ship meetings at an earlier day than the rule of meeting on the first Mon-pervisors of townships are farmers, and now fixed. I am opposed to the day in April for our town elections; that April was a time when they would amendment offered by the gentleman and we will find that the change will have to be at home attending to their from Kalamazoo, (Mr. GIDDINGS.) be attended with sundry inconvenien- farms. That may all be very true; but Mr. FARMER. As a representative ces. A large number of our laws have a supervisor is but one farmer out of on this floor of a constituency in one been accomodated to this rule. Our the two or three hundred that usually of the older counties of the State, I judges are elected at the time of our occupy an ordinary township, and rise to express my adhesion to the sen- spring elections; our regents of the when he goes around to make his astiment expressed by the gentleman university are then elected; the dele- sessments, if he would make them from Calhoun, (Mr. HENDERSON,) and gates to this Convention were elected fairly and justly, he should, as far as others who have spoken in favor of the at that time. It has became the usage practicable, meet the men on their section as reported by our standing for very many things to be submitted farms; and the very fact that he would committee. Residing in one of the to the people of the townships by the wish to be at home on his farm rural districts of my county, I have had Legislature, to be passed upon by the at that time suggests that the farmsome experience in township matters. people at the time of the spring elec-ers generally would be more likely on their farms in April This subject has been generally can- tions. Ordinarily March would be too to be vassed in our section of the State, and early to get the acts of the Legislature than in the preceding month; and a general preference expressed for before the people in time for them to thus a more fair and correct judgMarch instead of April, as the proper consider them; while April would ment of the proper assessments to be time for holding the township elec- usually afford abundant time for that made could then be obtained. A supervisor is an officer who is frequently tions. purpose. changed, and, in making his assessments, I think he ought to look upon the soil, upon the land beneath his feet, in order to determine from personal observation what it is worth, and not judge of it as it lies covered with the snow of March. For this reason, I think it would be better for him to go over his town and make his assessments after the spring is fairly opened.

The arguments of those gentlemen who have spoken on this subject, in favor of retaining March, as reported by the committee, are all pertinent and to the point; and it is not necessary for me to repeat them to the Convention. I only desire to state my opinion as to their pertinency.

Then there is another consideration. Our city charters, of which I suppose there are twenty or more in this State, generally provide for the election of city officers on the first Monday in April, at the time when the township elections are held. It is better on many accounts that there should be Mr. PRINGLE. From what con- no opportunity for electors to vote in sultation I have had with my constit- the townships and then be colonized But the principal reason which inuents, I have come to a little different in the city a month later, to vote for conclusion from that expressed by my officers there. It is better that the fluences me to vote for the amendment colleague, (Mr. F. C. WATKINS.) So city elections should be held at the of the gentleman from Kalamazoo, far as I have heard, the expression has time the judicial elections are held, if (Mr. GIDDINGS,) is that the evils which been entirely unanimous in favor of the rule is to be continued to hold would result from a departure from retaining the "first Monday in April," judicial elections in the spring. To the old rule, by requiring so much. instead of the change to March, as make this change in the time of hold- tinkering of our legislation for the recommended by the committee. ing township elections, would necessa- next five or ten years, would greatly Much has been said in the discussion rily involve a change in the time of overbalance all the advantages that here about the condition of the roads holding elections in all the cities of could be derived from the change. It would involve many Mr. PARSONS. I had not intended at one time and at the other. My own the State. impression was, and is yet, that in changes in our laws, and it seems to to make any remarks on this question, many parts of the State, as a general me that the evils resulting from so and would not do so but for some of thing the roads are worse in March many changes and from so much new the objections which have been raised than they are in April. The roads are legislation would be so great, as to by the gentleman from Jackson, (Mr. generally broken up in March, while overbalance any advantages which PRINGLE,) to the article as reported by they are frequently settled or nearly might be obtained from changing the the committee, objections which I do so at the time of the elections in April. time of township elections from April not think are sustained by the facts. At least such has been my observation to March. The gentleman claims that most of the and experience in regard to the matter. Our people are accustomed to hold city charters provide for holding their So far as the roads are concerned, we their annual meetings in April; they elections in the month of April; and all hope that hereafter they may be are accustomed to speak of the April that fact he urges as a strong reason made better in all parts of the State elections. The April elections are as why the elections in the townships at all seasons of the year; that we may much a rule and habit with our people should be held at the same time. Now have at all times roads which are as are the November elections. I sup- I believe that if you will consult the passable. It is in regard to our roads pose no one would propose to change charters of the cities of this State, it that many of our town meetings are the time of the autumn elections from will be found that most of the city held, or at least that is an important elections are now held in March inquestion which comes before our citistead of in April. I know that is the zens when they meet in town meetings. case with many of them, and I believe So that that objection will to some it is the case with the majority of them. extent be obviated in the future, when Hence that strong objection of the we succeed in getting what we all hope gentleman falls to the ground. for in respect to our roads.

rea

November to any other month, though
very many reasons might be adduced
why such a change should be made.
The November elections are so associ-
ated with the habits, thoughts and rec-
ollections of our people that I do not
believe any change will even be pro-
posed.

Now, what will be the result if we make this proposed change? We will I might notice some of the minor be doing away with a usage which has objections which have been made here been known to a generation of men. to the rule of holding elections in We will do away with the habit and Aprik It is said that a great many su

I believe that all of the objections which have been urged against the report of the committee, and in favor of the amendment of the gentleman from Kalamazoo, (Mr. GIDDINGS,) are imaginary rather than real. I also be

i

lieve there are very many reasons in favor of this article as reported by the committee, to have the township elections held in March instead of in April. Those reasons have been presented to this committee by others, and hence it is not necessary for me to reiterate them.

I rose more particularly to reply to the objection raised by the gentleman from Jackson, (Mr. PRINGLE,) on the ground of the time when elections are usually held in cities.

Mr. BLACKMAN. When we find inconveniences attending any given condition of things, we are very apt to think that a change would be sure to remedy those inconveniences. We frequently fail to foresee all the inconveniences which will attend the change. Hence the great desire of many to make constant changes.

Again it is suggested that our farmers the laws in regard to the election of
are busy making sugar in April. Now, certain officers-the Regents of the
so far as my experience and knowl- University, for example. I believe no
edge of sugar-making is concerned, election for Regents of the University
it is almost always over before the occurs before the next session of the
first of April; while the first Mon- Legislature, so that matter can be very
day in March would be right in the easily arranged. There has been no
busiest time of sugar-making. Then objection urged here which cannot be
the sugar-making argument would re- got over with very little difficulty.
sult against the report of the commit-
tee, and in favor of the other side of
the question.

The office of supervisor is not a paying office, and I think the law should be so arranged as to enable him to perform his duties with as little trouble and inconvenience as possible.

It is also urged that the 'supervisor can make his assessments better during the month of March, especially The gentleman from Van Buren, if he should happen to be a (Mr. BLACKMAN,) I believe lives in the farmer, beause in that case he would extreme southern part of the State; want to be on his farm at work and the climate there is somewhat difin April. Now if the weather during ferent from what it is in the northern the first part of April is so excessively part of the State. It is very possible bad that the roads will hardly permit the people may be making sugar in of a man going to the polls and back, his part of the State in the early part It seems to me that every change it certainly must be very poor weather of March. But in the northern part which we make in this Constitution for a man to do much work on his of the State, I believe in the larger must be attended with more or less farm. portion of the State, the sugar-makinconvenience. The inconveniences It seems to me that the reasons which ing business runs into April, and comwhich will attend the change recomparatively very little is done by the mended in the report of the committee first of March. now under consideration, relate to the election of certain officers which takes place on the first Monday in April. Many of our statutes, in referring to the election of officers, mention it as the election on the first Monday in April. In cases where it is alluded to as the spring election, or the annual township meeting, the inconvenience to which I refer might not arise. But many of our statutes make allusion to the election on the first Monday in April.

So in the statute passed last winter in regard to the election of county superintendent of schools; it provides that that officer shall be elected on the first Monday in April. Now, all the laws making this allusion would have to be changed.

have been urged in favor of making
the change proposed by the committee
are too trifling to counterbalancee the And in the fore part of March the
inconveniences which must necessarily roads are usually good, while they are
result from such a change. In making usually very bad the first part of
changes like this, it is utterly impossi- April. From all these circumstances,
ble for us to foresee all the inconven- I think the proposed change is very
iences which will arise from them. desirable and would be very satisfac-
Hence I am opposed to making changes tory to a large majority of the people
anywhere in the Constitution, unless I of this State.
can find some more weighty reasons in
favor of them than any I have heard
given in favor of making the change
here proposed.

Mr. BURTCH. I rise for the pur-
pose of making a few remarks upon the
subject now under consideration. It
has been objected on the part of some
Mr. M. C. WATKINS. I am de- gentlemen-I will not be particular
cidedly in favor of the article as re- about calling their names, for I can-
ported by the committee. This ques- not call them to mind very readily
tion of the time of our spring elections-that the proposed change contained
has been canvassed to a considerable in this report will require a new state
extent, especially in the northern part of things, so far as many of the laws of
of the State; and I believe the people
of that part of the State are very
unanimous in favor of the change
from April to March.

Now what are the conveniences expected to be gained by this change, as they have been set forth by members I was very glad that this change was who have spoken in favor of it? One recommended by the committee, and is, that the roads are so very much I think sufficient arguments have been better in March than they are in April. adduced here to satisfy any one that Now is that a matter of very great this change would be a great convemagnitude and importance in this par-nience to the inhabitants of our townticular instance? If it were a ques- ships, and especially to the supervisors, tion in reference to a farmer hauling whose business can be done much his produce twenty miles to market, more conveniently in March than in then it might amount to something. April.

the State are concerned. Now, it can-
not be expected that we should make
our new Constitution to conform to the
laws which have been framed by the
Legislature; those laws should be made
to conform to the Constitution we may
make, to the child we may beget and
bring forth.

Now, in regard to sugaring, sapping, etc., and the condition of the roads, the sap can be procured much better in March than it can in April; at least that is so, so far as my experience is concerned, and I presume that Burtch But when it simply applies to a man I do not think that the objections [birch] has had as much to do with conveying himself from one to five which are made against this change sap as many men in this Convention. miles and back, it seems to me that are entitled to much weight. It must [Laughter.] The sap can be stored the condition of the roads is a matter be expected as a matter of course, away and preserved for several days of small importance in comparison that on the assembling of the first without any harm, in the month of with the change to be made in a long- Legislature after the new Constitution March, when at other periods of the established custom, a custom to which shall have been adopted, our laws will year it would get sour in the troughs have been adapted many of our laws, be changed and adapted to the pro- before it could be gathered. That, I as well as other matters connected visions of the new Constitution. It think, is a sufficient answer to that obwith the business of the townships. will be a very easy matter to change jection.

:

each day's work due, which fund be any inconvenience or danger from
would be expended, if at all, at a sea- that cause. In the country, as has
son when it could not be made of so been remarked, often not more than
much benefit as it would be earlier. one-half the full vote is polled at the
Then the earlier you can get to work township elections in April, in conse-
on the roads the easier the work is. quence of the inconvenience of getting
Early in the season one team and a to the polls. Now, our organic law
hand is able to plow as much ground, should be adapted to accommodate
preparatory to scraping, as three teams the public.
and three men could plow at a later Reference has been made to assess-
season, when the ground is hard and ments for the improvement of our
dry as adamant, requiring three or four highways; and it has been well said,
yoke of cattle, with a plow of stupen-that for work on the highways, one day
dous proportions, in order to break up in the spring is worth more than two
the earth.
days at a later period of the year.

In regard to the inconvenience which this change will require from the alteration of the laws, all that is necessary is merely to adapt the laws to the change in the organic law. There is no change contemplated in the duties of the officers. I trust that the section as reported by the committee will be adopted.

Then in regard to the roads: they are generally in a much better condition in March than they are in April. They are not so broken up, so impassable, in March as they are a month later. They are liable to be rendered impassable by the freshets, of which our township affords an illustration, where the people could not go to the polls because the bridges had been carried away by freshets. Now, so far as my observation goes, freshets have a tendency to undermine hod-ways, wash away bridges, and create pretty general destruction upon the highways which have been made for us to pass I have seen all these things; I have along upon. Those highways are a experienced them all. All I know of great easement to the public in con- this world is from the little observation nection with travel, and all the busi- and experience I have had in it. ness transactions of human affairs; Mr. HENDERSON. I feel called and to that end it is very desirable upon to make one remark in reply to that they should be repaired and put the gentleman from Van Buren, (Mr. in order as soon as possible. I think BLACKMAN,) and the gentleman from it is easy to be discovered by the un-Jackson, (Mr. PRINGLE.) I made menderstanding of those familiar with tion of the objection which they have Mr. ESTEE. So far as my obsermathematics, that the warrants of the elaborated somewhat, the change which vation and knowledge extends, it is supervisors can be got out a month would be required in our laws. I stated the universal wish of my constituents earlier under the provision recom- that I looked upon that as the only that the change here proposed should mended by the committee, than under objection to the change proposed by be made. And, therefore, for reasons the amendment which has been pro- the committee. And I must say now, suggested by other members, I shall posed to that report. So much for that if they have fully elaborated that support the report of the committee. the matter of convenience. objection, I shall be inclined to look Mr. PRINGLE. I rise merely to with a still greater degree of favor upon elaborate a matter a little between the the article as it now stands. gentleman from Shiawassee, (Mr. PARMr. GERMAIN. Having had occa- SONS,) and myself. That gentleman sion to exercise the duties of the office took issue with me, when I said that of supervisor, and being somewhat con- most of the cities held their elections versant with the inconveniences arising in April; he says that many of them under the law as it now stands, I am in hold their elections in March. I have favor of the recommendation of the been about the hall making inquiries committee, to establish March for April of members, where my memory was as the time for holding our annual town at fault. I find that the cities of St. meetings. The very object for which Clair, Port Huron, Grand Rapids, we have come here is to make changes Flint, Coldwater, Monroe, East Sagiin the organic law of the State of Mich- naw, Saginaw, Marshall, Battle Creek, igan. In so far as that organic law Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Niles, Bay City, has been ascertained to be inconvenient, Pontiac, Lansing, Adrian and Jackson, we should adapt it by changes to the convenience of the people. The majority of the people of Michigan are to be found in the rural districts; and the people of the rural districts ask for the change which has been recommended by the report of our standing committee.

I would now call the attention of gentlemen to a financial view of this matter. The State of Michigan is benefited in its finances, wherever the people are benefited, and are enabled to accumulate greater amounts of wealth and comfort and convenience. The benefits arising from the early repairs of the roads would be two-fold; the convenience of passing over them, and the permanent improvement of the roads, because they would become settled and fixed before the fall rains. Every observing gentleman knows that when the dry hot weather of summer has come, it is too late to make turnpikes advantageously. But if the provision of the committee is adopted, the people will be enabled to labor upon the roads at a period of the year, when the labor of the farm is not so pressing upon them. Now they are frequently called out at seasons when labor is worth two dollars a day, in In reply to the argument of the seasons of hoeing and haying; where- gentleman from Jackson, (Mr. PRINas a month earlier labor could be had GLE,) that by this change the elections at a dollar a day, when men would as in our cities will be held at a different readily take a dollar as to take two time from the elections in the towndollars, a month later. The law has ships, I would refer him to the present fixed the allowance for labor on the usage in the State of New York. highway at a dollar a day. Now in There, elections in townships, etc., are seasons when labor on the farms is held all along from the first of March by suggestions. worth two dollars a day, it cannot be into April, and, perhaps, the first of In looking over this section as rehad on the highway at a dollar a day. May. And if there was any danger ported by the committee, it occurred Of course the farmers instead of giv- to be felt from colonizing voters, I to me, there having been some talk on ing their time, worth two dollars a day, should think it would be felt there. the subject, that there might be some to working on the highway, would pay In our cities, where registry laws are disagreement on the question of holdinto the highway fund a dollar for in operation, I do not think there will ing the township elections in March or

eighteen cities in all, hold their elections on the first Monday in April; the city of Owosso holds its election on the first Tuesday in March, and the city of Detroit holds its election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. I have been unable to find that any other cities than Owosso and Detroit hold their elections at any other time than in April.

Mr. GIDDINGS. There has probably been sufficient discussion on this subject, and I do not propose to elaborate it by way of argument. I do not intend to do so at any time, but ordinarily to express my views simply

in April.
I therefore moved the
amendment I did in order to test the
sense of the Convention.

subject, and I apprehend there would the committee, has spoken in favor be the same difference of opinion of it. among the people at large, should this I agree with the gentleman from In thinking over the subject, these change be incorporated in the Consti- Gratiot, (Mr. CHAPIN,) that in the suggestions have occurred to my mind: tution which we may submit to them. course of this discussion, no good first, that the larger proportion of the I can conceive that many persons reason has been advanced against this people of the State would be accom- would vote against the new Constitu- change. It certainly will accommomodated by having the election in tion simply on that ground. Now I date a large proportion of the counties, April. I could see very clearly that think that since this is not one of and especially the newer townships in in some parts of the State it would be the vital principles of our State gov- the counties in the northern portion of very convenient to have the election in ernment it might be well to leave it to the State. It cannot be attended with March. But there is this difficulty in the Legislature. I would therefore any great inconvenience to persons reconnection with this question: in a propose, instead of the amendment of siding in the southern portion of the territory extending over seven degrees the gentleman from Kalamazoo, (Mr. State, and those who reside in cities of latitude, it is impossible to fix upon GIDDINGS,) to strike out the words "on and villages. Their annual elections a day for elections which will accom- the first Monday of March," and in- are provided for by the acts incorpormodate equally every portion of the sert the words "at such times as the ating the respective cities or villages. State. But in looking at the popula-Legislature shall direct." Now, it is a fact known to many tion of the State, it seemed to me that Mr. LEACH. I do not rise to say members of this Convention, that in a greater portion of the people would one word upon this subject; I think it the newer townships, the elections be better accommodated by having the has been sufficiently discussed, and taking place in the spring, on the first election in April, rather than in March. that the members of this committee Monday of April, a very small vote is I think the lower tiers of counties would are abundantly prepared to vote upon polled, because a large portion of the prefer April to March. I have not it. I rise merely to express the hope voters are unable to reach the polls. heard among my constituents any that we shall proceed to vote without on account of the impassable condifault found with the time now fixed. any further discussion. I really be- tion of the roads. This is the case in Now, I think it is much better to lieve the hundred men here assembled a number of townships in the county make changes in the laws than in the are prepared to vote without any fur- which I represent here. Constitution. I think that unless there ther discussion of the question. The objection of the gentleman from are very paramount reasons for making Mr. CHAPIN. I wish to make one Jackson, (Mr. PRINGLE,) that the suchanges in the law, we should not make remark, notwithstanding the hope ex-pervisor would not be able to see the them. If we begin by making changes pressed by the gentleman from Grand soil, when he went around to take the where there are no paramount reasons Traverse, (Mr. LEACH,) that there may assessment, if he went around at an for them, we may continue until we be no further discussion. I have no earlier period than that now provided spoil something. I have never heard desire to occupy the time of this Con- by law, amounts to nothing. The of any urgent call for the change here vention unnecessarily; but the people I man who occupies the position of suproposed to be made. While I would represent feel a great deal of interest pervisor of the township does not go be willing to yield it, if it appeared to in this matter. I verily believe the around digging in the dirt to get at me that a large proportion of the peo- poposition of the gentleman from Cal- his valuation. He is presumed to ple desired it, under present circum- houn, (Mr. WILLARD,) would be as ob- know something of the value of the stances I am not in favor of it. I know jectionable to them as the amendment property. there may be great unanimity of senti- of the gentleman from Kalamazoo, ment among the people of the northern (Mr. GIDDINGS.) I believe they would part of the State in favor of this change, be perfectly satisfied with the time fixed but I desire to accommodate the people by the original report of the committee; that no other time would satisfy them as well.

of the whole State.

I can see many difficulties which may result from this change if it be made. In relation to the matter of convenWe have been going on for many ience, I believe it is universally admitted years under the present plan, and our that the people of the northern part of laws have been made in accordance the State would be entirely in favor of with this long established practice. the proposition of the committee. That It is not so easy a matter as many sup-being the fact, and there being no parpose to set all these things right in the ticular objection to it which can be first session of the Legislature after brought forward by honorable gentlethis Constitution shall have been men who represent the southern part adopted, if we make many changes in of the State, I cannot for the life of me it. If the people of the State would conceive why it should not pass as rebe so much benefited by this pro- ported by the committee. posed change as to obviate all the difficulties which I think will result from it, I would go for it at once. But I think there are various objections to making this change; at least sufficient to warrant me in submitting my amendment for the consideration of members.

Mr. WILLARD. There appears to be among members here a very great difference of opinion in regard to this

I suppose that we might change the time to any given day, and there would still be some objection, some inconvenience. The time proposed in the section will accommodate a majority of the townships in the newer counties of the State, while it will be attended with very little inconvenience to the older counties. We cannot make any organic change here, without rendering legislation necessary to comport with that change. I apprehend that: when our Constitution shall have been amended, we shall find that in many respects our existing laws will require revision by the Legislature, so that. they may harmonize with the Constitution as amended.

Mr. HOWARD. I do not propose I hope that the very reasonable reto prolong this discussion, though I quest of the newer townships will be cannot fall in with the suggestion of granted, and that we shall provide in the gentleman from Grand Traverse, the Constitution for the holding of (Mr. LEACH,) that this matter be closed these elections on the first Monday of without any further debate. In the March, instead of the first Monday of county which I in part, represent, April. I see no reason for leaving this there has been considerable discussion question to be settled by the Legislaupon this subject. Every person who ture. It will be just as difficult for the has said anything in my presence about Legislature to settle it. There will be the change proposed in this report of there the same conflict

of interest as

is exhibited here, and the. same objec- to rest and devotion, and Monday to time for which these officers shall
tions will be made. I apprehend that electioneering, I think it will have a serve, this further amendment seems
we can settle this question here, and good effect on the morals of the State. to be necessary.
accommodate a large portion of the [Laughter.]
Mr. WOODHOUSE. I offer the
people of the State, without hazarding Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, following amendment to the amend-
the Constitution which we are to sub-as far as I am aware, no citizen of ment, which I think will cover both
mit. Without having any personal Hillsdale county has asked for any points:
interest in this matter, and no other
desire than fairly to represent the
wishes of my constituents, who have
spoken to me on this subject, I hope
that the change proposed in this sec-
tion will be made.

The clause will then read:

change in the time of holding the Strike out the words "for one year
township elections; and therefore, un- and," and insert after the word
less some reason sufficient to change "whose," in the 5th line, the words
my views be assigned, I shall vote in "term of office.'
favor of continuing the law as it stands
at present. While I speak for myself
only, I presume that my colleagues en-
tertain the same view. I hope that
this question may be speedily settled,
and that the substitute may not prevail.

I cannot see that this proposition is
liable to any sound objection from per-
sons representing incorporated villages,
or from those who come from the older
sections of the State, where the town- Mr. STOCKWELL. I have no dis-
ships are well settled, the roads well position to prolong this discussion un-
established and not difficult of travel necessarily. I rise merely to express
in the spring of the year. I do see my entire approval of this action as
great objection to requiring the people reported by the committee. Having
of the newer townships, especially the honor to represent in part, one of
townships having but fifty, or perhaps the oldest counties in the State, I have
only twenty or fifteen voters, to travel had some experience in town matters,
three, four or five miles over bad roads and from the expressions of those
in the spring of the year to attend the with whom I have had the opportunity
election, when, by fixing the time for to converse on this subject, I think
holding the election one month earlier, that the change from the first of April
we shall in nine cases out of ten have to the first of March would give al-
an election when the ground is frozen, most universal satisfaction, especially

ble.

gentlemen, who have spoken on this
subject, and therefore, I will only add
that I think my constituency will be
well pleased with the change, and that
I hope the report of the committee
may be sustained.

The question being taken on the
amendment of Mr. WILLARD to the
amendment of Mr. GIDDINGS, it was
not agreed to.

"Who shall hold their offices until their

successors are elected and qualified, and whose term of office, powers and duties, shall be prescribed by law."

Mr. UTLEY. I offer the following as a substitute for the entire section:

"SECTION 1. There shall be elected annu

ally, on the first Tuesday in March, in each organized township, one supervisor, one township clerk, and one township treasurer, who shall hold their offices for one year, and until their successors are elected and qualified, and whose powers and duties shall be prescribed by law. There shall also be elected at the same time, such other township officers as the Legislature may direct, who shall hold their offices for such time, and discharge such duties, as the Legislature shall determine.

Mr. BIRNEY. I rise to a point of

order. I observe that it is getting somewhat common, while a proposition is in process of being amended, to offer

It appears to me that it is always allowable, before a substitute is entertained, to amend the section as completely as possible; so that the Convention may have the opportunity of a choice between the substitute on the one hand, and on the other the section perfected so far as may be possible.

To entertain the substitute before the section has been amended may deprive the Convention of the privilege of perfecting the section. They might prefer the section as fully amended, rather the section as fully amended, rather

and before the roads become impassa- to the rural districts. The reasons a substitute for the entire proposition.
On behalf of the newer and have been very fully set forth by other
sparsely settled townships, I trust that
the members of the Convention will
agree to this very reasonable change.
Mr. MORTON. Mr. Chairman, I
do not rise to discuss this question,
for it is a matter of considerable indif-
ference to me which day is fixed for
the annual township elections; but it
appears to me there would be some in-
convenience in having the elections in
the townships on a different day from The question recurring on the
those in the cities. It appears to me amendment of Mr. GIDDINGS, it was
this difficulty might be obviated by a not agreed to, there being on a division
compromise which would accommo--ayes 25, noes 48.
date all parties. I think it would be Mr. MORTON. I move to amend
satisfactory to provide that "there section 1, by striking out "Monday,"
shall be elected annually, on the first in the first line, and inserting «Tues-
Tuesday of March, 1869, and in each day."
year thereafter," etc. Thus in the time
intervening between the adoption of Mr. BILLS. I move to amend the
the Constitution and the regular meet- section by striking out all after the
ing of the Legislature in 1869, the word "provide" in the 4th line, to and
people could determine what changes including the word "qualified," in the
may be required, and their represen- 5th line. The words which I propose
tatives would be properly posted, while to strike out are the following:
those who wish this change made would
attain their object, and attain it just
as readily and promptly.

The amendment was agreed to.

"Who shall hold their offices for one year, and until their successors are elected and qualified."

than the substitute.

The CHAIRMAN. The Chair is of

opinion that the point of order is well taken. The substitute will be held in abeyance till all the amendments have been offered.

Mr. BILLS. In making the motion to strike out the words, "who shall hold their office for one year and until their successors are elected and qualified," my object was principally to elicit from some members of the committee who have reported this article, the reasons for the insertion of those words. In our present Constitution. I think myself that whether the elec- Mr. PRINGLE. I suggest to the the term of office is not provided for tion takes place in March or April, the gentleman a further amendment-to at all; it is left to be fixed by the Legday fixed should be the first Tuesday insert after the word "whose," in the islature. To restrict, either by the instead of the first Monday; for every fifth line, the words "term of office," Constitution or legislative act, the term man knows, from his own experience, so that the last clause of the section of office of all these different township that there is more electioneering on the will read, "and whose term of office, officers for one year, would seem to Sabbath preceding the township powers and duties shall be prescribed me to be very undesirable in our State. election than on any other day. [Laugh- by law." As the gentleman proposes The machinery of government is very ter.] If the Sabbath be appropriated to strike out the clause specifying the largely conducted by the township