Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1822-02-19

it in a manner belonged to them to iix
the ratio; and that, whatever number
was adopted by the house OF Represen-
tatiyes ought TO be agreed to here, un-
less some strong reason should appear
for resisting it. The Senate had doubt
less the constitutional power, but he
would not consent to exercise that pow
er and disagree to the ratio adopted by
the other house, unless the necessity
should DE great and apparent. No such
necessity appeared, and he therefore OPP
posed any alteration of the ratio adopt
ed by the other house-by the immedi-
ate representatives of the people. Mr..
l.. supported this view at some length,
and replied to the gentlemen who had
supported a larger or smaller ratio
than 10000.
Mr. King, of Alabama, adverted to the
fact that there was no return Of the po-
pulation in six of the counties Of that
state, in consequence of the death of the
officer. If the number was now fixed,
it would do injustice to that state; and
he hoped the bill would be recommitted
that provision might be made for hav.
ing the unreturned population of Alaba-
ma represented. as the unavoidable de-
lay would certainly not justify the de
nal Of the full representation of the
state If provision be not thus made,
he should vote for the highest number
proposed But to allow time for his
colleague and himself to prepare dis
tinct proposition, he moved to postpone
the bill to Monday,
The postponement was supported by
Mr. Walker, of Alabama, for reasons
similar to those suggested by his col
league, which he enlarged upon at some
length.
RIr. King, of N Y. thought the pro.
vision could be brought forward in a
separate bill, if it were expedient to au-
thorize such an one, without delaying
or interfering with the progress of the
present bill, which he thoug hit it better
&c proceed with, and bring to close; &
expressed his acquiescence in the ratio
of 10000, which perhaps would be about
as equitable as any other, and being un
willing to reject, without strong reasons,
the number agreed on in the other house
after long consideration-being sub
ject in which the greatest Difference
ought to be- paid to the decision of that
branch; though he disputed not the com
! potency efth;s branch to dissent, and to
Judge for itself; which in fact was done
| at former census, and the amendment
of the Senate agreed to by the other
house.
Mr. Lowris concurred in the justice
of the course proposed by the gentleman
| from Alabama and he should be willing
to insert section in the bill providing
| for the case. 1t was matter of some
surprise to him that the various causes,
ofcasualty, death, resignation, or insult
ficiency of compensation, for taking the
Census in some parts, had not produced
other omissions Of similar kind, and
this ought certainly to be provided for.
The Senate could, however, proceed
with the question before it--but he
would not object to short postpone
ment if insisted on.
After some further debate, touching
occasionally on the main question--in
which Mes.rs. Walker. Otis, and Van
Buren,, joined, the bill was postponed to
Monday.
The senate spent the remainder of
the sitting on executive business; and
then
| A1;onrned Tn, Monday