The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-11-28

of The late King are not agreed in Bower for
its head. The latter however has discovered
good traits OF character in rescuisg the wife
and daughters of bis old enemy, from The un.
timely fate of the son, who was murdered b.
the soldiery. %Boyer's sway has ever been
mild and satisfactory to his subjects that o.
Cbristophe was severe, tyranicsl and unpo,sk
ular.
MASSACHUSETTS CONTENTION.
The constitution Of Massachusetts, having been
divided among ten committees, little business
was eft for the convention until some of these
committees should return reports. In the mean
time, however, desultory debates took place on
the rules Of proceeding and on Contested cleo
tons. spirit Of harmony seems to prevail in
that highly respectable body, which is the best
pledge to the public for the upright and impartial
administration THE duties that have called them
together. The committees have already begun
to report, which much increases the interest of
the session. Ga Wednesday, last, Mr. QUINCY.
chairman Of the committee, which had the sub
ject Of the University at Cambridge and the en-
couragement of Literature under consideration.
made report that il is inexpedisnt to make any
alteration in that part Of the constitution. The
subject was postponed to Friday, when debate
took place, in which the opponents ofthe report
contendsd for alteration in the constitution so
far as to admit clsrgymsn Of the neighbouring
towns, other than congregational, to become
members Of the board OF overseers Of the Uniyer.
sity. The clause as it stands eonfnng it to that
denomination. Mr.. QuINCY, and the friends of
the report, observed in reply, that the constitu.
ton had followed the Intention Of the founders Of
the institution, as expressed in the charter, only
with such an alteration of language as a change
OF times and circumstances rendered necessary.
Ii was thought best therefore, by the CON mittes.
to suggest no alteration, especially future LIE.
gslaturs might make any changes in the charter.
with the consent Of the University, which the
public sentiment, or the interests of literature
might require. This debate was characterised
by great candour and sustained by gentlemen of
the first abilities; 1t was continued on Saturday.
and we are sot possessed Of its result. I'd Re.
portion Wednesday, Mr. DANA, oft the commit
tee, to whom was referred 30 much OF the consti.
tuition az relates TO the General Coart, reported
that it 10 expedient to amend the consti, ION 50
that there shall be annually but one session ofhs
General Court, TO be held on the first Wednesday
OF January, instead Of the last Wednesday in
May, and also, TO render more certain. the
time in which the Governor shall return any bill
OF resolve which may receive his disapproba-
ton.
The above report was made the order Of the
day for Friday, but the debate on the subject Of
the university occupying the whole Of that day
aud then ming unfinished it has not yet been
taken up. The convention adjourned foms
"Wednesday to Faidayssn account of thanksgivs
ing ID Repsrt-On Friday, Mr.. WKLLEs of Bos-s
ton, chairman VI the committee on that part oi
the constitution respecting delegates to congress,
reported that the chapter relating to that sub
1ect had been made in reference TO the old arti-
cles Of confederation. The federal constitution
made afterwards, hadrendered it obsolete, it was
therefore thought inapplicabIe at present aud
ought to be expunsed. 4h Reporf-Mr. WAaD
from the committee on that part of the consti-
tuition which relates TO the Secretary, Treasurer
and Receiver General, Notaries Public and Ma
val officers; Reported, that the appointment Of
a naval officer having been transferred to the gen-
erai Government, the clause relating to him was
and ought therefore to be expuuged
also, that the constitution be so amended a. to
transfer the election Of Notares Public from the
Legislative to the Executive department Of
government. The two last reports wert refer.
ed TO the committee of the whole for Saturday.
The Governor and Council aud the Presidentl
Of Harvard University attended the debates on
Friday. Mr.. ADAMS attends regularly in his
place.
II we may judge from the proceedings Of the
we should form An opinion that no
material alteration will We made in the princi-
pies Of the constitution but that it will be inn
proved to the lberality and intelligence of the
age, and to suit the altered circumstances Of the
,omnonwealth.