Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1836-03-31
From the National Intelligence.

'he United States IS fairly under debate
10 that body,'two leading speeches having
been made Upon it. one by the mover Of
It, and the other by Mr.. PORTER, the able
and respected Senator from Louisiana.
The speech of Mr.. BENTON has been
reported at large and published in The
Globe, with promptlude which is &C
counted for by The near approach Of the
Virginia Elections. We have no doubt
twill be ndastfiously spread Ear and vide.
II shall not be our fault If the reply to il is
much behind the opening speech
Believing as we do, most conscientious.
ly, that the independence Of the Senatori
al body is at stake 10 this question, and
with il the vital spirit Of the Constitution
we shall not hesitate 10 give preference.
over other matter, to the yindica,ion OF
the rights Of that body, now attempted 10
he broken down.
II will be some days, however, before
Mf. PoRTER's speech can be prepared for
the press. We shall not wait so long TO
put our readers 10 possession Of one Of the
passages in that speech, which told with
an irresistible effect. II was that in which
referring TO the introduction Of expunging
y,
isiana Senator traced them down 10 their
true origin, as follows:
MIR. Porter, after arguing for some
time, with gravity and severity, against
the position assumed by Mr.. BEnToN, and
Offering various reasons why British pre-
cedents were not of force here, on a cues
lien Of this kind, said
With what semblance Of Justice, then
can II be urged that these matters are 10
be regulated by English parliamentary
practice The introduction of any rules
on the subject into the Constitution ex
Guides such An idea ; and the rules them
selves, inconsistent with those prevailing
in England, forbid any such conclusion.
Let Us, however. sir, (said Mr.. p fol
low this matter little further. If, as the
honorable Senator says. we are 70 be go
verned by The English practice Oh this
subject Of expungiog, presume we must
take that practice entire we are not at
liberty 10 introduce one part Of il and re
ject another. There is certainly no rule
10 our body which prescribes how il is TO
be done we must, therefore, initiate the
parliamentary piecedents throughout
Row, (sald Mr., p if | understand the
presidents right, they establish The prin-
cipie that, whenever the parliamentary
. proceedings infringe on the rights, real or
supposed, Of the Executive Chief Magis
irate, he sends for the journals, or comes
10 the House, and strikes out the Offensive
matter with his own hand. When on the
contrary, tie powers Of the body on legis
lative matters are impugned by the pote.
order. or resolution, or are improperly OK.
creased, the efasure is made 10y an officer.
under the order Of the House. Such ap
pears to be the practice there and if it is
TO govern US here, let us have il in its pu.
r'ty. The resolution. therefore, proposed
hy the Senator is entirely gratuiious the
thing can be done, and, strictly speaking,
ought 10 be done, without any action on
our part, The President himself. accord.
ing 10 the ercetlent rules Of Parliament
Witch the gentleman recommends to our
adoption. has the right TO send for our
journals, and make such corrections in
them as he thinks fit. That Senators NAV
see am not mistaken on this subject, /
beS leave 10 quote TO them the following
illustrious precedent. derived from the act
of the renowned and sapient King JAMES /
Of blessed memory.
/" The House Of Commons in England,
sir, (sald Mr.. p at the time when their
glorious contest between the prerogatives
oil the crown and the rights of the People
was about TO commence, passed the fol-
loving resolution;
he Commons now assembled in Par.
lament, being justly occasoned thereunlo.
concerning sundry liberties, franchises,
and privileges of Parliament, amongst
Others here mentioned. do make this pro. |
hesitation following: That the Hberlies,
franchises, and jurisdiction of Parliament |
are The ancient and undoubted bir;hrish,
and Inheritance Of the subjects of England: |
and that the urgent and arduous affairs !
concerning the king, state, and defence of
the realm, and OK The church nf England, |
ana The maintenance and making OF laws. |
and redress Of mischefs and grievances,
which daily happen within this realm, are
proper subjects aud matter of counsel and
debate IN Parliament; and that, in the
handiRs and proceeding Of those business
es, every member Of the House of Parla
mcnt hath and of right ought TO have,
freedom OF speech TO propount, treat, rea
son, and bring 10 conclusion the same
and that the Commons. in Parliament,
have like liberty and freedom to treat of
these matters, in such order as, in their
Judgment, shall seem iittest; and that ev.
cry member Of the said House hath like
freedom from all impeachment, imprison-
ment, aud molestation (other flan by cen
sure OF The House ITSELF for or concern. |
ing any speaking, reasoning, or declaring
Of any matter or matters, touching the
Parliament or Parliament business. And
that, il any of the said members be com.
planned Of. and questioned for any thing
Gone or said in Parliament, the same is TO
be shown to the king, by the advice and
consent of al! the Commons, assembled in
Parliament, before the king give cIedence
10 anV ufiyafe infotuafion -