The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-07-11
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
MONDAY, July 8.

READING OF THE JOURNAL
On motion Of Mr. McKENNAN, the reading of
the journal was dispensed with.
cENsuRE ASSEMBLIES ON SUNDAY MORNING.
Mr., BELL moved that the following resolution OF
Mr. WISE which adopted yesterday morning,
be rescinded:
=" Resolrcd, That all members now absent, except
such as have been excused, and the sixteen members
who have been reported by the Sergeant-at. Arms
having defed the execution of the order Of the
House, be required, upon The reassembling of Con-
gress, to give excuses for their absence this time
and shall be the duty of the Clerk TO enter their
names on the journal for that purpose, and the
Speaker shall bring the same to the notice Of the
House"
Mr.. BELL said that this was censure in his own
case, and in thai of many others W no had waited I'LL
all The public business had been transacted and had
not gone to their lodgings till after the Speaker had
declared his table cleared and till il seemed likely
that an immediate adjournment might take place.
Al the suggestion Of Mr.. WHITTLESEY this
motion was SO modified BY Mr.. Bell as to permit all
who were then absent, but are now present. to offer
excuses, or, not being present. to have excuses rem
dered for them.
Mr.. UNDERWOOD was understood to express
some doub as to whether that could be done.
Mr.. BELL then presented his resolution in this
shape a-.
Hesolped, That so much Of the resolution of the
It'll instant, adopted upon the motion of Mr. Wise;
requires certain members OF the House 10 give
excuses for their absence at the next session, be
scnded and that excuses be now heard in behalf of
such abscntees.
Mr. POTTS moved to strike out all but the
declaration merely that Mr.. Wises resolution be
rescinded.
MIR. ADAMS moved TO amend the amendment by
striking out all after the word resolved" and in
serling provision that all resolutions of censure
and orders for payment Of fees by the members Of
this House, for absence the call of the House on
the morning of the Sabbath day. be, and hereby,
rescinded.
Mr.. FILLMORE thought the effect of this pro-
ceedhg would not be such one as would subserve
justice. The publication of the names of those mem
bers who were absent on Sunday morning would be
partial proceeding, inasinuch many members
whose names had not been given in the papers as
absent, had left the city several days weeks be-
fore.
Mr.. POTTS withdrew his amendment
Mr.. ADAMS offered his.
MIR. CUSHMAN was making some statements as
10 the circumstance attending his own absence on
yesterday morning, when he called to order on
all sides, the Chair deciding that an individual case
could not now be considered.
Mr.. WISE said that, il the gentlemen from Ten
nessce and Massachusetts, would withdraw their
propositions, he would move TO reconsider the vote
whereby his (Mr. WIS., resolution had been adopted
by the House.
Mr.. BELL withdrew his resolution.
The CHAIR decided that the amendment Of Mr..
Adams fell at once.
Mr.. WISEthen moved to reconsider the resolution
in question, and moved the Previous Question. Sc
conded Ordered to be put
Mr.. BRODHEAD moved call OF the House.
The CHAIR. Not in order, the Previous Cues
! ton having been seconded.