The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-12-10

the rules that govern the House OF Representatives
Of the United siaies, were adopted for the govern
ment oil the deliberations OF The convention.
On motion OF Mr.. Johnson, OF Ohio, the resolu-
lion offered by him yesterday nsructing the Presi-
dent Of the Convention to procure The Rev Clergy
Of Harrisburg to open The Convention every morn
ing with prayer. was taken up and adopted.
On motion Of Mr.. Morris, Of Pennsyivania, the
reporters Of newspapers were invited TO take seats
on the floor OF The House.
Mr.. SPsAGUg, OF Massachusetts, said that as some
differences OF opinion might naturally exist relative
TO the mode Of proceeding In giving The votes for The
different candidates for President; and as they
should endeavor 10 reconcile those differences, and
present harmonious action; that standing as the
Convention did In the front OF formidable enemy
they might present an undivided front He offered
The following to be adopted as the orier OF proceed
ing.
(See order al close of the days rroceedings.)
Mr.. b. w. LEIGH, of Virginia, said he concurred
entirely with the gentleman from Massachusetts,
Mr.. Sprague) In his views but not TO the means
Of accomplishing Them. His opinion was that the
Convention should move step by step, first simply by
comparing the views Of all. He thought that COM
miiee OF one should be appointed by the delegates
from each State 10 act for The others In the express
sion OF views and casting of votes. Situated as the
delegates we're, il would be most gratifying TO COM
muncaie with each other personally; but as they
were not acquainted personally il would be impossi-
BILE TO do SO. He therefore moved 10 amend the re-
solution offered by the gentleman from Massachu-
setts by striking out all aer the word resolved and
inserting a substitute, by which the delegates from
edcn Sldte were 10 VOte per cnJd, ana Holc Vi
each Stale to be given TO each candidate in proper
tion as the votes would stand-each s ate having a
| full vote whether lis deegalioa be full or not.
favor of the substitute just submitted because il
In conformity with the course pursued by the cleo
tors ior President and Vice President.
| MIR. SpRAGuE, Of Massachusetts,, went into an ex-
PLANTATION OF the difference between the two PROPOSE
| tons, al some length
| Mr. SgLDEN, OF New York, was In favor Of the
amendment offered by the delegate from Virginia,
(Mr Leigh.) He said it w"uld be hard 10 permi,
the votes oil those to prevent those distant from
| the common centre, from voice in the convention.
Neither Of the propositions met his views exactly
! lie would prefer middle ground. He also thought
! thai when the Convention had come to conclusion
by means Of committee, II should then be reported
TO The Convention, instead of being reported back TO
The State delegations, TO allow Of changes and new
| conclusions. He therefore should sustain the amend
| ment, as nearest his views.
/ Mr. Russell, OF Missouri, said he was an out and
ont Clay man, and he protested against those repre-
senting States opposed TO Mr. Clay, taking any add
vantage He was In favor Of the amendment.
Mr. SPRAGuE said he found it necessary TO arise
once more and explain. II seemed TO be matter of
complaint that the motion submitted by him did not
| cover the whole ground. He went on to explain,
that II did not exclude any question right Of voting,
whether by States or per capita
| Mr. PENRosE of Pennsylvania said he agreed
with the Hon. delegate from Virginia, Mr.. Leigh,)
that II was important that the question Of how the
votes of the States should be given. He therefore
moved the following amendment 10 the original re-
solution offered by the delegate IRON Massachusetts,
| (Mr. Sprague)
That the vote of majority of each delegation
shall be reported as the Vote of that State; and each
Stale represented here shall vote its full electoral
vote BY such delegation, in the committee.
Mr Bowie from Maryland, said he had propo-
sition to submit to the Convention, which he begged
| leave to read.
| The PREslDENT said il could not be received at this
time, inasmuch as they had got 10 the extremity OF
the order of amendment.
1 AZ
he would withdraw the amendment offered by him. TO
allow the delegate from Maryland to move his amend
ment Leave was granted
Mr.. Bowie from Md offered his amendment allowing
each delegate in the without regard
to States, and more
Mr.. PENRosE Of Pennsylvania, rose to a question
order He wished to know if the withdrawal Of the
amendment Of the delegate from Virginia, (Mr Legb,)
dld not give his amendment precedence. The Presi-
dent decided that II did.
Mr.. P. then spoke for some time in support of his
amendment His remarks were received with repeated
bursts OF applause.
Mr.. SHAW of Massachusetts,. looked upon the propo-
siiion OF the delegate from Mary land (Mr Spence,)
be unjust and imPolc. He argued that the states
should be permitted to supply their vacations bui
beyond that they should not go. He in favor o.
the resolution offered by the delegate from Massachu
ses, (Mr. Sprague,) and the amendment offered by the
delegate from Pennsylvania, (Mr. Penrose)
Mr., Fay Of New York, spoke in favor Of each state
being allowed the number Of votes that they had dele
gates IN attendance, and no more. .
Mr., HAMMOND of NJ Y. in favor OF the pc, capita
vote
Mr.. HoAR Of Mass. opposed the amendment. He
recommended to the gentleman from Pa (Mr. Penrose)
to withdraw his proposition, and suffer to be
ken on the original motion offered by his colleague, (Mr
Sprague)
Mr.. LEIGH Of Va. made some further remarks in ex-
PLANTATION Of the objects Of the amendment.
Mr.. BuRNELL OF Mass argued at some length in ia
yor Of the original proposition.
L Mr. Iofp pa hrtpnv snnDo Cd thca
Mr.. r. JOHNSON Of Md. spoke Of the favori,e OF his
state. Md had her FIRST choice, but her delegation
came not here to force that choice upon the convention
but prepared necessary to give up that choice for the
good Of the country He continued his remarks at some
length, and concluded by proposing amend the amend
ments that the Convention assemble tomorrow at IL
o'clock, with closed doors and proceed to make nom
! na.on for President.
| Mr. Taylor Of N. Y was in favor OF the original
uon which he supported in few but eloquent remarks
After some further remarks by Mr. Morris and Ro-
bers OF Pa, IN favor OF the amendment, resolution
offered that the various propositions with regard to
the mode OF procuring the nomination before the con-
vention be referred to committee Of from each
state to report mode oil proceeding to the convention.
| Not agreed to.
MI SWIFT Of Pa. expressed himself in favor Of the
proposition to for candidate by ballot the con.
ventlon, without any reference to committees.
The question on tho amendment then come up, when
Mr.. Hammond Of New York called for division Of the
question.
| The first division was agreed to.
| The second division agreed to.
The resolution Of Mr. Johnson Of Maryland, to pro-
coed to vote for candidate tomorrow at IL o'clock,
with closed doors then came up in order.
After further discussion between Messrs Leigh
Of Virginia, Johnson Of Maryland, and Mr. Sprsgue Of
Massachusetts,, MIR Leigh Of Virginia proposed another
amendment which agreed to.
Mr. Johnson's motion was then voted down.
Mr. LEIGH then withdrew his proposition, and the
original proposition by Mr.. Sprague with the amend