWIN, to be present here, reports of a larger committee through liquors reported in favor of the amend- when those pressing duties are resting the committee of the whole. I think ment proposed by the gentleman from upon him as a judge? the proper way would be for the report Lenawee; and an equal number, four, Mr. BLACKMAN. I cannot, and of the committee on intoxicating liquors reported against it; or rather four shall not, undertake to decide what duto take its place on the general or spe- members reported in favor of embody-ties are paramount to our duties here cial orders, and that it be considered ing the provision in the Constitution, as delegates to this Convention; I by the Convention in committee of the and four members reported in favor of know, however, that there are some whole what course they will pursue in its separate submission to the people. members absent on account of sickregard to it. And when the matter is There are also now five delegates ness, who would like to be here, and all decided, when this subject has been from the county of Wayne absent. members on the other side of the quesengineered by the chairman of that One of them was called away by sick- tion. What I was going on to say is committee through this committee of ness in his family. One is absent, as I this: to whatever time we may postthe whole, and through the Convention, have stated, discharging his duties as pone this matter, if those now absent then the Convention can decide where a judge. The others are absent from shall be then present, it is likely there it shall be placed in the Constitution. what causes I know not. I know, how-will be others absent who are equally I think that course would be more sat-ever, that some of them were detained anxious to be here when this subject is isfactory to members; I think it is some time ago on account of deaths considered. what was expected by members of this occurring in their families. I know But I can see no reason for this Convention. they are all very anxious to be here postponement on another ground; the Now, while I make these remarks, I when this subject is discussed and con- vote which we may take here in comsay distinctly that I have myself no sidered. I submit to the gentleman mittee of the whole is not conclusive. choice where it comes, nor when it from Lenawee, (Mr. BILLS,) whether it If this amendment shall be adopted comes. But I certainly shall expect would not be better, with the consent by the committee of the whole, we the chairman of that committee to as- of the gentleman from St. Clair, (Mr. must take a vote in Convention upon sume for the time being my place, and CONGER,) who is chairman of the com- concurring in the action of this comtake charge of the subject-matter mittee that reported this article, to go mittee. If it shall be the wish of the which was referred to his committee, out of committee of the whole as soon Convention, after this subject shall have cônsisting of thirteen members, being a as we are through with this article, been reported from the committee of larger committee than the committee with the exception of this provision, the whole, to make it the special order on the legislative department, for he and have the whole article laid upon for some particular time, they can do could rally to his assistance a larger the table until some day next week, so, and then those who are now absent number of co-workers than I could which can be fixed for its considera- can have notice to be present. But I rally from the committee on the legis- tion. I do not see how such a course can see no reason why any special lative department. as this could retard the consideration notice should be given of the time of this subject. In all probability we when this amendment shall be offered shall then have as full if not a fuller and considered in committee of the Convention than we now have. I would whole, any more than other amendsuggest Thursday of next week. I be- ments of grave importance which have lieve that is the day of the week upon been offered and discussed here for which we probably have as full an at- several days at a time. All the memtendance here as any other day. So bers of this Convention are aware that

Mr. LUCE. Allow me to correct the gentleman. The committee on intoxicating liquors consisted of nine members, not thirteen.

Mr. CONGER. I submit to gentlemen here that the committee on the legislative department, at least its

this question would come up before us have farms, to attend to their farming Convention, upon the question of confor consideration, and that the article pursuits through the next week; at curring in the amendments of the on the legislative department is the least I have heard it so intimated. committee of the whole, so as to give proper place for this prohibitory Now, in taking the action that is members now absent time to return, I clause, if it shall go into the Consti- proposed here, adding this clause to will withdraw my motion to pass over tution at all. the article on the legislative depart-this subject.

Mr. PARSONS. I did not take it from what the gentleman said.

Mr. BLACKMAN. I do not wish to be placed in a false position. The committee can take such action as they please.

The question recurred upon the amendment of Mr. BILLS, to add to section thirty-one the following:

"Nor pass any act authorizing the grant of license for the sale of ardent spirits or intoxicating liquors, as a beverage.”

Now, whatever may be said about ment, we but conform to the report Mr. BLACKMAN. Ido not wish to this subject having been reported as made by Judge GOODWIN, and to the be misunderstood in regard to any a separate article, and about the pro-report made by the chairman of the remarks which I made about making propriety of its being acted upon sep-committee on intoxicating liquors, (Mr. | this a special order. I do not consider arately in its order, I suppose not only BILLS.) The reports made here by what I said as any pledge of my action the chairman of the committee on in- both these gentlemen, each report con- at all. toxicating liquors, (Mr. BILLS,) but curred in by four members of the comany other gentleman in this Conven-mittee, are to the effect that so far as tion has a right to offer this amend- we propose to act here at this time, ment, and to offer it how, without any the Legislature shall pass no law grantmore notice being given than is re-ing a license for the sale of intoxicating quired in offering any other amend- liquors. Both these reports go to that ment, which may be of greater or less extent. But the report made by Judge importance. It seems to me that there GOODWIN goes further, and proposes to is no occasion whatever for delaying submit the question of prohibition or this matter. I have heard nothing license as a separate proposition to be that looks to me like a good reason for voted upon by the people. We can act postponing this subject, or any reason now upon the proposition submitted by which would not apply to any other the gentleman from Lenawee, (Mr. Mr. BIRNEY. I move to amend matter of importance which has been dis- BILLS,) and then stop until Judge the amendment by adding part of the cussed here during the last two weeks. GOODWIN returns, or until some more resolution reported by the gentleman Mr. HOWARD. I am well aware convenient time, when we may consider from Wayne, (Mr. GOODWIN;) it is as that there are members of this Con- that part of the report made by Judge vention now absent, and, as has been GOODWIN, which differs from the report "This clause of this section shall be sepastated by the gentleman from Wayne, made by the chairman of the com-rately submitted to the electors of this State. for their adoption or rejection, in form follow(Mr. MCCLELLAND,) necessarily absent, mittee. ing, to wit: A separate ballot may be given some of them discharging their public by every person having a right to vote for official duties. Among that number is the revised Constitution, to be deposited in a Judge GOODWIN. But there are other adoption of the said separate section, shall be separate box. Upon the ballots given for the members of the delegation from Wayne written or printed, or partly written and county, of whom hardly so much can partly printed, the words, "License for sale be said. One of them, it is urged, is of liquors-No," and upon the ballots given against the adoption of said separate section, necessarily and excusedly absent on in like manner, the words, "License for sale account of a recent death in his family. of liquors-Yes." And on such ballots shall Mr. McCLELLAND. Two of them. be written or printed, or partly written and partiy printed, the words, "Constitutional Mr. HOWARD. Two of them are License," in such manner that such words absent for that cause. But there are shall appear on the outside of such ballot one or two members of that delegation when folded. If at said election a majority of the votes for and against the said separate who have been here within a very few section shall contain the words, "License for days past. sale of liquors-No," then there shall be insaid additional clause of the section, as aforeserted in the said article numbered, the said separately submitted, to be numbered as section, in said article.”

Mr. McCLELLAND. One of the gentlemen who has been absent for some time, is still absent on account of a death in his family. Another gentleman was here for a few days, and he has gone home; for what reason he remains there I do not know. Another was here until this morning, when he went home on account of sickness in his family.

>

I am certainly opposed to taking any such action in the matter as is proposed to be taken here, for the purpose of giving members who are absent an opportunity to be here. Inasmuch as both of these reports agree to the full extent which we now propose to go in the action that is to be taken, if the motion of the gentleman from Lenawee prevails, I can see no hardship or disadvantage which will result, under any circumstances, to Judge GooDWIN. I believe we may as well now incorporate this provision in the article on the leg islative department. We can at any time hereafter take up the other proposition of a separate submission of this question to the people; that can be done after Judge GOODWIN shall return, or at any other time.

follows:

Mr. BRADLEY. I object to the amendment, of the gentleman from Bay, (Mr. BIRNEY,) because it brings Mr. CONGER. With the explana-up now the very question which by tion of the gentleman from Genesee, common consent we have just agreed (Mr. HOWARD,) that it is merely pro-to postpone. It seems to me that, out posed to pass upon this subject in one of courtesy, the gentleman from Bay Mr. HOWARD. I do not propose particular, and as I understand that should withdraw his amendment, and to question the motives which lead the reports are alike in that particular, let it come up at the proper time, when them to be absent. But I submit that I for one have no objection to passing we shall all be ready for a full discusthere is no assurance that we shall be upon it now, with the express under- sion of the main question. The chairable, by a postponement of this ques- standing that sufficient notice shall be man of the committee on intoxicating tion to the time proposed, to accom-given to members who are absent to liquors, (Mr. BILLS,) who presented an modate the gentlemen named. But allow them to return in time to take amendment to this article on the legthere is a certainty that if we postpone part in the final disposition of this sub-islative department, was tenacious for this question for one week, or for any ject. its consideration this afternoon. But

other length of time, many delegates Mr. PARSONS. The assurances out of courtesy to the opposing sentiwho are now present will be unable to which have been given by several ment, he waived his desire to bring up be present at that time. It is under-members of this Convention, that they the whole subject before the committee stood that several members of the Con- will assist in making this subject a at this time. Although I have no vention intend to go home; those who special order, when it comes up in doubt that the friends of prohibition

would be ready for a discussion at any would be granted. But I see no use are perfectly willing that this amendmoment, I think, in view of the con- in incorporating this provision as a part ment shall be adopted at this time, and siderations presented by the gentleman of this article, and making it, as it that hereafter we may give the subject from Wayne, (Mr. MCCLELLAND,) in re-were, a substantive part of the Consti- such consideration as gentlemen of any gard to the gentleman who was the tution, and then acting substantially views may see fit to express. By doauthor of one of the reports upon this upon the same question afterwards. ing that, we can complete the consubject, we should defer this part of it It appears to me a matter of expe-sideration of this article in committee for the present. diency as to whether we should incor- of the whole, and then give way for porate into the Constitution a provision the consideration of other articles, and which might prevent its adoption, and progress with the business of the comwould detract attention from the merits mittee, without doing any wrong to of the Constitution as such. It seems those who are absent, or to the feelings to me the only question we have to dis- of those who are present. I request cuss here was not upon the merits of gentlemen, whatever their different the proposition of the gentleman from views may be, that they will in this Lenawee, (Mr. BILLS,) but the question matter at any rate, suspend all discusof a separate submission of this provis- sion in regard to the place which this ion to the people for their action. I proposition shall occupy, each one behave no desire, personally, to press my ing at liberty hereafter, in whatever amendment. As a number of gentle-mode the committee shall order, to men feel anxious to delay this matter, express his views upon the subject. That, I think, can be done without inI will withdraw my amendment. The question recurred upon the jury to the feelings of any present. amendment of Mr. BILLS.

Mr. FERRIS. I was about to make the same suggestion to the gentleman from Bay, (Mr. BIRNEY,) which has just been made. We could in committee to-day, act upon the proposition embraced in the amendment of the gentleman from Lenawee, (Mr. BILLS,) and then, upon the return of Judge GOODWIN, we could consider the proposition which the gentleman from Bay has introduced, and consider that matter separately and carefully. It would be a gratification to me, as one of the committee who reported upon this subject, if the gentleman from Bay would Mr. HOWARD. For the purpose of consent to withdraw his amendment to the amendment, and let the matter Mr. ROOT. The gentleman from saving the time of the committee, I take the course which it seemed to be Shiawassee, (Mr. PARSONS,) seems to wish to adopt the language of the genthe opinion of members here it should have the idea that this motion to post-tleman from St. Clair, (Mr. CONGER,) take. pone was for the express object of so far as it goes. But I want to go The CHAIRMAN. The amendment making this subject a special order for further, and say that in taking the poto the amendment has been entertained some day. I am opposed to making sition I do, I do it merely out of courby the Chair, with some doubt as to this subject a special order, and I un- tesy to gentlemen who are absent, not the propriety of inserting matter which derstood that we did not yield for any committing myself as an individual member of this committee, to any pardoes not properly relate to any provis- such purpose. ion of the Constitution in regard to Mr. CÔNGER. All that has been ticular time for taking up the proposilegislation, but one as to the mode of done so far has been done out of cour- tion. Without making that statement, submitting the question to the people. tesy to gentlemen who are now absent, it might be implied that we had agreed The Chair, however, will let the com- and to those gentlemen who desire that upon some particular course upon this mittee judge in regard to that matter. this matter might go over for the pres-subject, when we merely desire to exMr. HENDERSON. I desire to say ent. It seems to me that we need have tend usual courtesy to absent members. that these two propositions do not, to no further discussion of that matter; I do not commit myself to any particmy mind, seem to accord very well, let each one entertain his own opinion. ular time. Members will understand, coming as this does from one of those It is sufficient for my purpose that of course, that we do not wish to be: whom we may reasonably look upon I know that every gentleman will have lacking in courtesy to those who are as friends and advocates of one mea- the right hereafter to approve or dis- absent. sure or one course, which it is desired approve, concur or non-concur, in the shall be pursued in regard to this sub- amendment of the committee of the ject at their suggestion, which was that whole, and that opportunity to do so that portion of the subject should be will come at the proper time, when we put over for the present, and that we can, without depriving ourselves of the should simply come to a vote upon the privilege of extending ordinary courproposition submitted by the gentle- tesy, such as has been extended man from Lenawee. When that agree- heretofore to absent members, put ment has been concurred in, right upon this proposition in here as an amendthe heels of it, one of those who took ment to this article. We can afterthe initiatory step in having that agree- ward give it its proper place in the ment made, moves the same proposi- Constitution, or make it a separate tion to provoke discussion now, which clause to be submitted to the people, they asked to have postponed. There or reject it altogether. I submit to is something singular in that action; I do not understand it.

Mr. PARSONS. As far as I am concerned, I am as much opposed to bringing up this question now, as I was at the start. I hope the gentleman from Bay will withdraw his amendment, and let it come up in the Convention, as has been suggested.

Mr. BIRNEY. I offered this amendment with a great deal of reluctance. I had hoped that the delay requested

The question was then taken upon the amendment of Mr. BILLS, and it was agreed to.

TIME FOR THE COMPLETION OF RAILROADS.

Mr. LEACH. I move to further amend section thirty-one, by adding the following:

"Nor pass any act extending beyond the 3d day of June, 1874, the time for completing the railroads provided for under the act of Congress, making a grant of land to the State for railroad purposes, approved June 3, 1856.

For myself, I do not propose to discuss this amendment at any length, for gentlemen on either side, whether that the reason that the same subject has may not be done now without any in- already been before the Convention, jury to any interest, without any pre- and on that occasion I took the opporsumption for or against any one's tunity to make some remarks in regard views; and at the proper time this to it. There are but one or two ideas matter can be taken up, and receive the which I wish now to suggest. It is consideration which its importance eleven years since Congress made this merits. I make that remark as the grant of land to the State of Michigan · chairman of the committee who re- for railroad purposes. What has been ported the article under consideration. accomplished in that time we all know. I believe I express the views of the The time has been extended for the other members of the committee. They Grand Rapids and Indiana railroad by

I have named that time as the limit running to Grand Traverse, should be Therefore, I say to the gentleman, beyond which I propose that the Leg-compelled to place in market the lands as I have a right to say to him, that islature shall not extend the time for the granted to them, or that portion of the his proposition may be very well for construction of these roads. That leaves lands which is within a certain distance his immediate constituency, and yet seven years for completing these roads, of Grand Traverse, within a certain be very perilous to the State at large. or eighteen years from the time the time, I have no objection to it. But Having submitted his proposition, the grant of land was made by Congress. lands have been granted in the Upper attention of members is called to the I submit to the good sense of the Peninsula, where there is no desire to subject. I would desire some time to members of this Convention, if eigh- have them in market; and I should be examine it, and see the effect and bearteen years is not as long as these lands very much opposed to any such pro-ing of it upon other parts of the State. should be kept out of market for the vision as this in regard to those lands. If he will withdraw his amendment at benefit of any railroad company. The I am perfectly willing to go with the this time, with the understanding that evils which the northern portion of gentleman if he will make his provision he may submit this or some other this State has suffered from these apply to some particular distance from amendment, at some subsequent time, grants, and the delay in constructing Grand Traverse; say thirty, forty, or I think he will accomplish the object these roads, are really very grievous. fifty miles. he desires better than by presenting it I apprehend these evils will continue, But I am unwilling to agree to any at this time. unless this Convention shall adopt proposition, by which, because the I may say there are millions of acres some measure to force the building of railroads are not built by 1874 along of land, six sections to the mile, on the roads, or the restoration of the the lines proposed a thing which it several lines of projected railroads in lands to market. My conviction is would be impossible by any human this State, one, two or three of which very decided, that if we should incor- effort whatever to accomplish-I am may pass over territory contiguous to porate a provision of this kind in the unwilling to agree to any proposition the region from which the gentleman Constitution of the State, these by which these companies shall lose comes; but in the Upper Peninsula roads would be built within the the benefits of these lands. I do not there are several projected railroads, time fixed, because the grants believe it is necessary for this Conven- four or five different roads, to which of land have become so valuable tion to place a restriction in the Conthat no one of these companies will per- stitution, which will prevent the peomit the lands to pass out of their grasp. ple of this State from enjoying the benBut so long as they can come here efit of these lands in all parts of the year after year, and secure the extension State, just because the lands around of the time, the roads will not be built, Grand Traverse have been already so or at least their construction will not far taken up, that there is no place for progress with any degree of rapidity. people to go there to settle. I submit But if the Constitution shall say to these that a proposition affecting all parts of companies that they shall have only the State, the Upper Peninsula as well It is impossible to judge how far the seven years longer within which to as the Lower, the eastern part of the interests of this State might be affected complete these roads, my conviction is State as well as the western part, ought by such a provision as this. This is that they will build them in that time, not to be adopted hastily or carelessly too great an interest to throw away in and people in all portions of the State by this Convention. If the gentleman this manner. A provision of this kind will be benefited by a provision of from Grand Traverse will draw up a should be carefully examined, and this kind. As I remarked, I do not proposition in a different form; if he properly restricted. With such repropose to take up the time of the will do as the State has done-limit it to strictions as are proper I have no obConvention in discussing this amend-place and time in proportion to the pos-jection to adopting any provision which ment. There may be other gentlemen sible construction of these railroads, those who represent that part of the who may desire to speak; if so, I in proportion to the possibility of en- State may desire. I speak of this, beshall be glad to hear them. For my-joying hereafter the benefit of these cause I was myself for several years a self, I am prepared to vote for this grants, I venture to say that the com- member of the board of control of amendment. mittee and the Convention will agree railroad lands, and I think I know Mr. CONGER. I question whether with him, and adopt some provision something of the direction and extent all the members of this committee un- which will relieve his immediate con- to which these immense grants of land derstand the full force of this amend-stituents from what undoubtedly is a were given. I do not think it would ment. I question whether they are great disadvantage to them. But I am injure the gentleman's project at all, if prepared now to vote upon it. I sub- not willing to agree to a proposition he should withdraw his amendment at mit to the gentleman, that although his which will extend to parts of the State present, and offer it afterwards, when amendment may be well for a particu- not settled, and which cannot be settled members have examined this subject, lar railroad running through the dis- for years to come. As long as Con- and are more prepared to vote intellitrict of country which he represents, gress is willing to extend the time in gently. and where he desires that the lands which these roads shall be built, I am Mr. LEACH. Very much that the shall go into market for sale or settle- not willing to adopt a proposition gentleman from St. Clair (Mr. CONGER,) ment, yet there are other railroads which will take from the people of this has said, I heartily subscribe to. But running through other parts of the State for years to come the privilege I think he is in error in regard to many State, where no such thing is desired. of these lands if they wish to have it. statements which he has made. I apAt all events, I submit to the gentle- There are other parts of the State be- prehend that he is in error in regard man that the time should be arranged, sides Grand Traverse, which are to the feelings of the people in the Upwith at least some regard to the con- greatly interested in these grants, per Peninsula; but I will not raise that secutive order in which these roads where the people do not desire this question now. But I think he certainly shall be built. If the gentleman de- restriction, and where the grants might is in error, so far as his remarks relate

to either of the three great lines of railroad provided for in the Lower Peninsula by these land grants. However, I wish to consult the wishes and feelings of every gentleman who is willing to assist us in the matter. Consequently I am not disposed to press this subject at the present time. I will withdraw my amendment, taking occasion to say that at some future time I will renew it, or something equivalent to it.

No further amendment was offered to section thirty-one.

STYLE OF LAWS.

The next section was read as follows:
SECTION 32. The style of the laws shall be,

"The people of the State of Michigan enact."
No amendment was offered to this
section.

ditional sections..

MUNICIPAL AID TO RAILROADS.

way of restriction upon the power of Mr. CONGER. I would ask the the Legislature to authorize towns to gentlemen whether the section he offers impose taxes. proposes to restrict, during all time, the amount to be raised by tax to ten per cent., or whether it is intended to restrict the amount to be raised at any one time to ten per cent.?

Mr. PRATT.~ As I have drawn this section, it restricts their power for all time. It is competent, of course, for the committee to make any amendment in that respect they may desire.

Mr. MILLER. That is the very thing which I proposed as an amendment to section twenty-seven, and the Convention refused to adopt it.

Mr. WILLIAMS. I do not know that I understand the full force and effect of the additional section proposed by the gentleman from Hillsdale, (Mr. PRATT.) But it occurs to me that it will include the money raisMr. CONGER. Some townships ed by tax, and the credit which may have already voted a tax to that be pledged. In other words, it inamount, and they might perhaps still cludes all indebtedness; if so, it must feel able to aid other railroads. I have cover both questions. I do not see no objection to the principle of this the force of the words, "at any one proposed section, if it applies to the time.”

tax at any one time, or to any limited Mr. PRATT.

I had more direct

The CHAIRMAN. The considera-period of time which might be consid-reference to the amendment offered by tion of this article by sections having gentleman that it would not be quite STOUGHTON,) so far as restricting the tion of this article by sections having ered desirable. But I submit to the the gentleman from St. Joseph, (Mr. been completed, the article is now open to amendment by way of ad- what he himself would desire, to have credit is concerned. I find that the it cover all time, the past as well as the words " at any one time," have no parfuture, and to extend to what we may ticular bearing upon the section which hope will be the life-time of this I have offered. I will, therefore, omit Constitution. those words from my section. At the Mr. PRATT. I will say in answer suggestion of the gentleman from to the gentleman, that I would be sat- Branch, (Mr. LUCE,) I will insert after isfied with the words used by the gen- the word" exceed," the words "two tleman from St. Joseph, (Mr. SтOUGH- per cent. per year, and strike out the TON,) in the proposition he submitted words "ten per cent., so that that some time ago; "in any five years or portion will read, "two per cent. per at any one time." year, in any five years.'

Mr. PRATT. I offer the following as an additional section:

"The Legislature shall not authorize any city or township to raise money by taxation for the purpose of aiding in the construction of any railroad to an extent whereby the tax raised, or to be raised, exclusive of interest on account of aid to any and all railroads, shall exceed ten per cent of the assessed valuation of such city or township. No county shall be authorized to raise money by taxation for any such purpose, except in the Upper Peninsula. The question of such taxation shall be submitted to a vote of the city or township to be affected thereby.”

Mr. CONGER. If the gentleman will make that modification, I do not know that I would have any objection to his section.

Mr. PRATT. I will modify my section in that way.

Mr. LUCE. I would like to suggest an amendment which would suit me, and may possibly suit the gentleman from Hillsdale, (Mr. PRATT;) to provide also that townships shall not be allowed to assess a tax to exceed two per cent.

It will be observed that in section twenty-seven, which has been adopted by this committee, there is no restriction whatever upon the power of the Legislature to authorize the several townships and cities to tax themselves in aid of these railroads. We were informed by the chairman of the committee on the legislative department, in any one year. (Mr. CONGER,) that if any member de- Mr. MILLER. I wish to inquire sired to offer any provision to restrict whether this proposition now under or restrain towns in the exercise of consideration is an amendment to sectheir powers of taxation, he should tion twenty-seven, or a new section? bring it forward as a separate propo- The CHAIRMAN. It is offered as sition. In accordance with that sug- a new section. gestion, I now offer this section. I Mr. MILLER. Then there is a desire to make this entire article as credit section in one place and a tax acceptable to my constituents, and the section in another. It seems to me people in my part of the State, as I that this is doubling up on us rather can. I do not wish, neither do I in- strong. tend, to enter upon any discussion with Mr. PRATT. · I will say to the genregard to the merits of the proposition tleman from Saginaw, (Mr. MILLER,) which I have submitted. I have adop- that without the restriction I propose ted the language of the section which in my section, there will be no limitahas already been passed by this com- tion upon the power of the Legislature mittee, except that I have substituted to authorize towns to raise money by in the place of the words, "to pledge tax to any amount, in addition to the its credit," the words, "to raise money authority given them to pledge their by taxation." credit to the extent of ten per cent. Mr. CONGER. Will the gentleman That has been fully conceded in this from Hillsdale allow me to ask him a debate. I have offered this section by question?

Mr. McCLELLAND. I would like to ask the gentleman from Hillsdale, a question. The question was propounded some time since to one of the members of the committee on the legislative department, but I did not understand the answer, if any was given. I would inquire what is the meaning of the expression "vote of the city or township?" Does that refer to the regular electors of the city, or township, or to the land owners, or the owners of personal property, or what does it mean? We know that the city as a general thing is represented by a common council; a township is represented by a township board. Now, I should like to know what would prevent the Legislature from submitting this question to a township board, or to the common council of a city?

Mr. PRATT. I can answer the gentleman by giving him my understanding of those words. I understand them to mean that the vote shall be taken in the ordinary way of voting at other elections on other questions.

Mr. BLACKMAN. I ask for the reading of this additional section as it now stands; there have been several changes and modifications made in it since it was first offered.

The section as modified was read as follows: