CLINKSCALES v. FANT, MAYOR. et al

Messrs. Bonham Allen, for appellant, cite: Error to hold that "past indebtedness" in amendment to Sec. 7, Art. VIII, Const. 1895, (30 Stats. 224) includes all indebtedness whether existing at the time the amendment was adopted or subsequently incurred. Registration books shall be opened twenty days before election and opening twenty-eight days before is not compliance: 1 Civ. Code 1912, Sec. 221, 91 S.C. 413. Messrs. Sullivan Cooley, for respondent, cite: Intent should be sought in construing a constitutional provision. 6 Wheat 1, 6 L.Ed. 23. City under amendment (30 Stat. 224) may issue bonds for "any corporate purpose." Limit must be figured at time the bonds become a binding obligation: 19 R.C.L. 276; 37 L.R.A. (N.S.) 1036; 4 A.S. R. 241; 80 A.S.R. 816 and notes. Amendment is self-executing: 110 S.C. 36, 59; 32 Stats. 54. Opening of books was proper: 91 S.C. 413.