288 "IOWA JOURNAL OF HISTORY AND POLITICS"
Mr. Calkin from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported the following:
CONSTITUTION OF THE OREGON EMIGRATION SOCIETY OF IOWA TERRITORY, AT IOWA CITY.
Whereas a number of the citizens of Iowa Territory, have it in contemplation to remove to, and settle in the Territory of Oregon, west of the Rocky Mountains and whereas it is desirable and necessary, in order to secure union and concert of action, insure trahquility, and promote the general welfare, that there should be some fixed and permanent rules for the government of the Society, during the preparation for said removal, and also during its march. We do therefore ordain and establish the following constitution, or form of govern- ment, and do mutually agree with each other, to abide by and support the same :
ARTICLE I.
1. The Legislative authority of this Society shall be vested in four Trustees, and twelve Councilmen, to be elected by the male members of this Society, entitled to a vote for civil officers under this Constitution.
2. The Trustees shall be elected on the eighteenth day of March, eighteen hundred and forty-three, at an election to be held for that purpose, at the house of Jarvis H. Frost (provided there shall be fifteen members present who shall be entitled to a vote), who shall hold their office until the first Monday of May, A. D. 1843, and until others are chosen in their place.
3. The Trustees and Councilmen shall be elected annually, on the first Monday in May, and shall hold their offices until others are elected in their place. The first election of civil officers shall be held at Iowa City on the first Monday of May, A. D. 1843. Provided there shall be at that time forty-five members who are entitled to a vote.
4. No person shall be eligible to the office of Trustee or Councilman, who shall not at the time of his election have attained the age of 25 years, and be a member of this Society.
