Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-01-18


III The following communication was receiv-
cd last week, too late Tor insertion. The infor-
nation then copied, relative to the organization
of the Legislature, VIC omit. Its present publica-
employing a chaplain.
From our Correspondent,
Detroit, January 6, 1887.
In accordance with tho provisions Of the Con.
siitution of Michigan, both Houses of the Lsgis-
lature assembled at the Capitol ON Monday last.
After the organization Of both branches tho
Senate adjourned to the Hall of the House whers
the Governor delivered his message, viva voice.
Harmony and good feeling seem TO prevail
among the members. No topic has however been
agitated calculated to excite party feelings.
Mr.. Mickey from the second district yesterday
offered in tho Senate Resolution inviting the
clergy of Detroit to open each daily session by
prayer. This resolution created considerable
sensation. Mr. Barry Of the third district op-
posed its adoption and to prevent an undesirable
discussion, appealed to the mover to withdraw Il.
Mr.. Mcdonald of the first district spoke in its ia
without debate. Mr.. Barry said no could not
consent to this-he opposed it on constitutional
grounds. BY the constitution no ono could bo
compsll,d to attend any place Of religious wor-
ship-the duty Of members required their atten-
dance TO discharge the duties of legislation and
they would consequently, in violation of the pro-
| visions Of the constitution nc made tho compul-
sorry auditors of religious exercises which they
| might not approve. Besides the clergy if invit-
ed to ofciate, must be paid and by the constitu.
ton they were prohibited from appropriating the
money Of tho pooplc for religious purposes. Mr..
ID. said he was not an opposar Of prayer-on the
contrary he believed in its utility and propriety.
Ho did not, however believe in prayer at set times
and pliccs--he believed in constant unceasing
prayer at all times and in I'll places. lie believ-
cd that in every action of our lives we should b.
actuated by sincere desire and earnest prayer to
do nothing inconsistent with the rights and pri-
vilegos of our fellow men. Mr. B. said he also
considered it an improper place for religious ex-
erciscs and worship. On this poin! he said every
one would coincide with him who had seen pray
er in legislative bodies. Nine tenths Of the men,
bers paid no kind of attention--many were max
ing sport-no good was effected--and the whole
was nothing mo no than mere mockery of what
should be attended with the greatest solemnity.
On motion Of Mr.. Manning the resolution was
laid on tho table.
| A similar resolution was offered in the House
by Mr.. Ely of Allegan, which met with SO much
opposition that the mover, seeing it must be lost,
withdrew it..
The River Raisin and Lake Erie raj lroad conn.,
pany, in violation of their charter, have issued
notes bearing all the marks and appearing in all
respects like bank notes intended to pass Az cir
culating medium. A committee of three from
the Senate consisting of Messrs. M inning, Barry.
and Moore and of nine from the lious ,have beea
appointed to Investigate the matter. The public
will do well to refuse these notes as it is not
known that there is any security for their rcdsmp-
| ton.