THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DATES OF CONVENTIONS, TIME OF ADOPTION, ETC.

Constitution of 1776.

The Constitution of Pennsylvania of 1776 was inspired by the following resolution passed by the Continental Congress:

"In Congress, May 15, 1776.

Whereas, His Brittanic Majesty, in conjunction with the lords and commons of Great Britain, has by a late act of parliament, excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of his crown: And whereas, no answer whatever, to the humble petitions of the colonies for redress of grievances and reconciliation with Great Britain, has been, or is likely to be given, but the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries, is to be exerted for the destruction of the good people of these colonies. And whereas, it appears absolutely irreconcilable to reason and good conscience, for the people of these colonies, now to take the oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any government, under the crown of Great Britain; and it is necessary, that the exercise of every kind of authority, under the said crown should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted, under the authority of the people of the colonies, for the preservation of internal peace, virtue and good order, as well as for the defense of their lives, liberties and properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredation of their enemies. Therefore,

Resolved. That it be recommended to the respective assemblies and conventions of the United Colonies, where no government sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs, has been hitherto established, to adopt such government as shall in the opinion of the representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular, and America in general.

By order of the Congress,

JOHN HANCOCK, President."

In accordance with this resolution and a call issued thereunder by the committee of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, 103 deputies were appointed by the committees of the city of Philadelphia and the several counties of the province, to meet in provincial conference. Ninety-seven of the deputies convened at Carpenter's Hall, in Philadelphia, on June 18th, and elected Thomas McKean President of the conference. They continued in session until June 25, 1776, and unanimously agreed that a provincial convention should be called for the purpose of forming a new government in the province, and fixed Monday, July 8th, as the time for the election of the members of the convention.

The convention was composed of ninety-six members and was in session in Philadelphia from July 15 to September 28, 1776. Benjamin Franklin was the president of the body. The "Bill of Rights and Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" adopted was committed to the charge of the Council of Safety, with directions to deliver the same to the General Assembly of the State, at their first meeting, immediately after they had chosen their speaker.

Constitution of 1790.

On March 24, 1789, the General Assembly, which then consisted of but one House, viz: the House of Representatives, passed a resolution submitting to the people the question of calling a convention to draft a new Constitution. At the following election the majority of votes cast favored the calling of such convention. The General Assembly, on September 14, 1789, then passed a resolution recommending that the people of the Commonwealth should at the succeeding election choose delegates to a constitutional convention to meet on November 24, 1789. Sixty-nine delegates were elected to this convention, which assembled in Philadelphia on the above date. Thomas Mifflin was elected president of the convention. The convention completed the drafting of the new Constitution and adjourned finally on September 2, 1790.

Constitution of 1838.

By an act approved April 14, 1835, the qualified electors were permitted to vote at the next following general election for or against calling a constitutional convention. The proposition was carried. The act of March 29, 1836, prescribed the time of meeting of the convention and fixed Friday, November 4, 1836, as the day on which delegates should be elected. The convention was composed of 133 members, and assembled at the capitol at Harrisburg on May 2, 1837. John Sergeant, of Philadelphia, was elected President. On November 23rd the convention adjourned to meet on November 28th in Musical Fund Hall, in Philadelphia, where, on February 22, 1838, the amended Constitution was adopted and signed. It was submitted to the electors and ratified by them at an election held on October 9, 1838, there being 113,971 votes in favor of and 112,759 against its adoption. The alterations and amendments went into effect on January 1, 1839. Amendments to this Constitution were adopted in 1850, 1857 and 1864.

Constitution of 1873.

By an act approved June 2, 1871, the question of calling a convention for the purpose of forming a new Constitution was submitted to the people on October 10, 1871, and was favorably decided by a vote of 316,097 for and 69,715 against. The act regulating the holding of the convention was approved April 11, 1872, the number of delegates was fixed at one hundred and thirty-three, and they were elected on October 8, 1872. The convention met in the House of Representatives at Harrisburg on November 12, 1872, and adjourned November 27, to meet in Philadelphia January 7, 1873, where the balance of its sessions were held. William M. Meredith, f Philadelphia, was elected president. He died August 17,

1873, during an adjournment. The convention on reconvening September 16th elected as his successor John H. Walker, of Erie county, who had served during the previous sessions as president pro tem. On November 3, 1873, the convention finished its work of drafting the present Constitution. It was submitted to the people at an election held December 16, 1873, and adopted by a vote of 253,744 to 108,594. This Constitution went into effect January 1, 1874.

THE STATE CAPITAL.

Former and Present Location.

Until 1799 Philadelphia was the capital of the State. By the act of April 3, 1799, Lancaster became the capital on the first Monday of November 1799. On February 21, 1810, an act was approved requiring that the offices of the State government, during the month of October, 1812, be moved to Harrisburg, which by said act was fixed and declared to be the seat of government. From that time Harrisburg has continued to be the capital of the State.