ALSACE-LORRAINE.

Mataura Ensign, 30 January 1911, Page 5

ALSACE-LORRAINE.

THE NEW CONSTITUTION. BY PLECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT. PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. Received January 30, 8.5 a.m. BERLIN, Jan. 29. The Reichstag has referred to a committee the proposed Constitution of Alsace-Lorraine. The Alsatian deputies are opposed to the Bill on the ground that it is inadequate. The Federal Council has assented to a constitiition for Alsace-Lorraine. The First Chamber will consist of 18 members and the Second Chamber of 60. Members will be elected by secret ballot, and the franchise is given to all adult males 25 years old, two votes being allowed to electors over 25 years of age, and three votes to those over 45 years. The provinces of Alsace-Lorraine were incorporated with the German Empire after the war of 1870-71, their cession being one of the conditions of peace. The constitution of the Empire was introduced on January 1, 1874. A Stattholder appointed by the Emperor represents the Imperial Government, and under his control is a Ministry composed of four departments with a Secretary of State at its head. A Council of State composed of the chief administrative and judicial officials assists the Stattholder, and a committee consisting of 58 members attends to local legislation.