Case ID: rep-cont-el_1/html/0020-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

1786—1787.
    PAXTON.
    Where a meeting, which was held for the choice of a representative, and at which an election was effected, was adjourned to another day; and at the adjournment, it was voted to reconsider the votes passed at the previous meeting u respecting the choice of a representative; ” it was held, that the election was not thereby invalidated, although the first meeting was very thinly attended, and at the adjournment, a much larger number of the inhabitants was present.
   The return from the town of Paxton appeared to be nothing more than a certificate signed by the constable thereof, stating, that a meeting was held in said town, for the choice of a re-presenta five, in which the selectmen were present and presided, and, th&1 on collecting and counting the votes, the presiding selectman declared, that the town had made choice of Hezekiah Ward, whom, being present, be then and there notified of Ms election: — The committee on the returns reported, that the same be submitted to the consideration of the house j and, after debe te thereon, it was voted that the matter subside.

The selectmen of Paxton also petitioned, that Mr, Ward might not be permitted to hold Ms seat, alleging, that a meeting was duly held in said town, for the choice of a representative, width was very thinly attended, at which, it was voted to send a representative, and Mr. Ward was elected: that the said meeting was adjourned, and at the adjournment thereof, when a much larger number of the inhabitants was present, it was voted to reconsider the votes passed at the previous meeting, “ respecting the choice of a representativethat Mr. Ward was present at said adjourned meeting, and was also particularly informed of the reconsideration, by one of the selectmen: and that the selectmen, in consequence of the proceedings of the last meeting, refused to give Mr. Ward a certificate of his election, notwithstanding which, he had taken Ms seat, by virtue of the return above mentioned.

The petitioners, upon the report of a committee to whom it was referred, had leave to withdraw their petition.

[It is quite probable, that the indulgence of the house, in allowing the member to retain his seat on such a return, was occasioned by their knowledge of the facts of the case, as they afterwards appeared in evidence.] 
      
       7 J. H. 17.
     
      
       Same, 17.
     
      
       Same, 97.
     
      
       7 J. H. 141.