Council Approves Draft Of Revised Constitution

Edric A. Weld's Constitutional Committee saw partial fruition of its fall work Wednesday night as the Student Council unanimously approved the committee's revised draft of the new Council Constitution. The investigation was begun last spring under the direction of Thomas L. P. O'Donnell '46, then president of the Council.

"Before the proposed constitution becomes effective, it must be voted upon by a majority of the undergraduates, two-thirds of whom must signify approval to effect ratification," Weld last night announced, as the draft was slated to go before, the student body for vote on February 6 and 7.

This means that approximately 2800 students must vote on the draft, with 1900 assenting votes needed to make the constitution law.

Summary Planned

"In additions to a full report, outlining the reasons for changes and by-law suggestions, which will be available for inspection at the Council office in Phillips Brooks House, we plan to have a one-page summary of major changes in all House libraries and common rooms several days before the scheduled ratification date," said Weld last night.

Main revision in the proposed constitution is the election system. The present method of nine elected and eight appointed members to the Council has been completely junked in favor of an all-elective system.

Elections Spilt

A compromise between entirely House or Class election, the knottiest issue in Council approval, was finally settled with eight representatives from the Houses and seven from the Classes.

Retaining the Council's right to appoint three additional members, if and when it sees fit, the new constitution provides for Freshman representation through two non-voting members, whose main duty will be as liaison between the Council and Union Committee.

Strict on Attendance

The eight House representatives, including Dudley, will be elected immediately prior to the May reading period, with the Class elections, comprising three Sophomores, two Juniors, and two Seniors, taking place shortly afterwards.

Sophomores, elected at the end of their Freshman year, will be nominated by an open meeting of their Class, while Junior and Senior candidates will be selected by nominating boards.

"Necessitated by the new system," said Weld, "is a now rule whereby a member who misses five meetings, or three, without notifying the secretary, is automatically considered for removal."