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New York State Constitutional Convention, 1938 Records of William S. Bennet


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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:
This series consists of William Stiles Bennet's records from the 1938 Constitutional Convention. The records include correspondence, proposed amendments and bills, miscellaneous literature, and pamphlets regarding changes to the Constitution.
Creator:
Title:
1938 Constitutional Convention records of William S. Bennet
Quantity:

1 cubic foot

Inclusive Dates:
1938-1941
Series Number:
L0256

Arrangement

Alphabetical.

Administrative History

In 1900, William Bennet was elected to the New York State Assembly as a representative of Manhattan's 21st election district. As assemblyman, he was instrumental in passing the ealy labor legislation of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), as well as the Employer's Liability Bill, which was a forerunner to the Workmen's Compensation Act. From 1905 to 1911, and again from 1915 to 1917, Bennet served in the U.S. Congress. As a member of the immigration committee, he helped to create the United States Immigration Commission. He also served on a bipartisan Rules Committee that drafted legislation to fight the First World War. Bennet later sat as a delegate on the New York State constitutional convention of 1938, which succeeded in getting voters to approve a number of significant amendments to the state's constitution, most of which expanded state government responsibility for social welfare programs.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of William Stiles Bennet's records from the 1938 Constitutional Convention. The records include correspondence, proposed amendments and bills, and miscellaneous literature and pamphlets regarding changes to the Constitution.

Other Finding Aids

Available at Repository

Folder list is available at the repository.

Custodial History

These records were donated to Syracuse University by Augustus W. Bennet in 1962. They were later transferred to the New York State Archives and the University at Albany in June 2006.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.

Access Terms

Personal Name(s):
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Detailed Description

Dates Contents Box Folder

Accretion: L0256-08
1938 April-1941 June Constitutional Convention Correspondence (328 Items) 1 1
1938 Constitutional Convention – Proposed Amendments, Bills, etc. 1 2
Constitutional Convention Folder #2: Misc. Literature and Pamphlets 1 3