Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1849-01-18
FROM JEFFERSON.

On our hrst page Will be found letter
from our Jefferson correspondent, which
should have appeared in our last. We are
without our regular reports since that let.
ter.
The Jefferson Inquirer of Saturday con.
tains the proceedings of the Legislature TO
Friday noon.
Monday being the sth, nothing was done
but celebrate its return. Cannon were fred
procession had, an Grafton delivered by
Col. James H. Birch, and the City was illu-
minated at night. Two thousand copies
of the Address are to be printed.
Tuesday, both Houses adjourned and at.
tended the funeral of Hon. Jno. McHenry,
member of the House from Bates, who died
on the 9Th.
Wednesday, the most importan, subject
before the House, was an amendment to
the constitution, introduced this session,
making the Circuit Judges elective by the
people. 1t was debated at length in the
afternoon, and finally postponed two weeks,
1t was opposed on the ground that the las,
session, proposed amendments on this and
other subjects, which had been before the
people, two years, and had not been acted
on by the Legislature.
Thursday, the amendments proposed at
the last session limiting the terms of the
Judges, was adopted by the House, ayes,
10, nays II. The amendment in reference
TO Representation was then taken up.
Mr. Tompkins, regarded equal represen-
taton as an essential and vital principle in
our government, but as this amendment
does not secure equal representation, and
exact justice to all, he would oppose it. He
deemed il due to his constituents to protest
against this violation of the principles OF
equality and justice.
Mr.. Campbell spoke of the disproportion
of representation, that had existed on this
floor for the last ~ years. AS the present
amendment approxmates nearer TO equal
representation than the old Constitution, he
should vote for the present amendment
He should have preferred seeing the census
of As before voting, but he was influenced
in his determination now upon the census
of 1914.
Mr.. Risk arose not TO make a speech, but
to oppose speaking. i, was proposition
that could be altered or am ended, then it
would be proper to discuss. He should
support the amendment, coming as he did
from the largest counties, as compromise.
Mr.. Sims, supported the amendment, and
contended that the true point is, whether
the amendmen, is preferable TO the const.
tuition it amends. 1t is strange that men
will vote agans, this amendment knowing
full well that under the old constitution,
representation must be made more unequal
Let US adopt this, and we may hereafter
improve upon them.
Mr.. Frost supported the adoption of the
amendment; it would settle the vexed ques-
ton. as compromise between the large and
small counties. Let the small counties have
due and proper weight on this floor. He
hoped the amendments would pass.
Mr.. Bingham, opposed the amendment;
and argued at some length in support of his
position; and that inequality of representa-
ton would still exist, if these amendments
were adopted.
Mr.. barnes, remarked, he came here pre-.
pared to do justice to all. The small coun.
ties are disposed TO do justice. and do not
deserve The censure that has been cast upon
them to day. They do not wish to deprive
the large counties of equality Of represen-
ta,ion, but yet the large counties had many
advantages over the small. He represen.
ted a small county. whose interests he:would
represent fairly.
Mr.. Swilzler arose for the purpose of
pouring oil upon the troubled waters. He
represented the third county in population
in the State, and notwithstanding this
amendment does not secure equal repre-.
sentalion, yet the Constitution as il now
stands is Ubiquitous, and ought to be re-.
pealed. He referred by illustration, to the
inequality of representation under the old
Constitution. A law passed last session by
a vote of SO 10 al, yet the minority mem.
bers.. represented over 100000 more PEG.
pie than the majority. Under this amend
ment, nineteen counties will have two
members; two counties will have three
members; one county ten members, and