MANNER OF BRINGING SUITS AGAINST THE STATE.

SEC. 22. The general assembly shall direct by law, in what courts, and in what manner suits may be commenced against the State.

SEC. 23. The general assembly shall not have power to pass any bill of divorce, but may prescribe by law the manner in which such cases may be investigated in the courts of justice, and divorces granted.

SEC. 24. The governor, lieutenant-governor, secretary of state, auditor, treasurer, and all judges of the supreme, circuit and inferior courts of law and equity, and the prosecuting attorneys for the State, shall be liable to impeachment for any malpractice or misdemeanor in office, but judgment in such cases shall not extend further than removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of trust or profit under this State. The party impeached, whether convicted or acquitted, shall nevertheless be liable to be indicted, tried and punished according to law.

SEC. 25. The house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment, and all impeachments shall be tried by the senate; and when sitting for that purpose, the senators shall be on oath or affirmation to do justice according to law and evidence. When the governor shall be tried, the chief justice of the supreme court shall preside, and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the senators elected; and for reasonable cause which shall not be sufficient ground for impeachment, the governor shall, on the joint address of two-thirds of each branch of the legislature, remove from office the judges of the supreme and inferior courts: Provided, The cause or causes of removal be spread on the journals, and the party charged be notified of the same, and heard by himself and counsel before the vote is finally taken and decided.

SEC. 26. The appointment of all officers, not otherwise directed by this constitution, shall be made in such manner as may be prescribed by law; and all officers, both civil and military, acting under the authority of this State, shall, before entering on the duties of their respective offices, take an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution of the United States and of this State, and to demean themselves faithfully in office.

SEC. 27. No county now established by law shall ever be reduced by the establishment of any new county or counties, to less than six hundred square miles, nor to a less population than its ratio of representation in the house of representatives; nor shall any county be hereafter established which shall contain less than six hundred square miles, or a less population than would entitle each county to a member in the house of representatives.

SEC. 28. The style of the laws of this State shall be-" Be it enacted by the general assembly of the State of Arkansas."

SEC. 29. The State shall from time to time be divided into convenient districts, in such manner that the senate shall be based upon the free, white male inhabitants of the State, each senator representing an equal number as nearly as practicable; and the senate shall never consist of less than seventeen nor more than thirty-three members; and as soon as the senate shall meet after the first election to be held under this constitution, they shall cause the senators to be divided by lot into two classes, nine of the first class and eight of the second; and the seats of the first class shall be vacated at the end of two years from the time of their election; and the seats of the second class at the end of four years from the time of their election, in order that one class of the senators may be elected every two years.

SEC. 30. An enumeration of the inhabitants of the State shall be taken under the direction of the general assembly on the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, and at the end of every ten years thereafter; and the general assembly shall, at the first session after the return of every enumeration, so alter and arrange the senatorial districts, that each district shall contain, as nearly as practicable, an equal number of free white male inhabitants.

SEC. 31. The ratio of representation in the senate shall be fifteen hundred free white male inhabitants to each senator, until the senators amount to twenty-five in number, and then they shall be equally apportioned upon the same basis throughout

the State, in such ratio as the increased number of free white male inhabitants may require, without increasing the senators to a greater number than twenty-five, until the population of the State amounts to five hundred thousand souls; and when an increase of senators takes place, they shall, from time to time, be divided by lot, and be classed as prescribed above.

SEC. 32. The house of representatives shall consist of not less than fifty-four, nor more than one hundred representatives, to be apportioned among the several counties in this State, according to the number of free white male inhabitants therein, taking five hundred as the ratio, until the number of representatives amounts to seventy-five; and when they amount to seventy-five, they shall not be further increased until the population of the State amounts to five hundred thousand souls: Provided, That each county now organized, shall, although its population may not give the existing ratio, always be entitled to one representative; and at the first session of the general assembly, after the return of every enumeration, the representation shall be equally divided and re-apportioned among the several counties, according to the number of free white males in each county, as above prescribed.

MODE OF AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION.

The general assembly may, at any time, propose such amendments to this constitution as two-thirds of each house shall deem expedient, which shall be published in all the newspapers published in this State, three several times, at least twelve months before the next general election; and if, at the first session of the general assembly after such general election, two-thirds of each house shall, by yeas and nays, ratify such proposed amendments, they shall be valid to all intents and purposes as parts of this constitution: Provided, That such proposed amendments shall be read on three several days in each house, as well when the same are proposed as when they are finally ratified.

ARTICLE V.

ABOLISHMENT OF SLAVERY.

SECTION 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall hereafter exist in this State, otherwise than for the punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been convicted by due process of law; nor shall any male person, arrived at the age of twenty-one years, nor female arrived at the age of eighteen years, be held to serve any person as a servant, under any indenture or contract hereafter made, unless such person shall enter into such indenture or contract while in a state of perfect freedom, and on condition of a bona-fide consideration received, or to be received for their services.

Nor shall any indenture of any negro or mulatto hereafter made and executed out of this State, or if made in this State, where the term of service exceeds one year, be of the least validity, except those given in case of apprenticeship, which shall not be for a longer term than until the apprentice shall arrive at the age of twenty-one years, if a male, or the age of eighteen years, if a female.

ARTICLE VI.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.

SECTION 1. The supreme executive power of this State shall be vested in a chief magistrate, who shall be styled "the governor of Arkansas."

SEC. 2. The governor shall be elected by the qualified electors, at the time, and places where they shall respectively vote for representatives.

SEC. 3. The returns of every election for governor, except those of the election of eighteen hundred and sixty-four, which shall be sealed and directed, as ordered in the schedule appended to this constitution, shall be sealed up and transmitted to the speaker of the house of representatives, who shall, during the first week of the session, open and publish them in the presence of both houses of the general

assembly. The person having the highest number of votes shall be governor; but if two or more shall be equal and highest in votes, one of them shall be chosen governor by the joint vote of both houses of the general assembly, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.

SEC. 4. The governor shall hold his office for the term of four years from the time of his installation, and until his successor shall be duly qualified, but he shall not be eligible for more than eight years in any term of twelve years; he shall be at least thirty years of age, a native-born citizen of Arkansas, or a native-born citizen of the United States, or a resident of Arkansas ten years previous to the adoption of this constitution, if not a native of the United States, and shall have been a resident of the same at least four years next before his election.

SEC. 5. He shall, at stated times, receive a compensation for his services, which shall not be increased or diminished during the term for which he shall have been elected; nor shall he receive, within that period, any other emolument from the United States, or any one of them, or from any foreign power.

SEC. 6. He shall be commander-in-chief of the army of this State, and of the militia thereof, except when they shall be called into the service of the United States. SEC. 7. He may require any information, in writing, from the officers of the executive department on any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices.

SEC. 8. He may, by proclamation, on extraordinary occasions, convene the general assembly at the seat of government, or at a different place, if that shall have become, since their last adjournment, dangerous from an enemy, or from contagious diseases. In case of disagreement between the two houses, with respect to the time of adjourn. ment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper, not beyond the day of the next meeting of the general assembly.

SEC. 9. He shall, from time to time, give to the general assembly information of the state of the government, and recommend to their consideration, such measures as he may deem expedient.

SEC. 10. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

SEC. 11. In all criminal and penal cases, except in those of treason and impeachment, he shall have power to grant pardons, after conviction, and remit fines and forfeitures, under such rules and regulations as shall be prescribed by law. In cases of treason, he shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, to grant reprieves and pardons, and he may, in the recess of the senate, respite the sentence until the end of the next session of the general assembly.

SEC. 12. There shall be a seal of this State, which shall be kept by the governor, and used by him officially.

SEC. 13. All commissions shall be in the name and by the authority of the State of Arkansas, be sealed with the seal of this State, signed by the governor, and attested by the secretary of state.

SEC. 14. There shall be elected a secretary of state by the qualified voters of the State, who shall continue in office during the term of four years, and until his successor in office be duly qualified; he shall keep a fair register of all official acts and proceedings of the governor, and shall, when required, lay the same, and all papers, minutes and vouchers relative thereto, before the general assembly, and shall perform such other duties as may be required by law.

SEC. 15. Vacancies that may happen in offices, the election of which is vested in the general assembly, shall be filled by the governor, during the recess of the general assembly, by granting commissions, which shall expire at the end of the next session. SEC. 16. Vacancies that may occur in offices, the election to which is vested in the people, within less than one year before the expiration of their term, shall be filled by the governor granting commissions, which shall expire at the end of the next term; but if one year or a longer period remains unexpired at the time of the vacancy, then, and in that case, the governor shall order an election to be held to fill the vacancy. SEC. 17. Every bill which shall have passed both houses shall be presented to the governor; if he approve it, he shall sign it; but if he shall not approve it, he shall return it, with his objections, to the house in which it shall have originated, who shall enter his objections at large upon their journals, and proceed to reconsider it. If,

after such reconsideration, a majority of the whole number elected to that house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other house, by which, likewise, it shall be reconsidered; and if approved by a majority of the whole number elected to that house, it shall be a law; but in such cases, the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for or against the bill, shall be entered on the journals of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the governor within three days, Sundays excepted, after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the general assembly, by their adjournment, prevent its return; in such case it shall not be a law.

SEC. 18. Every order or resolution, to which the concurrence of both houses may be necessary, except on questions of adjournment, shall be presented to the governor before it shall take effect, be approved by him, or, being disapproved, shall be repassed by both houses, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in the case of a bill.

SEC. 19. A lieutenant-governor shall be chosen at every election for governor, in the same manner, continue in office for the same time, and possess the same qualifications. In voting for governor and lieutenant-governor, the electors shall distinguish for whom they vote as governor, and for whom as lieutenant-governor.

SEC. 20. He shall, by virtue of his office, be president of the senate, have a right, when in committee of the whole, to debate, and, whenever the senate are equally divided, shall give the casting vote.

SEC. 21. Whenever the government shall be administered by the lieutenant-governor, or he shall be unable to attend as president of the senate, the senate shall elect one of their own members as president for that occasion; and if, during the vacancy of the office of the governor, the lieutenant-governor shall be impeached, removed from office, refuse to qualify, or resign, or die, or be absent from the State, the president of the senate shall, in like manner, administer the government.

SEC. 22. The lieutenant-governor, while he acts as president of the senate, shall receive for his services the same compensation which shall for the same period be allowed to the speaker of the house of representatives, and no more; and during the time he administers the government, as governor, he shall receive the same compensation which the governor would have received had he been employed in the duties of his office.

SEC. 23. In case of an impeachment of the governor, his removal from office, death, refusal to qualify, resignation, or absence from the State, the lieutenant-governor shall exercise all the power and authority appertaining to the office of governor, until the time pointed out by this constitution for the election of a governor shall arrive, unless the general assembly shall provide by law for the election of governor to fill such vacancy.

SEC. 24. The governor shall always reside at the seat of government.

SEC. 25. No person shall hold the office of governor or lieutenant-governor, and any other office or commission, civil or military, either in this State or under any State, or the United States, or any other power, at one and the same time.

SEC. 26. There shall be elected, by the qualified voters of this State, an auditor and treasurer for this State, who shall hold their offices for the term of two years, and until their respective successors are elected and qualified, unless sooner removed; and shall keep their respective offices at the seat of government, and shall perform such duties as shall be prescribed by law; and in case of vacancy by death, resignation or otherwise, such vacancy shall be filled by the governor as in other cases.

MILITIA.

SECTION 1. The militia of this State shall be divided into convenient divisions, brigades, regiments and companies, and officers of corresponding titles and rank elected to command them, conforming, as nearly as practicable, to the general regulations of the Army of the United States; and all officers shall be elected by those subject to military duty in their several districts, except as hereinafter provided.

SEC. 2. The governor shall appoint the adjutant-general and other members of his staff, and major-generals, brigadier-generals, and commanders of regiments, shall

respectively appoint their own staff; and all commissioned officers may continue in office during good behavior, and staff officers during the same time, subject to be removed by the superior officer from whom they respectively derive their commissions.

ARTICLE VII.

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT.

SECTION 1. The judicial power of this State shall be vested in one supreme court, in circuit courts, in county courts, and in justices of the peace. The general assembly may also vest such jurisdiction as may be deemed necessary in corporation courts, and when they deem it expedient, may establish courts of chancery.

SEC. 2. The supreme court shall be composed of three judges, one of whom shall be styled chief justice, any two of whom shall constitute a quorum, and the concurrence of any two of said judges shall, in every case, be necessary to a decision.

The supreme court, except in cases otherwise directed by this constitution, shall have appellate jurisdiction only, which shall be co extensive with the State, under such restrictions and regulations as may, from time to time, be prescribed by law.

It shall have a general superintending control over all inferior and other courts of law and equity. It shall have power to issue writs of error, supersedcas, certiorari and habeas corpus, mandamus and quo warranto, and other remedial writs, and to hear and determine the same. Said judges shall be conservators of the peace throughout the State, and shall have power to issue any of the aforesaid writs.

SEC. 3. The circuit court shall have original jurisdiction over all criminal cases which shall not be otherwise provided for by law; and exclusive original jurisdiction of all crimes amounting to felony at the common law, and original jurisdiction of all civil cases which shall not be cognizable before justices of the peace, until otherwise directed by the general assembly; and original jurisdiction in all matters of contract, where the sum in controversy is over two hundred dollars. It shall hold its terms at such place in each county as may be by law directed.

SEC. 4. The State shall be divided into convenient circuits, each to consist of not less than five nor more than seven counties contiguous to each other, for each of which a judge shall be elected, who, during his continuance in office, shall reside and be a conservator of the peace, within the circuit for which he shall have been elected.

SEC. 5. The circuit courts shall exercise a superintending control over the county courts, and over justices of the peace in each county, in their respective circuits, and shall have power to issue all the necessary writs to carry into effect their general and specific powers.

SEC. 6. Until the general assembly shall deem it expedient to establish courts of chancery, the circuit courts shall have jurisdiction in matters of equity, subject to appeal to the supreme court, in such manner as may be prescribed by law.

SEC. 7. The qualified voters of this State shall elect the judges of the supreme court; the judges of the supreme court shall be at least thirty years of age; they shall hold their offices during the term of eight years from the date of their commissions, and until their successors are elected and qualified.

Immediately after such election by the people, the lieutenant-governor and speaker of the house of representatives shall proceed, by lot, to divide the judges into three classes. The commission of the first class shall expire at the end of four years; of the second class at the end of six years; and of the third class at the end of eight years; so that one-third of the whole number shall be chosen every four, six and eight years.

SEC. 8. The qualified voters of each judicial district shall elect a circuit judge. The judges of the circuit court shall be at least twenty-five years of age, and shall be elected for the term of four years from the date of their commissions, and shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified.

SEC. 9. The supreme court shall appoint its own clerk or clerks, for the term of four years. The qualified voters of each county shall elect a clerk of the circuit