State Board of Equalization v. Bimetallic Investment Co.

Citations

• 56 Colo. 512
• 138 P. 1010
• 1914 Colo. LEXIS 189

Syllabus

<p>1. Constitutional Law — Creation of New Offices — The constitution creates many offices, the duties of which it does not prescribe, but places no limitation upon the creation of others. Among the former is that of county assessor. Sec. 8, art. XIV.*</p> <p>2. -Legislative Power to Modify Punctioús <md Duties of Officials —As the office of county assessor existed at and prior to the adoption of the constitution, and the functions and duties thereof were defined by territorial laws, and sec. I of the constitutional schedule continued in force such laws, so far as not inconsistent with the constitution, until they should expire by their own limitation or were altered or repealed by the general assembly, the duties pertaining to such office may be changed and modified as held in People ex rel v. Pitcher, ante.*</p> <p>3. -Construction of the Constitution — In construing the constitution it is to be remembered that it is not the beginning of law for the state, but assumes the existence of a system, well understood, which is still to remain in force and be administered under the limitations and restrictions imposed by,that instrument.</p> <p>Long usage, with aequieseeneé of the people therein, may be invoked to sustain the interpretation to which it gives countenance.</p>