Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1838-02-07

sippi, as decision IN favor OF MeSsrs.
GnoLsoS and CLAIBORNE would have
. been.
When the question was about to be
put on adopting the resolution, as
amended by Mr.. BELL, (the substance
OF winch | have given above) Mr..
HOWARD arose, aud with wonderful
soennity Of manner called on the
! House to pause and see in what dIrec-
ton they would take the next step -
THIS was too good and general
laugh attended the feeling with which
this Wise proposition was regarded.
Mr.. Howard finding the decision Of
the House to be against the party, sud.
denly made the notable discovery that
great doubt is thrown over the ques-
ton. " What is the will OF the PEG.
pie OF Mississippi 7" and comes to the
| conclusion that il is desirable to invoke
fresh decision of the people -
Where would have been your henora-
bio Representatives. doubts what
would have been his conclusion, had
the vote Of the House on this occasion
been tho other way? Would he tnen
have deemed the matter so doubtful as
10 make in necessary TO send II back
to the people? MOI What denunci-
alton Of such proposal should we have
had from him. What TRADES of abuse
upon the efforts of the opposition to de-
feat the will of the people, should we
have had from the Globe and kindred
papers, had such proposition been
made by Wing member, in such a
case.
Mr.. HOWARD then offered as an a.
mendmen., most liberal resolution,
which was prefaced by preamble,
reciiing certain alleged circumstances
connected with the election; and then
proposed that the seats be declared va.
cant, and that tho Speaker inform the
Governor OF the State OF Mississippi Of
that fact.
Mr.. Mckay made few remarks in
favor Of referring the matter back to
the people for their decision.
Mr.. BELL called upon Mr.. Howard
10 withdraw his amendment for a
while and let the sense Of the House
be taken on tho amended resolution.
lie contended that the question pre sen.
ted by .ir. Howard was an entirely |
now ono, and which the House ought |
nol to act u,lon hastily. Il night be
presented just as well after the vote
had been taken On the an nacd rcso-
luton, as before; inasmuch as il was
an in pendent proposition.
Mr.. CAxEREIsSc con,roverted this
arguihent AMI maintained that If the
amended resolution was adopted, the
July Election, would be certainly set
aside, and Messrs. PRENTIss and WORD
would have a right to present them
selves, ami demand admission to their
seats! Therefore he was in favor of
Mr.. lIowAgD persistiug in offering his
amendment at this time.
Mr.. THomPsoN Of S. G.. made some |
Just comments upon this attempt OF
CAMBRELENG 10 accomplish that by
sort Of circum5endibus in legislation,
which he would not do directly. He
declared that it was manifest, the de.
liberate sense Of the House was ex-
pressed in the resolution Of MIR. BELL.
Why then was this opposition made to
taking q direct vote upon Its adop-
ton!
Mr.. CAMBRELENG arose, and with
his usually pompous air, declared he
was ready TO take direct vote.
Come 10 it then" exclaimed Mr..
TnoMpsoN. He distrusted mere pro.
LESSONS. He wished to see gentlemen
act up to their declaration of willing.
ress. lie wished to see them "toe the
marx"
Mr.. HoLsEy moved to strike out Mr..
HowARD's preamble. To prevent diff
ficulty MIR. Howard withdrew it, and
lctt tie resolation to stand alone. Mr..
S'-{ERNoD WILLIAMS called for the pre-.
,,ous question, which would have bro't |
the vote directly upon Mr.. BELLS re-
sN1li II. The call was not secon.
ded.
AT the suggestion of Mr.. Mckay of
North Carolina Mr.. HowARD modified |
his amendment so as to declare Mes
srs. PRENTiss and WORD not entitled |
TO their seats in addition to the deca.
ration that the seats are vacant, and !
the order that the Speaker info rm the
Governor of the fact.
Mr.. TnoMPsoN proposed an amend
ment, which would better describe the |
state OF the case, namely-that Mes.
srs. PRENrIss and WORD are duly cleo |
ted, but in the opinion of the House
they are not entitled to their seats -
The discussion now assumed de
sultory character, short speeches were
L.. Il. 80. MI