Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1820-04-25
THE District.

THE DISTRICT.
II will be seen that the projectors who are
: in favor of the erection of the district INTO
subordinate commonwealth, have prevailed
,pon the committee to report bilito " ena-
bile the inhabitants OF this District to form
frame OF government" which has been
twice read and committed. in the house ol
representatives. For our part, aud we feel
convinced that the sentiment IS very gene
raj, we seek no change we are neither Tor
the retrocession of the jurisdiction OF the ter
ritory of this District back to the respective
states from whence IT was coded, nor for the
establishment, at this time, of district ie-
gisjature. Ii we aboicate the patronage OF
Congress, we may measurably sink INTO IN
significance, and the interests OF this rising
national metropolis be torn to pieces by pei
ty factions. We fear that some individuals
amongst us are prompted more from the
no pes of office and emolument in their exer-
tions, on this occasion, than tor the welfare
Of the district. The corporations OF the res
pective towns, in conjunction with the coun-
iy levy courts, we repeat, are quite aoe-
auate to the task oilegislatlng on our affairs.
: Cong ress have always expressed a Wiling
ness to attend to our communications, ana
4legislate for us. And what more can we de-
sire ! Can wejustly complain OF The govern
lnent of our national legislature We think
not. Then why seek to increase our bur
thens By entailing the enormous expenses IN
cidenl TO separate government Tor SO llmll-
ed population, when or concerns are so
ably and so satisfactorily conducted, and at
50 little expense. (Hushiagtou City Gaz.
BILL
To enable the inhabitants of the District OF
Columbia 10 form trame OF government
BE IL enacted by the Senate and House OF
Regresea;ati0es OF ihe Uaatsd Statss of .dme-
r,ca, IN Congress assembled, That the nina
bitants OF the District OF Columbia be, and
they hereby are authorised to hold a conyen-
ton, to determine whether 1t will be tor their
benefit TO have the rights OF selt-g vernment
extended to them, SO far as the same may
constiiotionally be done; and, It they shall
be OF such opinion, to form frame VI 60
yeinment, To be submitted TO Congress Tor
their approbation.
Sec. 2. .and be at further enacted, That the
said convention snail be composed OF twelve
representatives for the city OF Washington,
east OF Rock Greek OF Gig representatives
for tue town of Georgetown, and that part
OF the county west oil Rock Greek ; and OF
nine representatives from the town and
county Of Alexaniria. The said representa-
tives to be Tee white taxable males, lnha-
bitants oil said District, above the age OF II
years, who shall be chosen by ballot by the
free white taxable males, inhabitants OF said
District, above the age OF 81 years, On the
------ day of --------- next, under the SUI
perintendcnce OF such judges, at such place
I'm each of the said towns. and subject to such
other directions, as the President OF the u.
; States may prescribe.
Sec. 8 .apd be 1T further enacted, That the
persons so chosen shall convene IN the City
OF Washington, at such place as shall be tlx-
ed By the President OF the United States, on
the - day OF -- and shall or
ganise themselves by the appointment OF a
presiding officer, and such other officers as
may be necessary : A majority OF the mem
bers <hall constitute quorum, and then
proceedings shall be communicated 10 the
President Of Inc UAited States, to be by him
laid before Congress, at their next session.