27.  The Volksraad shall have the power to inflict taxes or to diminish them, to pay the public debt and to make provision for the general defence and welfare of the State; similarly to take up money on the credit of the State, and also to dispose of Government property.

Chapter V.—­Duties, Powers, etc., of the President.

28.  There shall be a President.

29.  The President shall be chosen by the enfranchised burghers; however, the Volksraad shall recommend one or more persons to their choice.

30.  The President shall be appointed for five years, and be re-eligible on resignation.

31.  The President shall be the head of the Executive power.  The supervision of all public departments and the execution and regulation of all matters connected with the public service shall be entrusted to the President, who shall be responsible to the Volksraad, and whose acts and deeds shall be subject to an appeal before the Volksraad.

32.  The President shall as often as possible visit the towns and give the inhabitants of the same and of the district an opportunity to bring forward at the towns matters in which they are interested.

33.  The President shall make a report in the yearly assemblage of the Volksraad about the state of the land and of the public service, shall assist the same with counsel and advice, and if necessary, lay bills upon the table, without, however, being able to vote upon the same.

34.  The President shall also be able to summon an extraordinary meeting of the Volksraad.

35.  The President shall have the power to fill up all empty posts in the public offices, which fall vacant between the times of the meeting of the Volksraad, subject to the ratification of that body.

36.  The President shall have the right to suspend public officials.

37.  The President with a majority of the Executive Council shall exercise the right of mercy in all criminal sentences.

38.  The President with the consent of the Volksraad declares war and makes peace.

39.  The President shall be able to make conventions, subject to the consent of the Volksraad.

40.  The President shall not be able to make any treaty without consent of the Volksraad.

41.  The President, or any member of the Executive Council, shall have the right at all times to inspect the state of the finances, as also the books of the officials.

Chapter VI.—­Executive Council.

42.  There shall be an Executive Council, consisting of the Landrost of the capital, the Secretary of the Government, and three unofficial members, chosen by the Volksraad, to assist the President with advice and assistance.

The President shall be the Chairman, and have a decisive vote.

43.  The Executive Council shall hold session on the second Monday of each second month, and at such other times as the President may desire.