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We heartily approve of the proposed constitution of the Student Council in its amended form. Suitable ratification is provided for, provisions for amendment and nomination by petition are included, and a new and comprehensive clause is inserted in the section devoted to the powers of the Council.
In addition to these changes which were advocated by the CRIMSON, the objection was raised that the proposed constitution was framed by an unconstitutional body. The strength of this objection lay in the fact that there was to be no adequate ratification. Since this is remedied in the new draft, however, the question of the legality of the framing loses its significance.
The new clause relative to powers is important. In substance, it states that the students give their consent to the exercise by the Council of all authority which the Faculty may see fit in the future to delegate. This opens the way for an increase in the Council's powers as soon as that body has convinced the Faculty of its earnestness and of its worth. Without such a provision, any increase of the Council's authority through the liberality of the Faculty would have been without ratification by the undergraduates, and might have lacked their hearty support, on the ground that such augmented power was an encroachment upon individual rights.
The Faculty has given definite assurance of its intention to delegate certain powers to the Council, provided this body proves itself worthy of the Faculty's confidence and respect. It is, therefore, essential that the success of the Council be not jeopardized by lack of student support. The Juniors have the first opportunity to vote on the Council, and they should realize the important influence that a large and affirmative vote will have upon the attitude of the other classes at subsequent elections.
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