The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-01

the country should be dissatisfied and refuse to as
sent TO the law; suppose this should occur at any
future time-then there is an end of this Govern
ment. Thus far, in their legislation, Congress
have failed TO pass an organic law, and conse-
quently we have been subject to the hazard of not
having law passed, and of Infringing the Gov
eminent itself. Laws for the superintendent have
been passed every ten years Suppose that, after
ten years from the last apportionment no law shall
be passed that shall fix the number Of members OF
the House, and apportion them among the States,
in what way is the House to be organized? They
had permitted the House to be dissolved and disor-
ganized at the expiration of every ten years. Who
can undertake to foresee what will happen in our
country? II may be subject TO discord and com
motion, similar to what has happened in other
countries and was il not the part of wisdom, and
the highest duty of the statesman, TO provide for
the ofpreservaton of the Government, and to pass
such laws are essential TO its organization and
perpetuity?
Suppose such provision as his should be incor-
porated in this bill In the first place, the census
would be taken, whether separate law were passed
or not in the next place. after the census was taken
there would be no occasion for any further egisla-
ton. His former experience had satisfied him that
the question Of apportonment should be settled in
advance-before the census is taken. If they wait
until the is taken, and then introduce bill
to apportion the members among the several States
gentlemen from large States will be again engaged
in the endeavor to fix the ratio will secure for
their States Representatives for the fractional parts
arranging the ratio to the detriment Of the smaller
States. Pass his amendment, and this will be pre-
vented. No State can what its fraction Will be.
The House, he thought, too large. After an
experience of twenty years, he did not know Of a
single case when he did not give the same vote
II he had lived in any other part of Ohio If his
friends were of opinion that these amendments
would endanger the passage of the BILL he would
withdraw them, and ask for select committee
upon the subject.
Mr.. STEPHENS obtained the floor, when the
committee
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
Mr.. MEADE asked leave 10 introduce resolu-
ton, which was read for information, viz: That
the special committee of nine the subject of the
Government printing inquire into the expedency
of establishing printing office 20; on Government
Objection was made to the introduction of the
resolution.
The SPEAKER laid before the House the agri-
cultural portion of the report of the Commissioner
on Patents, and twas referred to the Committee on
Patents. An order to print it was heretofore
adopted.
The House then adjourned.
The following papers were to-day presented I'M
: BY Mr. FOWLER: The petition of Alvan Shaw,
Elijah Toman, and thirty five other citizens of East
Bridgewater, Massachusetts,, against the admission
into the Union of any State, unless slavery shall be
expressly prohibited.
Also, for the prohibition of slavery and the slave
trade in the Territories.
Also, for the repeal OF all laws sanctionng slavery
in the District of Columbia, the removal of the
seat of Government to free State.
Also, against the delivery of fugitive slaves,
cept on the finding of a jury.
BY Mr.. PUTNAM: The petition of the members
of the bar residing in the county of Genesee, New
York, representing that the increasing commerce
and consequent litigation OF the western part OF
the said State require greater facilities for the
transaction of legal business in the courts ofthe Uni
ted States, and praying that judicial district
he eafa for nc mar M said State
Also, the petition of d. H. Roger, and forty six
others, citizens of Blair county, Pennsylvania,
praying for modification of the tariff of 1876. Re-
ferred to the Committee of Ways and Means.