those mere statutory sections which had given the instrument so heterogeneous an appearance to the critical eyes of Burnett and Lovejoy. To the first article of the original organic laws was added a section concerning rights,[1] and another section concerning the powers of three distinct branches of the government.[2]
The second article defined, in eleven sections, the powers and duties of the separate branches of government. The legislative power was to be vested in a house of representatives, which should consist of not less than thirteen nor more than sixty-one members, whose numbers should not be increased more than five at any one session, to be elected at the annual election giving to each district a representation in the ratio of its population, excluding natives. The members should reside in their district, and in case of vacancy the executive should cause a new election to be held, giving at least ten days' notice. The house of representatives should have power to fix the salaries of the different officers elected under the organization, or, as it is styled in these articles, "this compact" provided that no change was made in salaries during the term of service. The house of representatives should have the sole power of impeaching, three fourths of the members concurring; and the governor and all the civil officers should be liable to impeachment for treason, bribing, or any high crime or misdemeanor in office; judgment in such cases extending no further than removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust, or profit under the compact; but the offender might be dealt with according to law. The house of
- ↑ 'No person shall be deprived of the right of bearing arms in his own defence; no unreasonable searches or seizures shall be granted; the freedom of the press shall not be restrained; no person shall be tried twice tor the same offence; nor the people be deprived of the right of peaceably assembling and discussing any matter they may think proper, nor shall the right of petition ever be denied.' Or. Spectator, Feb. 5, 1846.
- ↑ 'The powers of the government shall be divided into three distinct departments, the legislative, executive, and judicial; and no person or persons belonging to one of these departments shall exercise any of the powers belonging to either of the others, except in cases herein directed or permitted.' Id.
