The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-03-19
MR.. RIvRs AND HIS RESOLUTION.

We beg leave to invite public attention to
the following resolution, recently introduced to
the consideration of the House Of Represen-
tatiyes by Mr.. Rives, (of virginia. member
Of the Committee Of Elections, which is now
pending before that body. The spirit in which
it is conceived is eminently characteristic of
the honorable mover, and indicates fully the
temper in which he and other members OF that
Committee of the administration party have
met and treated the whole subject of the New
Jersey contested election. A more disinge-
nuous, unfair, malignant and uncalIed for at
tack was never before made on high state
functionary, than that which is contained in
this calumnous resolution. II will be recol-
lected that the Committee were in the midst OF
the investgation-that they have before them
only very small portion Of the proof-that
these parties are now at home busly engaged
in preparing their cause for trial-that they
wish and expect TO be fully heard on the
merits-at such moment the honorable
gentleman comes into the House and pre-
judges the whole matter by casting foul i'm
putatiop on the Executive Of New Jersey,
gentleman Of great purity Of character, whom
the people Of that State have honored, and
still delight to honor. Contrary to the sugges-
tons of the preamble, we affirm on good
authority, that not particle Of proof has been
laid before the Committee to justify the ale
CATION Of fraud, so recklessly preferred against
i he c. ia. r.on
it, the Committee were not authorized to en-
terrain any such inquiry no question on
the subject has been submitted them. Usually,
those to whom great and exciting contro-
versy is confded, put themselves under an
obligation to conduct with caution, decacy
and reserve, Withholding every intimation of
an opinion, till the parties can be fully heard
on the merits--but in this case member Of a
Committee exercising highly responsible
trust, and acting upon subject involving the
rights, interests, and feelings, not only of nu-
merous and respectable individuals, but of the
people of whole State, does not hesitate to
come into the House and pour forth mass Of
malignant matter as revolving to good taste, as
il is inconsistent with deicacy, justice and
truth. What confidence can the country here
after place in the doings Of the Committee on
Elections Has not Mr.. Rves, by intro
ducing such resolution, placed himself in
the condition Of partial, prejudced and un-
cared judge' Let the highminded people Of
the ancient Commonwealth Of Virginia judge
Mr. RIvES offered the following which, being OBJ
jected to, lies on the table under the rule
Whereas, by the Constitution of the United States
it is provided that the House Of Representatives shall
be composed of members chosen every second year by
the People Of the several States" And, whereas, by
the laws OF New jersey, II is made the duty OF the
Governor person administering the government, and
Privy Council Of their State determine the six per-
who have the greatest lumber OF votes from the
whole State for Representatives in Congress Of the
United States which six persons the Governor or per-
administering the government, shall forthwith com
MISSION under great seal Of the State TO represent
that State in the House Of Representatives OF the Con-
gress Of the United States And whereas it has been
charged that the Governor Of New Jersey did, in viola
ton Of the Constitution OF the United States and the
laws Of his own State and one Of the most important
political rights Of the people whom he was pre-
siding, commission five persons to represent said peo
pie, when he knew that five other persons had received
majority OF the whole number Of votes cast in the
last election OF members Of Congress, and thereby
"udge Of the elections returns, and qualifications" Of
the persons thus returned Representatives aforesaid
and whereas on an examination OF the evidence to
the charges aforesaid appears that the Governor
aforesaid did direct violation OF the Constitution OF
the United States and the laws Of his State,
gate himself the rightto commission persons as mem
bers of Congress who not chosen by the People,
and imperiousy says whether my decision in granting
the certificates was right or wrong, Congress- at all
events is bound to receive the credentials thus fur
nshed as the mandate Of the State" although the
same was founded in fraud, and designed to effect
organization Of this House opposed to the popular will
and whereas, by the awless and unprecedented" act
of the aforesaid Governor the people Of New Jersey
have been deprived Of their right to representation
this hoor-a right inestmabe to them, and hateful to
tyrans only :" and whereas the election Of members TO
represent the State of New Jersey the House OF Re-
representatives. ofbe United States belongs to the people
of that State and is the duty of this House TO protect
them in their legitimate and constitutional rights IN that
particular against invasion and usurpation, from what
ever quarter It may and whereas this House alone
has power the grievance complained OF, and
the morning hour allotted to the consideration OF the
business being insufficient TO complete the same as
speedily as is desirable;
Rescued, Tha, the report Of the Committee OF Elec-
tons relating to the be made the special order OF
the day for to- morrow, the hour of IL o'clock, and
to continue the special order Of the day every subse
ouent day at the hour aforesaid until The SAID report
shall be disposed of.
After this resolution was read Mr. HUNT oil New
York. asked that i, be again read remaklng that, Il he
had understood the resolution correctly, he wished to
submit a motion TO have il returned TO the honorable
mover.
The SPEAKER decided that the resolution laid over Of
course, and therefore he could not entertain Mr.. H's
motion.
VIRGINIA.
Extract of letter from The heart of Virginia,
dated 18th inst;