Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-03-02
JACKSON CAUCUS-moro elegantly, called
CONTENTION


Last night, what we have heretofore called the
final Jackson Caucus, assembled at the Can't OIL
pursuant to notice given two weeks before. Mr..
Speaker Banks took the Chair, and MIR. Richie
acted Secretary.
OF the Senate, 81 were present. OF the House
%, and by proxy. Delegates attended from
Norfolk Borough and County, Augusta, Grecnbri.
or, Jefferson, Morgan, Loudoun, and perhaps one
or two others not remembered.
On motion Of Mr.. Brown of Petersburg Editors
were admitted to the table.
The Caucus being organized,
Mr.. Roane rose with great dfidence, to throw
himself on the patriotic current of the meeting
and to submit u motion that the Caucus forthwith
adjourn to a future day to be designated by the
Chairman and Secretary, according to circum-
s.ences. He adverted to the motive for having
formerly adjourned to this day-namely the Ap-
portionment Bill had not passed Conrress-and
observed that the same made 1T expedent
again to adjourn. AS we could not complete the
business which assembled us, he saw no good
which could come of entering upon il at this
time. He did not desire to the Caucus con-
verted into n Debating Socetv-into an Asena for
discussion. If any member could suggest a ode
of completing the business. before the Apportion-
Hent Bill was passed, he should be glad TO hear
it, and would withdraw his motion.
MIR. Opie of the Senae-scconded the notion
and called for the precious question.
MIR. Bryce of Goochland, observed, that as the
motion TO adjourn to an indefinite day, had been
argued, he supposed it might be legitimate to of.
Ter some reasons against it. Mr.. b. moved to a
mend the motion by adjourning to Wednesd
week next, by which time he supposed it probable
Congress will have passed the Apportonn;ent
Bill.
Mr.. R0ane said he wished the day to remain unde
signated, only because it was uncertain when Con
gress would dispose ofthe bill Will Congress act by
Wednesday week? 1t uncertain The Lepis-
lat, Il. &C.. H..
sion after Wednesday week. The Legislature
must either remain in session, special session
be called for, or conditional law be passed? How
could Il conditional law be passed?
Mr.. Bryce enumerated the objects of the Caucus
They were varous-the nomination of Pre-
sdent and Vice President-an electoral tcket-a
Central and County Committees. TO appoiat he
ticket, we must wait for Congress to act-but the
other duties could now be discharged. If the
gentleman from Hanover, wanted information
how we could now act, this it.
Mr.. R0ane declared he had no individual wish
es. His object was to give effect to the wishes of
the Republican party, He had objection to
acting now, In part or in whole.
MIR. Br0dnaT supported the motion to adjourn
indefinitely, and stated that letters from Washing
ton rendered it probable the apportonmcnt bill
would not be disposed Of in 10 days-by Wcdnos-
day week.
Mr.. Bryce, mentioned another reason for adj
iourning to specified day. Delegates from the
County would be appraised of it, and could give
their attendance.
Mr.. Bryce's amendment was then ncgativcd.
Mr.. WOod Of AlbemarIe, then moved to amend.
by adjourning to Monday week next-thus giving
the longest day, compatible with the probable du-
ration Of the session
Mr.. Peter Y. Daniel opposed the motion, and
argued in favor of the motion for indefinite ad-
iournment, on the grounds that if the Caucus adj
journcd to specific day, Congress might not have
acted by that day, and that he was opposed TO act
ing in attachments.
Mr.. Ghoison argued in favor of adjourning to
specific DAY. If tho proposition for indie.
finite adjournment was adopted, we might
have future meeting, have it at the
heel of the session, when various matters would
be pressing-and when farther, Congress might
yet not have acted, and we should be again in the
same situation. If we adjourned, he was in ia.
vor of adjourning 10 a fixed day; but he was
opposed to adjourning at all. One OF our
duties, and the principal, was to nominate
President and Vico President. The assembled
sovereignty of tho country now held, and
the people expected us TO perform this duty The
nomination Of Electors could not now be made;
but that was Of secondary importance. The nomi-
nation of President and Vice President was the
priBcjplc--the Electors were incident.
M Rome, again declared his object TO be TO
save time and feeling, by avoiding idle Debate.
lie thought the appointment of Electors the Prin-
cipa affair.
Mr.. Opie again insisted upon his motion for the
previous question. (Agitation)
M Merton appealed to the courtesy Of tho
gentleman to Withdraw his call for the previous
qucstion--an odous oxpcdient to oxtinguish free
discussion. (Scnsation)
Mr.. Williams called the gentleman from West
moroland (Mr. Newton) to order.
Mr.. Mention invited Mr.. OPc, to withdraw hi:
motion.
Dr. Op;e doclined-He was not dependant upon
that gentleman for advice.
Mr.. Mention cuquIrcd Of the Chair, if it could
put the previous qucstion7-ifthe Caucus had adopt
cd any rules for its pOyCrnment9
The Chair presumed that the rules which 60
vcrned Parliamentary bodies were in force here
Mr.. Ncwton said he presumed the rules which