The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-06-07

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several States, according to the sixth census, was
then taken up
The question pending, when the Senate adjourned,
on Saturday, was on motion of Mr.. Wright TO amend
the following section of the bill;
SEC 2. And be hyJurther enacted That, in every
ease where State Is entitled TO than Re-
presentatiye--the number 10 which each State shalt
be entitled under the spportionment, shall be elected
by districts composed OF contiguous territory, equal
number TO the number OF Representatives TO which
said State may be entiIled-no one district eeciing
more Than one Representative.
MIR. WRIGHT moved to strike from the above
section the words, mo one district electing more
than representative" and 10 insert the words,
as far as that be done In conformity with the
established election systems of the States; but no
State SHALL by virtue of the provisions of this section,
consider itself called upon TO divide countless or other
election Districts for the purpose of furnishing single
districts"
Mr.. WHITE argued in favor of the district system,
and contended that when the States determined the
qualification of Representatives and electors for Pre-
,ident and Vice President, there could be danger
had been suggested, from the nterposition Of the
authority of the Federal Government in matters Of
this kind and he cited various authorities in support Of
ms position. lie thought that the time had arrived
when Congress should exercise the power TO the
manner If electrng Representatives Senators who
had opposed the section had not shown that the aim
better promoted by referring to the States to make
the arrangement Ii Congress left it to the States,
with their conflicting opinions upon the SUBJECT the
object OF representative government might be de-
feated and instead of having House of Represent
tayes to reflect the will of the People, they would
have nothing than deputaton of the States
Mr.. BATES remarked that the bill proposed that.
instead of the general ticket system, the States should
elect their Reprt sentatyes by districts, than which
nothing could be more proper or expedlent no.
4 MOI ire a
the Union. lie then replied to Senators who
had preceded him, and the Course OF his
marks he coDlended that Congress aud the Lrgisa
lures had concurrent power on this subJtci one
supreme, the other subordinate aud whatever step
night be taken by the Legislatures, subject TO
the hi which Congress possessed TO alter the rules
| at its pleasure Therefore, whenever Congress chose
this subject 50 far might act, II well,
| and what remained to be done would be accomplished
by The Legislatures OF the Give States He nc,
ed that the district ticket gave TO the people themselves
more correct and falrer representation than tie
general ticket SYSTEM AID II carried out tue principles
and spirit of the Constitution in this particular Ii
the minorllies OF the States were be sllenced
and st fled ia the House Of Representatives. the
power in the States not TO oe welded by MAORI
ty in the States for the purpose OF perpeuatng their
power it appeared to him that the ason for establish
ing the district system was not only Juslifable but 1t
was demanded of Congress to exercise this power
now, while, they had the opportunity to do SO;
while they could exercise this power without preju-
dice to any party, and with strict warrant in the
Constitution of the United States for the proceeding
/ Mr. SMITH, Of Connecticut, believed that Con-
had not the power to pass the second section
the manner proposed in the bill. If Congress had
the power to act in this matter they must exercise it
to the fullest extent-not portion OF It to be exer-
cised by Congress and part OF 1t by the State Legs-
latures. Congress should therefore exercise this
power, orit should not-they could not divide 1t with
the States.
/ Mr. KERR advocated the section it came from
the House. believing it TO be- constitutional, expedi-
dient, and IN accordance, generally, with ihe wishes
Iof the people of the United States. II was opIn.
ION which he had long enter ained, that the of
he people in districts composed OF contiguous terri
tory was the only possible means by which the true
idea OF representative government could be carried
into effect in this country; whereas the general tickle,
system had always been revolving to the republican
principles and the idea of equality which he had ever
entertained The people we're one, SO far as the le-
gisation Of Congress concerned, and therefore
such regulations should be made as would bring to-
gether such representation as would reflect ev-
cry opinion, feeling and desire Of the people
and, il Congress should fail TO do this they
would fail to bring a full representation OF
he people into the national councils and in eve
ny case where they departed from dlstricting the
Stat and bringing the people together through their
representatives, they departed largely from the true
idea of representation. This system would give the
minorities in the States an opportunity of being
head in Congress, but the general ticket system
would have contrary effect, and would place the
power Of selecting the delegations for the States in
the hands Of leaders of clues and the heads Of fac
tions
i Mr.. WRIGHT obtained the floor, but, without
proceeding with his remarks, gave way to
Mr.. BARROW, who moved to lay the bill on Iii,
table, for thu purpose of moving reconsideration o.
the r. solution by which the Senate agreed to mce
her after at eleven O'clock, A. NJ
Mr. SEWER moved that the Senate adjourn
which motion prevailed, and
The Senate adjourned