The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1841-02-17
RHODE ISLAND LEGISLATURE.
Debate on The SmiIhlield Memorial,
and on The Resolution calling
a Convention.
From The Providence Journal.
lfpt'r or RrrREsrsrATivEs.
safiuyd0y, february 6, l6sl.

The Memorial oi the town Of SmithGeld, for
increase Of representation was taken mp. aud
the report aud resolutions we're read. The res.
oution was the same as that presented, with
the addition that the ireemcn be requested. If
they saw III TO instruct the representatives. as 10
calling Convention. 10 squslIze representation.
Mr.. Simmons thought, the report called Tor
a more tedious process than was necessary,
but 1t would enable a convention to meet. as
soon as was convenient for the people Of tho
! State.
Mr.. Atwell said the memorial did no, ask
distinctly for an additional representation. bur
only TO remove the inequality Of representation.
lie thought we could AZ we'll pass law e.
quaIizing representation, as to pass law max
ing the Senate distinct body, with veto on
the acts Of the House. The House and Sen.
ate formerly we're one body. He had no DOUBT
about the constitutional powers Of the house To
pass such q law. but he would move an n.
mendmcDt to the resolution. that the people
collectively be requested TO instruct this House.
as 10 their views on the subject Of representa-.
ton; that would give The opinion OF the whole
people but TO let seventeen hundred fcemen
instruct four representatives. aud ten thousand
irecmcn instruct two representatives. would
give any thing but the opinions Of The people.
Mr.. Robbins said the alteration as to the Sc
nate was named as precedent. That act took
place two hundred years ago, when we were \
colony. and no act was valid without consent Of
the king; and therefore IL was an act OF a SOW
ereign power and is a precedent against us, be-
cause there would in our case be no assent Of
the sovereign power. lie thought this House
could not consiitutionally hear the people, ex-
cep, through their represe natives.
Mr. Summons asked u ws could not reach
this without any exercise Of doubtful power
He did not ai first consider in the change spoken
Of in The Senare where the sovereign power ~as
found. lie agreed with Mr.. At~clI that a cou-
venrion might be called at once-he had never
seen c3se come up where he was uot satisfied
of the power Of the House over that subject
Sill! il was better 10 stand by the old forms.
There are great complaints Of the Inequality
OF representation. but there are two sides to
this question. The people collectively are now
represented in the Senate. and the House rep.
fescDts the towns.
IN the United States government. the Sfna,s
represents The corporations. and the House the.
people. Ia one branch or the other there
ought 10 be prcdomnance Of this corporate
power. Tie thought there was much in fdsoL
,f the present system; but rs there were com
,lalbis, he was in favor of = convention called
n the old mode, without the Intervention Of ia
''ructions.
Mr.. Aiwell had no objections to the amend.
nenf. tie did not doubt but there would be
aige majority Of the people in favor Of con.
'eniion. and he had no objection TO withdraw
he amendment III favor OF Mr.. Simmons
nepdment.
Mr.. Robbins asked if any representative frt
himself instructed by his constituents to call a
He thought the Honse had M
uch power. and ought not TO assume il.
Mr.. Spencer was in favor of Mr.. Ai~tli'a
proposition. lie knew nothing about the o.
'inion Of The people, aud IL we had their orir-
ons by their all voting on this subject. the COZ.
'ention, II called. wsuld know the voice Of the
'eople-whe,her they were in fssor Of cos'
ii,uliop.
Mr.. s. II. Greene thought the voice Of tho
,sople should be known. then the Goreruer
ould issue his proclamation for the people ia
eet delegates In a eouventiou.
Mr.. Simmons said the last convention. he
lad no doubt, would have formed > eons'ip-
ion. which would have been adopted had there
lot been some difficulty about The ray Of ,he
members. Some opposed the payment. snd u
vas stated that Providence payed all the taxes
u the State. jealousy arose and ihs consen.
ion was broken pp He thought there should
,e . eonveniiop. N tbe people Did not 'ssirpet
heir representatives sgsiss, 81 toe osH slsc'
ION.
NJ Spencer ihcash, slsr -oovsp'ios ."