Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-11-28
GU tDtH
SATURDAY. MORNINC, nov. es. 1875.
THE CONVENTION.

YESTERDAY, the Convention again resolved itself
into Committee of the whole, Mr.. Barbour of Or
ange in the Chair, md resumed the consideration of
the mode of choosing the Governor.
Mr. Doddridgc took the floor and supported his
amendment to choose the governor by the people
at some length. He was replied to by Mr.. Leigh,
who went al length into the discussion Of incidental
topics. Mr.. Cook said few words declining to
state the abuses under the existing constitution
which he had been challenged by Mr.. Leigh to ad-
duce, rot being willing to the Session Of the
Convention into indefinite length. Mr.. Monroe next
spoke at length and assigned his reasons for prefer
ring the election of Governor BY the Legislature.
lie was succeeded by Mr., Coalter who read writ
ten speech on the same side Of the question. Mr..
Stanard then moved TO amend Mr.. Doddridge's
amendment, by striking from il the words requiring
the election to be made by tbc people, in order TO
try the sense OF the Committee on that specific pro-
position; and the amendnent'was rejected, ayes as
| noes S The question recurring on ur. Doddridges
amendment. the vote resulted ayes IS, noes 46 and
the Chairman Mr.. Barbour of Orange) voting in
the negative, the uIn endment was lost.
! MIR. III zhugh then moved To amend the resolution
by requiring the Governor to be elected BY the Ic
gislature, - hold for years. and be ineligible for
three years after the expiration of his term. Mr..
FitZhugh'a health not permitting him to discuss the
proposition he briefly stated his object to be to avoid
canvassing and To make the Governor independent
| of the Legislature.
Mr.. Powell now offered detailed scheme for tie
organization Of the Executive, but difficulty
II,
it Tor the present. Mr.. Doddridge said he should
vote against the amendment offered BY Mr. Ftz-
hugh, and If 1t we're rejected. would then move to
amend by choosing the Governor by the people 70,
three years. md to lie Ineligible for three years
thereafter. Mr. Fitzhugh's amendment vas ther
ad"pted-ayes al, nues -
Mr. Dndddge then moved 10 substitute the re-
Solution Us amended by proposing that the govern
or shall be elected b the qualified voters, who choose
the most numerous branch of the LEGISLATURE tina
his term shall be for years, and that lr shall be
ineligible for years thereafter. Mr.. Randolph
expressed the hope that the question would not be
pressed III the absence of two members from the
South side Of James River. Mr.. Doddrdee express
ed his unwlingness 10 press in the absence of any
member. Mr. Giles was DESTROYS of knowing if it
was proposed that the election be made by nlaior-
ty OF plurality or votes? sir. Dud,lridge replied
HAT TINT you'd be matter Of detail. The commit
tee then in consideration oil the absence of several
members, PASSED by the resolution under considera-
ton, and took up that providing for the abolition Of
| the Executive Council. Mr. Giles complaining of
indispositon, aud innati:i his wish to addle The
COMMITS econ The subject OF the Executive, at his
! instance, this resolution also passed by The
9th Erss!otion for eiecng Serffs by the qualified
voters being next taken up, Mr.. Henderson moved
TO strike it out. Mr. Mayor addressed the mint
tee ut some length and with great force in favor
retaining it. Mr.. Leigh of Chesterfield, Will e he
was persuaded from the representation of others
That great abuses were committed by Sherifs and
was anxious to apply remedy, doubted if the evil
could be reached by changing the mode of appoint.
nent, and stated variety of considerations which
rendered it highly ineXpedient. Mr.. Naylor briefly
rejoined. Mr. Giles also spoke for a short time in
opposition to the resolution which he considered as
striking at the county courts upon which he bestow-
ed high Communications, when the question was la
ken upon striking out the resolution, and carried By
a large majority.
On motion of Mr.. Leigh of Chesterfield, the COM
nttee then rose and the Convention adjourned.