SB 379 – AS INTRODUCED

2010 SESSION

SENATE BILL 379

AN ACT proclaiming September 5 as Portsmouth Peace Treaty Day.

SPONSORS: Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 24; Sen. Odell, Dist 8; Sen. Barnes, Jr., Dist 17; Sen. Hassan, Dist 23; Rep. R. Read, Rock 16; Rep. Cali-Pitts, Rock 16; Rep. Watters, Straf 4; Rep. Pantelakos, Rock 16; Rep. Splaine, Rock 16

COMMITTEE: Election Law and Veterans’ Affairs

ANALYSIS

This bill requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing September 5 as Portsmouth Peace Treaty Day.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Ten

AN ACT proclaiming September 5 as Portsmouth Peace Treaty Day.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Findings. The general court finds that:

I. On September 5, 1905, the signing of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard ended the war between Russia and Japan over control of Korea and Manchuria; and

II. Annual observance of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty would recognize and honor the part played by New Hampshire citizens and their efforts in citizen diplomacy which significantly contributed to the successful international negotiations between Japanese and Russian diplomats that resulted in the signing of the treaty; and

III. The Portsmouth Peace Treaty is a permanent and important chapter in New Hampshire history and should be recognized and appropriately commemorated for generations to come.

2 New Section; Powers of Governor and Council; Observances Proclaimed by Governor. Amend RSA 4 by inserting after section 13-n the following new section:

4:13-o Portsmouth Peace Treaty Day. The governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling for the proper observance of September 5 as Portsmouth Peace Treaty Day and shall call on the citizens of New Hampshire to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities commemorating this important day in New Hampshire history.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.