The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-01-02

perceived by the committee, as it went to
PROSTATE the law of Maryland; he believed
TIE state had right to fix qualifications for it's
representatives, and would contend for that
risht as long as he lived ! ifthc law of Ma
rviand was constitutional VIM. McCreery
was not entitled TO his seat if i. was uncon-
stitutional, he was duly elected gentlemen
might ovade the question in any way, but it
should be taken in such manner as fairly &
honestly to shew the grounds on which they
voted he always wished to register his vote
in such wav that his constituents might UNI
derstand clearly the reasons which actuated
him.
Mr.. Marion moved to amend the amend
ment proposed to the resolution by striking
out other words, so that the resolution should
read thus: Resolved, That VIM. McCree-
~ is entitled to MS seat in this House"-and
thereby avoid decision orfthe Constitutional
ity of a state law.
Mr.. {'heo advocated the amendment last
proposed, from wish to avoid decision ON
state laws.
Mr.. CIohton advocated the amendment and
discussed the general principles of the con-
stitutional question, in highly argumenta-
tive speech of considerable length. He very
strongly supported the right Of the states to
annex qualifications, and pointed out the evils
to be feared from a contrary decision, which
wonld be implicated by theresolution as re-
ported. - -
He was followed by Mr. Sloan on the same
side of the question. T.. -
Messrs. Findley and Sturges opposed, and
Messrs. Goldsborongh. G. w. Campbell, and
Upham supported, the amendment last of
lfered.
Thequestion being taken on the amend
mcnt was carried--Ayes 70.
The question was then taken on the re-
| solution as amendedsand carried-Ayes 83.
The committee then rose ndreported the
| resolution as amended.
| On the question of concurrence with te
amendment reported by the committee of the
| whole,
Messrs. Kelly and Smile opposed, and Mr..
Marion and Mr.. Taylor supported it.
The question was then taken on the amend
| ment by yeas and nays-Yeas 7O--Nays 81.
Mr. Randolhh moved to amend the reso-
luton, so as to read,
Resoiued, That VIM. M'Creery, not be-
ing qualified according to the law of Mary
land, is not entitled to his seat in this House"
The Speaker declared the amendment to
be substitute to the resolution and there
fore not in order.
Mr.. Randolhh, said he wished to bring the
question of the constitutionality of the law of
Maryland before the House, and therefore
was constrained to move an amendment "a
gainst which he should vote himself : he
then moved to insert "being duly qualified
by the law of Maryland, is entitled, S,c.''
The Speaker conceived that the House
had already determined that the word quail
flied should not be contained in the resoluti-
on.
MIR. Randolph then moved it in another
form shaving the qualifications prescribed
by the law of Maryland is entitled, 8lc.'''
The motion being admitted in this form,
Messrs. Key and Rhea (T.) opposed the
amendment.
20, Mr.. Montgomery warmly opposed the a
mendment; said he should never give his
consent to any proposition by which the House
should be compelled to give decision on the
cohstitutionality of state law-should ne
yer consent that the House should be erected
into tribunal for that purpose
The House adjourned without coming to
any decision on the amendment -
THURSDAY, Dec. "a.
Mr.. Randolph presented the petition of
Joseph Ward praying payment Of a claim
against the United States; which was re-
ferred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
The Sneaker. laid before the House let,
ter, trem the Secretary of the Treasury, en-
closing the annual statement of the district
tonnage of the United States on the 30th De-
cembcr, 1906.
From this document it appears that the
actual tonnage Of the U. S. on the 30th Dec.
1906, might be estimated at about,
Registered tonnage 509, 800
Enrolled do. 286, 400
Fishing do. $4,000
1,161 900
Sea letter vessels not noticed in former
statements 81 900
1,248, 900
In the year 1906 were built 126, osS tons
Of which 1891 were registered, & 32,l61.
enrolled.
This report was read and orderedto lie on
the table. .s..
Mr.. Garneu obtained leave Of absence till
Thursday next
Mr.. I1iiner presented the petition of Alex
ander Morrison, which was referred to the
committee Of Claims barred, &c. .,...
Mr.. G. w. CamhbeH from the committee
of Ways and Means, presented bill to con
tinue in force for Limited time the act, en-
titled Gan act continuing for a limited time
the salaries of the officers of government
therein mentioned 3" which was twice read,
and referred to a committee of the whole.
Mr., Harris presented the petition of Gill
bert Goodrich, which was referred to the
committee of Claims ~