Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-01-26
From the Richmond Compiler Jan. IS.
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.


HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
Yesterday a communication was received
from the Senate, that they had passed, with "a
mendments, the bill, anthorIsng VIM. II. Mer-
weather 10 erect toll bridge across the Ri.
wanna river. The Senate's amendments were
agreed to.
Mr.. Gordon, moved to change the hour of
the meeting Of the House to IL o'clock-on the
ground that much important business yet re-
NAMED to be Transacted by the Committees; &
that they had not time 10 get thr ough scarcely
any one subject Of morning before the meet
ing Of the House. This motion produced some
conversation among Members, and was reject
ed, sc to "a.
CONVENTION.
Mr. Letter called up The Convention Bill
And Mr. UDshur resumed his argument in favor
OF his amendments, and occupied the floor for
some time, Mr.. U called for the ayes and noes
He was replied to by Mr.. Wallace, at length
Mr.. May opposed The amendments, because
they provided for the organization Of a Conyen-
ton, which was not expected either by the
friends or opponents Of Convention, among
the people. He thought it as proper to sub
mi, at once complete Constitution for the peo-
rrr-was opposert 10 Con-
vention-and believed that if The simple cues
ton was submitted, Convention or No Conven-
ton, they would decide against one; and all the
time employed in adopting these amendments,
would be lost. If the people, however, decided
in favor Of Convention, then it would be time
enough to decide upon the principles upon
which it should be organized. IF the amend
ments, proposed TO organize the Convention up
on the most acceptable principles 10 him, he
should still oppose them, because by their in
strumenaity Convention might be called, "a
gainst the will of the people, by naked ma
jority Of votes. The mode Of scanning or de-
gliding on the polls he objected to. That House
would not trust any individual or body but
themselves, TO decide upon the returns Of its
own members-and yet they were called on 10
conhde this power to the Governor, upon
question Of such momentous importance as
that ofcalling Convention. He was not ere
pared to &C, on this subject, and waved dis.
eussion Of the merits of the amendments
Mr.. Colston next addressed the House in Cd.
position to the amendments.
The question being laken, the amendments
were rejected by ayes and noes, ayes 81, noes 1903
Mr.. Gholson then offered the following pre-.
amble, which vas agreed TO: ayes 1902, noes 10
Whereas frequent, earnest and respectful ne.
titlons have been presented 10 the Legislature
OF Virginia, praying the passage of a law al.
fording facilities by which full expression of
the public voice may be had as 10 the propriety
Of calling Convention to amend the State Con.
And whereas it is believed by the |
present General Assembly, that the protracted
agitation Of this question has engendered feel
ings and jealousies inimical 10 the public veal.
and which can be best allayed by full, fair anu
unquestioned declaration Of the public will a.
lone And whereas they are persuaded by ex /
perience and observation, that from The extcn, |
Of our country, number of our population, and
other causes, general and satisfactory devel !
opement Of public sentiment can scarcely be
had without the aid Of legislative facilities;
And whereas they conscieHtiously entertain the
opinion that the grant Of sue facilities is strict
" within the limits of their legislative powers.
For the purpose therefore Of aiding the people
in ascertaining the public will on a subiec, af.
Letting their highest political interests; and by
this means to allay excitement, and remove dis.
content, and without any intention either di.
'ectly or indirectly OF expressing any opinion on
The propriety OF constitutional reform, or in.
tuencing in any manner public opinion in re-
ation thereto.
Mr.. UpshUr moved SO TO amend the hill az
Q defer the vote Of the people until April. 1924
land on this motion he called for the ave, and
the question was taken the Hons.
adjourned.
From the Winchester Republican.
Some Adams wag at New1own has sent -.
he following carrica,ure description Of the
Jackson celebration of the 9th inst in ,h.,
own:
v'etory al Orleans-Newto,on celebration.
he friends OF general Jackson in Neytown