The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-02-14

Il
and he considered that by doing il would be placing
| an unfair construction upon Il.
Mr.. KING much surprised that the Senator from
Virginia should think Of introducing these resolutions in
| connection with The report. The report Mr. X said
was not before the Senate and in 10 way could be sinh
jeet TO amendment. IL was an answer 10 BILL which
bill was before the Senate in Committee of The
Whole, and that, and that alone subject TO amend
ment With the same Propriety might The Senator pro-
pose amend the speech Of the Senator from New Je
/ sey, as 10 propose amendment 10 the report All
| parliamentary law was against IT, II the gentleman
would bring forward his resolutions proper manner
| and at a proper time he would cheeffIly give them
every necessary consideration But he hoped they would
60 with The BILL unconnected with any foreign
to IT, for he spprehended that The business of the coun
| try might suffer 10y prolrscted discussion.
i Mr.. RlVES asked of the Senator from Alabama who
was so well yersed in parliamentary law OF which he
protested TO have but little knowledge, If not in
his power 10 move TO Teconm the bill with inslruc
lions.
Mr.. KING said, certainly the Senator could make
that motion.
Mr.. RlVES said his object TO get his resolutions
| printed, and before the Senate and 10 have them
adopted antidote to the report He cared not how
this was done, whether by arecommlment otherwise
With regard to his Democracy, it not as new as
that Of the Senator from New Jersey WHICH he under
Stood went back only TO 1912, while his he could trace
back to 1913. lie thought the gentleman ought TO have
followed HIM step by step in his argument commenting
on this report instead Of complaining Of the differences
drawn ~ one portion OF H.
Mr.. CUTHBERT asked il he was 10 understand
of the gentleman from Virginia that he proposes to
recommit The bill with the report OF the Judiciary
Committee, for the purpose of having these resolu-
tons reported distinct without the bill2
Mr.. RlVES replied in The affirmative.
MIR. CUTHBERT reJoined, that the gentleman
then shrunk from the defence OF the bill A bill he
said, had been introduced by the Senator from Ken
lucky, Mr.. CRrTENDEN, Of character which pro-
vii mas sfnapc In n
teman, therefore, justified the report when he shrunk
from the defence Of the bill.
Mr. RlVES said he did not undertake TO decide
the question as TO the bill in its present shape. He
proposed 10 recommt il with instructions 10 intro
duce these resolutions, and also 10 make report
the bill 50 that he did not give up the principle con-
Mr. cRITTENDEN was understood to say that
he preferred that the bill should not be recommited
at this time. lie wished the argument TO go on,
though he believed the Senator had an undoubted
right 10 move lis recommtment.
Mr. RlVES observed that the Senator from Ala
bama, Mr.. KiNGl admitted that he had the right 10
move 10 recommil the bill, with instructions TO bring
in these resolutions.
Mr. KING said he admitted no such thing. He
admitted neither more nor less than il was in the
power Of the Senator 10 move TO recommit the bill
with instructions 10 amend The bill itself, and if the
Senate chose TO make the instructions positive it
could DO IT, But all parliamentary rules showed hat
the Senator could not move 10 recommit the bill,
with instructions to amend the report Of the commit
tee that had been made it, or TO bring in string
of resolutions having the same object.
Mr. RlVES observed that the Senate would
his object, and he was indifferent how it was obtain
ed; all he wanted was 10 have The resolutions print
ed, so to have them before the Senate, and 10 al
low him to consider in what way he could best OBJ
tain the object he had in view in drafting them.
The CHAIR said the Senator could not introduce
his resolutions while the subject under discussion
yet remained undisposed Of without the unanimous
consent Of the Senate. ...". ..u .'
Mr. ALLEN, of Ohio Objected
Mr.. NORVELL observed that he desired 10 ad-
dress the Senate the subject of the bill but as it
was too late in the day for that object and yet TOO
early 10 adjourn he would propose that the bill be
passed over informally and that they proceed to the
consideration Of the general orders
This was agreed to, ..".
Mr. RIVES then submitted the following resolu-
tons, and moved that they printed; which was
adopted.
Whereas the constitutional remedy by the cleo
tive principle becomes nothing if may be smother
ed BY the enormous patronage Of the General Co
vernmeni" and whereas, also, freedom OF election
is essential TO the mutual independence Of the State
and Federal Governments, and OF The different
branches of the same Government SO vitality cherish
ed BY American instutons;" .. @"
RcS0lred, therefore, That, in the opinion Of the
Senate, II is highly improper for officers depend
ing on the Executive Of the Union, 10 attempt 10
control and influence the free exercise Of the elective
right"
ReSolred, also, That measures ought to be adopted
by Congress, so far their constitutional powers
may extend, TO restrain by law all interference Of
Federal officers with elections otherwise than BY
giving their own votes and that the report of the
Judiciary Committee be committed to select com
mittee, with instructions 10 new model it according
to the principles declared in the foregoing preamble
and resolutions. ,,.@ ..... :-~r
The Senate then adjourned.