The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-02-20
CORRESPONDENCE.

pOnOeQI OIL. lUG INdtlOndI OdDCIlSs 0CAOn
is further extract, equally Interestingly
CORRESPONDENCE.
WASHINGTON, FEE. 8, 1922.
The precious question put an end yesterday
to the renewed debate on the Apportionment
bill. The ratio of 10000 was passed and
sent to the Senate for concurrence. Several
members, whose names are to be read among
the ayes, would have preferred a smaller num-
Der; they voted for the one adopted, from
despair of accomplishing their particular
wishes II was Mr.. Smyth, of Virginia, who
required the previous question: circum-
stance which made the cut particularly UNI
kind in the opinion of those who were anxious
to be delivered of their sentiments on the
subiect-because, when Mr.. S. himself takes
the floor he does not count the hours as they
creep. You must have been pleased, in read
ing the reports of the proceedings on this bill,
to find how many experienced and intelligent
members confirmed the idea you have incul-
cated-that business would be better done in
a more numerous House, by the necessary re-
striction of full debate to a smaller proportion
of speakers.
am not satisfied with the ratio Of 40, 600,
and cannot refrain from repeating for you,
in addition to what have heretofore quoted
on the same side. some Of the suggestions
which struck me particularly, in the course
of the debate. To begin with those OF Mr..
Gorham, very sensible, solid member, from
Boston.
6 1t would produce no injury to the large
States to adopt low ratio but great lnJu-
ry to the small States to adopt high one
1t is not true that the large States have made
the greatest sacrifices by adopting the Federal
Constitutional is the small States before
the adoption of the Federal Constitution they
were independent, sovereign, and, of course,
equal States. But they have given up this
equality in one branch Of the general govern
ment Theequal share of power, likewise,
which they have in the Senate, is rather OF a
defensive than an active character. 1t is
means of protecting their own interest, rather
than of encroaching upon the rights OF others.
In the theory of the Constitution, as 1t re-
specs the Senate, they are on the footing OF
equality. But as to all practical purposes
they have really but little more weight in
that body than in this. Mr.. G. was IN favour
of large representation. Tie did not think
it incompatible with despatch and order in
business. He adverted to the case Of the
Massachusetts Convention. lie had not the
honour of being a member of that Conven--
LOu Out lie udtl uiluClSAOO0 lJs~k -NNSAHSSS
was conducted with the utmost decorum.-
That Convention, consisting Of FIVE hundred
members, completed the amendments to the
Constitution IN little more than hye weeks
Ssereas the Convention Of neighbouring
.n. consisting OF but one hundred and
H. .izeight, was employed eight weeks
fatsSht numerous representation had
Jv. 49,. influence in allaying party spirit.
mas.a 49, I'D, said Mr.. G. our parties in
4he,. ~ but for some cause or other
ian1 ~ my SET to rage with so much vio-
IL -. =. Soiiie the neighbouring States.
as u'sposeu !" attribute it, in part, to
our numerous repfesen,t;on. The collection
OF so many individuals crou, al parts of the
state, serves to diIuse lne,l;gence. and to
remove prejudices. In lerge assemblies.
likewise, business and discussis, was usually
given up to those who were entitled to them
py their experience and talents.'
Mr.. Reed, Of Massachusetts,, bore a direct
testimony as to the Convention of that safe.
he had had the honour to be memaer.
en-, nc telt bound to say, that the most per-
az C oiper and decorum prevailed, although
CONVENTION consisted OF FIVE hundreds
Soou order as prevailed in Congress-" have
-s, 49, neard one Of the most distinguished
relate, that what he had seen in the expe-
rience of that assembly, convinced him of the
eligibleness of numerous deliberatiye bodies
Mr.. Smyth, of Virginia, adverted to the
speech Of Mr.. Gorham, mentioning that the
honorable gentleman from Massachusetts, had
compared the Conventions Of Massachusetts,
and New-Yor but had not finished the par
allel. He should have added that the one
rejected and the other ratified the proceeding
OF its Convention" To this Mr.. Gorham
Immediately replied" The reason was that
the Constitution of Massachusetts was too
good to be changed, and that of New-York
too bad 10 be borne"
.dpropos Of New-Yorls, it would be difficult
for me to express toyou, the degree of disre-
pute under which New-York poiticks labour
N Congress, and generally at this place
De witt Clinton and his party were for some
time in the worst odour here--as they were
hug bears in the South and West. They be-
came objects Of Jealousy and alarm, and were
therefore studicusly aspersed and distorted
into grisly and satanick shapes. But. since
they have ceased to be dreaded, they are re-
garded with less aversion, though they contin
NC to be distrusted and disliked. The Buck
tails, however, Il speak Of the party in the
State Of New York; possess no larger meas
ure OF favour or real confidence. Without
70