Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-10-21
LEGISLATURE OF VERMONT


THURSDAY, Oct. IA.
Agreeably 10 the Constitution and Laws Of the
Stale Of Vermont, the Senators and Represen-
tativcs elect convened at the State House in
Montpelier, on Thursday, Oct, 18th.
SENATE.
10 o'clock, A. M.
The Senate was called to order by D. w. C.
Clarke, the Secretary; aud, after the roll was
called, the oath of office was administered to
the Senator's and the Senate proceeded TO the
choice of President pro TEN.
George T. Hodges, of Rutland, was nomina-
ted by Mr.. Nash, and Giles Harrington, of Grand
Isle, b. Mr.. Robinson. Messrs Hilton and Mi
ner were appointed tellers, aud the balloting re-
suited as follows:
GEORGE 7. HODGES, IS
Giles Harrington,
Scattering,
Mr. Hodges was declared elected, and ele.
gantly but briefly returned his acknowe Judgments
TO the Senate for this renewed expression Of their
confidence. he was conducted to the chair by
Senators Harrington and Mead.
On motion OF Mr. Miner, the Secretary was d.
rected to notify the House of the organization
of the Senate.
On motion Of Mr.. Burton, the rules of the
last Senate were adopted as the rules of the
present, until otherwise ordered.
On motion of Mr.. Cushlnan, the Senate pro-
ceeded to the election of Secretary. Mr.. Cush-
man nominated d. w. c. Clarke, of Bui lington
and Mr. Kidder nominated Joseph B. Danforth jr.,
of Montpelier. The result of the baloting was
as follows:
D. w. C. CLARKE Is
]. B. Dantorth jr.,
and Mr. Clarke was declared elected
On motion of Mr. Nash, the Senate proceeded
to the choice of Assistant Secretary. Mr. Brow
nell nominated Thomas E. Powers of Wood
stock, Mr. Miner nominated s. Nj. Flint Of Brain
tree. MIR. Powers was elected by the following
vote:
THOMAS E. POWERS 10
S. Nj. Flint
Whereupon the Secretary and Assistant Sec
rotary were sworn into office.
On motion of Mr. Ferguson, the Senate pro-
ceeded to the election OF Chaplain. Mr. Hubbard
nominated ELISHA ]. SCOTT of Montpelier,
who was unanimously elected.
The President announced the nomination of
the following joint canvassing committee on the
part of the Senate:
Senators Mead, Morse, Fox, Hiltoe, Stewart,
Kidder, Ferguson, Robinson, Beeman, MOttocks,
Hubbard, White, Harrington, Miner, who were
elected and sworn
Joint Resolutions BY NJ. Hubbard, that the
Secretary of the Senate and Clerk OF the House
procure 10 be published 600 copies Of Leg isla-
tive Directory Tor the use Of both houses; adopt.
ed by MI. NuSninuH, tHdl Jolil Iutcs vi thc
last session, be the rules of the present. until
otherwise ordered adopted, By Mr.. Kimbal,
that both Houses meet in joint Assembly at 3
O'Clock this afternoon to hear the report OF the
Join. canvassing committee; laid on the table
on motion of Mr.. Foster, who suggested that the
Senate had not yet been notified OF the organl-
cation of the House.
Resoiution.-By Mr Brownel that the Presi-
dent. Secretaries, and each Senator be furnished
with one weekly, and one daily newspaper, pub
lshed in MONTPELIER, such each shall deslg-
nate; On motion of Mr. harrington laid on the
table.
Mr. Burton moved that when the Senate adj
iourned 1t he to meet at o'clock this afternoon
carried.
On motion of Mr. Miner the Senate adjourned
HOUSE.
AT ten o'clock A. NJ. the members elect of the
House were called to order by j. Nc Nj. SHAT
TER, ESQ, Secretary of State, and the roll hav-
ing been called the members were sworn.
Mr. Converse moved that Mr. Adams OF An
dover be admitted to a seat without producing
his credentials: agreed to.
The Secretary informed the House that Messrs
Ross Of CLARENDON (whig) and Plimpton Of
Wardsboro' (democra) had presented credentials
signed by The torn clerks Of those towns, In The
absence of the constable and selectmen, which
papers the Secretary could not receive, as they
were not signed by an officer authorized by law
Mr. Foot moved 10 admit both gentlemen &c
seats, the,e being no doubt Of their election
though not strictly in form, owing to attempts
10 prevent an lection. This happened not to be
party questions; but tor one he would frowr
down such attempts at disorganizluon CONF
whence or where they might.
The chair decided that The motion was not II
order, at this time making this decision IN orde
10 raise the question for decision by the House
which decision was reversed by the House on al
appeal.
Mr. Foot.
MIR Converse had doubts as to the propriety o
this proceedings it might preclude subsequeh
action by the House. He understood that on
of these cases at least was contested lie pro
posed to lay the motion upon the table
Mr. Rice believed that an admission OF thes
gentlemen weuld not prevent future action,
GOOD cause should be shown. lie confirmed tn
statement Of Mr. Foot, that so far as Wardsooro
is concerned, the attempt to prevent an eiecuo
was an unlawful one.
MIR Walker deprecated haste "a wrong prece
dent may be established. Town clerks have n
authority to give credentials, and the Hous
should be slow in countenanclng such papers a
evidence.
Mr. Kittredge of Fairhaven expressed simila
views.
Mr. Goodhue said there was testimony from tn
legal presiding officer of Wardsboro', shown
that the election of Mr.. Plimpton was made afte
a motion to dissolve the meeting had been cal
red by vote of two to one.
MIR Rice OF Somerset remarked that unanim
Gus consen, is required TO dissolve.
be goined ooIncaiTy in deciding this auesi,o
now, so there would nothing be lost by delay
This question should be decided right7,acco
ding 10 law,-and there must be time taken f'
this.
Mr. Sabin said he could not act upon ex par
or incomplete statements of facts the truth mu
be ELECTED by full and fair investigation
was for laying the motion upon the table. =.
Mr. Lyman thought the present time Proptlo'
for establishing a precedent-and in his oplnl'
good precedent--in the admission Of membe
upon such credentials 1t is true the credenla
are imperfect; still they are strong prlma lac
o.,iAnnna Of a fnir alacfInn-sirnnrer than NJ