Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1829-01-20

-
officers once in two years. The only sub
iect that created any debate on Monday,
was the petition of Mr.. George Sullivan,
the late agent for the Massachusetts, claim,
at Washington. Mr.. S., in his commune
cation to the House, made use of some
expressions that were thought to bear
somewhat upon another branch of the
government. The discussion, which was
short, was upon the motion to lay the pa
per on the table. Finally it was referred
to the standing Committee on claims. Mr..
S. is of opinion, that had he been permit
ted to pursue his own course, the whole
claim would by this time have been allow
ed. That the difference between him
and the executive, was something more
than mere difference of opinion as to the
amount of the agents compensation. In
the petition Mr.. S. claims per diem al
lowance for the whole time he was absent
from home. The Executive were Of opin-
ion that he was entitled, under the Re-
solve Of the Legislature, only to per di-
EN- allowance while he was at work at
Washington. On either ground l believe
something is due to him. The only ques-
ton is how much.
On Tuesday, but little business was
done in the Senate, except to inquire into
the expediency Of providing against frauds
in the transfer of personal property. The
object probably is to prevent the mortgage
of personal property, or else to require
that the mortgage shall be recorded.
In the House, the subject of capital
punishments was taken up and postponed
to Wednesday. The resolve to borrow
Sl50, 900 was read the first time. Seve-
raj subjects were referred to the Commit
tee on the militia and the Committee on
education. An order was introduced to
inquire whether the constitution allows of
printed votes in elections and if not, to
propose an alteration in the constitution,
by which printed votes may be allowed.
On Wednesday, in the Senate nothing
of Importance was done, excepting to
choose U. S. Senator for six years from
Sd Of March next, when Mr.. Silsbee's
term will expire. Mr.. Silsbee was re-
elected. He had 80 out of "a votes. The
remaining votes were for the Governour,
who did not wish to be candidate.
In the House, a motion was submitted,
the object of which was to ascertain whe-
Their any of the banks have practised
fraud in the mode of obtaining specie,
which specie, it is said, is borrowed by
the stockholders for a little while, and as
soon as the Commissioners have reported
that the bank has in its vaults the requir-
ed amount of specie, the same is immedi-
ately returnedwhence borrowed. There is
a report of the kind in circulation, which
is now under investigation. The Com
mittee on the Judiciary reported against
the expediency of aboIishing capital pun
ishments. This subject was referred to
that Committee at the last session, and the
report of the Committee is assigned for next
Wednesday. Probably on that day there
will be divers speeches of installing hui
manity, appealing to the hearts and sympa-
thies ofthe Legislature on this subject. No
change however will probably be made.
A resolve introduced on Tuesday passed,
authorizing the Treasurer to borrow one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the
use of the Commonwealth.
On Thursday, the Senate adjourned
early, to attend the semi-annual meeting
of the Board of Overseers of the UNIVERSE
ty. The reports of various Committees
relating to the affairs of the University
were read, and several College officers
chosen by the Corporation were confirm
ed by the Board The Corporation COM
municated to the Board their choice of
Mr.. Quincy as President of the Univer-
sity. The question of concurrence will
come up at the next meeting, which will
be on Thursday the goth instant. 1t is
generally thought that the Board of Over
seers will concur, though not by a unani-
nous vote. So far as can learn, the pub
lick sentiment is in favour of Mr.. GUM
cy. Some think him the best man for the
office; others the best under present cir
cumstances; and third class is satisfied
because they feared the Corporation might