Report of the Debates in the Convention of California: On the Formation of the State Constitution, in September and October, 1849John Ross Browne (1817-1875) of Kentucky, the official reporter for the California State Constitutional Convention of September-October 1849, came to California in 1849 as an employee of the government revenue service. He traveled widely in the next two decades before settling down in Oakland. Report of the debates of the Convention of California (1850) comprises the official records of the convention. Browne had been a shorthand reporter for the U.S. Senate before coming west, and he provides transcripts of the proclamation calling the convention, proceedings of the convention, text of the state constitution adopted by the delegates, and official correspondence regarding the convention and the institution of state government under that constitution. |
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adjournment admitted adopted appointed bank believe bill of rights Botts boundary California certificates of deposit citizens civil clause Committee Congress Constitution Constitution of California Convention corporations Court decided delegates desire Dimmick District of San dollars duties election expenses favor fixed fund gentleman from Monterey gentleman from San Gilbert Governor Governor of California GWIN HALLECK HASTINGS Hoppe House insert JONES judge justice Justice of Peace lands legislative Legislature LIPPITT McCARVER MCDOUGAL Mexico minority report motion necessary negroes NORTON object officers opinion opposed persons population portion present President principle privileges proper proposed proposition question representatives resolution Riley San Francisco San Joaquin San Jose San Luis Obispo SEMPLE Senators session settle SHANNON SHERWOOD Sierra Nevada slavery STEUART strike taken Tefft Territorial Government tion treaty Union United vote whole Wilmot proviso wish word WOZENCRAFT
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Page 166 - Senators, and shall be published for three months previous to the time of making such choice; and if in the Legislature so next chosen, as aforesaid, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be agreed to by a majority of all the members elected to each house, then it shall be the duty of the Legislature to submit such proposed amendment or amendments to the people, in such manner and at such time as the Legislature shall prescribe...
Page viii - Any amendment or amendments to this constitution may be proposed in the senate and assembly ; and if the same shall be agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered on their journals with the yeas...
Page 41 - Every citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press.
Page ii - ... and naval forces in time of war, or which this State may keep with the consent of Congress in time of peace; and in cases of petit larceny, under the regulation of the Legislature), unless on presentment or indictment of a grand jury, and in any trial in any court whatever the party accused shall be allowed to appear and defend in person and with counsel as in civil actions. No person shall be subject to be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense...
Page 30 - The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed in this state to all mankind ; and no person shall be rendered incompetent to be a witness on account of his opinions on matters of religious belief; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of this state.
Page 114 - The term corporations, as used in this article, shall be construed to include all associations and joint-stock companies having any of the powers or privileges of corporations not possessed by individuals or partnerships. And all corporations shall have the right to sue, and shall be subject to be sued, in all courts in like cases as natural persons.
Page 108 - Corporations may be formed under general laws ; but shall not be created by special act,, except for municipal purposes, and in cases where in the judgment of the Legislature, the objects of the corporation cannot be attained under general laws. All general laws and special acts passed pursuant to this section, may be altered from time to time, or repealed.
Page ii - For the purpose of voting, no person shall be deemed to have gained or lost a residence, by reason of his presence or absence, while employed in the service of the United States; nor while engaged in the navigation of the waters of this state, or of the United States, or of the high seas ; nor while a student of any seminary of learning; nor while kept at any almshouse, or other asylum, at public expense ; nor while confined in any public prison.
Page 38 - The right of trial by jury shall be secured to all, and remain inviolate forever. But a jury trial may be waived by the parties in all civil cases in the manner to be prescribed by law.
Page 161 - The Governor shall have the power to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons after conviction, for all offenses except treason and cases of impeachment, upon such conditions and with such restrictions and limitations, as he may think proper, subject to such regulations as may be provided by law relative to the manner of applying for pardons. Upon conviction for treason, he shall have power to suspend the execution of the sentence, until the case shall be reported to the Legislature at its next...