THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
Mr. JOHNSON offered a joint resolution, proposing an amendment to Section 1, Article 16, of the Constitution, as follows:
"Any amendment or amendments to this may be proposed in either branch of the General Assembly, and if the same shall be agreed to by two-thirds of all the members elect to each of the two Houses, such proposed amendment or amendments shall, with the yeas and nays thereon, be entered and spread at full length on their journals and referred to the General Assembly to be chosen at the next general election; and if in the General Assembly so next chosen such proposed amendment or amendments shall be agreed to by two-thirds of all the members elect to each House, then it shall be the duty of the General Assembly to submit such amendment or amendments to the electors of the State at the next general election, and if a majority of such electors shall ratify the same, such amendment or amendments shall become a part of this Constitution."
Mr. BROWN: Of course we all know that there were some amendments proposed to the Constitution before the Legislature two years ago, and that the Senate yesterday adopted a report declaring they are not pending before the Senate; but until the House of Representatives make some disposition of them they are still awaiting the action of the General Assembly; and he made the point of order that no amendments should be proposed to the Constitution until the question as to whether any such amendments are pending entirely disposed of. He read Section 2, Article 16, of the Constitution.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Do you think we are not to vote upon their final passage until others are disposed of?
Mr. BROWN: No. The Constitution says, 'shall not be proposed." That, goes to the introduction of the amendments themselves.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Under the rule of the Senate this would be the first reading of the resolution. It would now go to a Committee, come back, be read the second time, and ordered engrossed for a third reading on a subsequent day.
Mr BUNDY: The point made by the Senator from Jackson [Mr. Brown] is that this is not in order because there are other proposed, amendments pending.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: I wish the Senator would withdraw his joint resolution without requiring the chair to make a decision on this matter.
Mr. JOHNSON: As there seems to be a doubt, and as the validity of the amendment itself may be questionable, I beg leave of the Senate to withdraw the resolution.
SEVERAL SENATORS: "Consent!" 'Consent!"
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Leave is given.
