Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-04-11
SATURDAY, MARCH %.

MT DAWSON reported bill authorisiDg
the proprietors of squares and lots in the
city ofWashIngton 10 have The same sub.
divided anu Omitted to record. which was
referred TO committee Of the whole.
Mr.. Newton alluded TO the fac expe-
rienced yesterday by the resolution deciar-
ing the tenure OF 4 seat in the House in
comp atible with the holding a CONTRACT
under the government of the U. 5. From
the tate experienced by this resolution, he
said he was induced TO offer an amend.
ment 10 the constitution, which he consi-
dered as OF great importance. He said
Inc would wish TO see AN American Con-
Gress composed of very different ma.eri-
ais from Brush Parliament. He did
not wish TO see contractors on that floor.
When the rns mbers of that house came
TO perform the duties OF the people they
should pass themselves into oblivion. No
suspicion ought to attach to them. To
preserve the character of the representa-
tive body fom reproach, he had Prepa-
red an amendment to the constitution
which he would submit to the house.
The amendment was then read as fol-
lows:
That no person holding contract un-
der the government of the u. States, or
who shall directly or indirectly participant
III The emolumenls of such contract, shall
be capable OF holding seat in The Senate
or House Of Representative ofthe United
States.
Ordered 10 lie on the table.
Mr. Thomas said, he wished 10 submit
a resolution, also, TO amend the consiitu
tion--it was for the purpose of dlstricting
the several states for the choice of Elec.
tors of President and Vice President, by
the people.
He SAID, he had had the resolution for
some time III his drawer, waiting Tor ia
yotable opportunity to bring the subject
forward He would not say that the pre-
sent was the suspicious moment to
call the attention of Congress and the ma
ton 10 alter that sacred instrument for
he believed II ought not to- be approached
with innovations, but for strong & cogent
reasons; nor, then, only when the public
mind was free from collision, and unem-
barrassed with other questions OF great
national policy--Howevcr, as several pro.
POsitIObS iOT dUlcfuI1eUtS were before
them, if they were TO be called upon at
this time 10 consider any, he wished to
draw the attea lion Of the House 10 one
which experience had proven 10 be really
necessary and proper.
The object OF distri6lirg The state and
vesilng the choice Of electors Of President
and Vice President in the people, was one
which ne bad frequently urged and advo-
Gated in The Legislature OF the stale which
he had the houor in part TO represent,
under the constitution as it now stands,
which left IL optional with the state legis-
laiure, either 10 appoib, the electors them
selves, or TO vest their election with the
people at large. Indeed he said he always
did think, and still thought that the mode
of choosing electors, 70, The chief magis.
iraie OF this country, ought TO be by The
people, and that too in an uniform mode
throughout the u. S. This he consider.
ed the only proper way TO obtain fair
expression OF the public will in the choice
oil this highly responsible officer and in
order TO have this subleSa before the house,
he would submit the lollowiHg resolution {:
That the state legislature shall, from
time to time, divide each state into dis
Irets, equal TO the whole number ofsena-