Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1853-07-15
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.

WEDNESDAY, July l3.
afternoon Session. - Reconsideration King
man of West Brdgewater, moved reconsideration
OF the vote accepting the report relative the dis
reimbursement of women.
On motion the rules were suspended, and the mo.
ton considered forthwith.
MIR Kingman supported his motion, because he
had not an opportunity in the morning to express
as fully as be wished, his views, and proceeded TO
do so.
The vote was then taken and the motion rejected,
The Judciary-The Convention resumed the con-
sideration OF the report on this subject, with the
amendments pertaining thereto, aflCr Intellectual
motion to postpone until TO morrow by reason of the
thnness Of the House, occasoned by the funeral Of
Mr. Gourgas.
Mr. Hooper of Fall River, sustained the amend
ment, and argued generally in favor of the popular
Judiciary.
Mr. Greenleafof Cambridge, followed, replying to
the arguments for an elective system, and contend
ing for the present. If it had worked well let it re-
main; if not, then change it. But he thought that
all the indications were and the opinion of the peo-
Pile was, that the Judiciary, as now constituted could
not be improved
MIR French of New Bedford supported the amend
ment. The matter had been discussed before the
people, and they were, in his opinion, prepared TO
have change That here was great complaint OF
the working Of the Judiciary the State, he had
doubt He instanced The violation of privileges of
coored men this State, who by the Bill o Rights
were guaranteed upon Massachusetts soil as good a
protection as any class OF men.
Mr. Butler OF Lowell, followed, in defense Of an
elective Judiciary, and criticised the arguments pre-
sened by the advocates Of the present system
We're il left him settle this question, he should
vote for an elective Judiciary; but living in Stale
where that system had not prevailed, and moi being
competent TO say whether the people now wanted to
have the election not, he should not strenuously
insist the change at this moment.
Mr. Parker of Cambridge obtained the floor, but
gave way adjournment.
THURSDAY, July Ia.
Ordered, on motion Of Mr. Wilson of Natick,
That the Secretary Of the Convention give notice
to the selectmen of Concord, of the vacancy ex-
sling in the Convention, occasioned by the death
of Hon. Francis r. GOurgas, delegate from Com
cord
Ordered on motion of Mr. Boutwell, from Berlin,
That debate on the subject of the Judiciary cease
at O'Clock this afternoon. This was adopted
by vote Of 100 to A.
The Juhiciary-The resolves on this subject
were taken up, the first question being on the
motion of MIR Hooper of Fall River 10 amend so as
to make Judges elective.
Mr. Parker of Cambridge believed that the ap.
pointed Judiciary ofMassachusetts had been sec
ond to that Of no other State, and at times stood
as high as that of the Union.
MIR Choale said the history Of English jurspru-
dence, and the experience Of her own wise men,
bore testimony to the truth of the theory that
Massachusetts had adopted for her judiciary
Mr. Walker, Of North Brook6eld, was not in ia
vor of an elective Judiciary. He thought the peo-
pie would not sanction great change in this
important branch of our government He would
not however, say but that limitation Of the term
Judicial Office might be expedent and proper.
Mr. Hood, of Lynn, spoke at length, in favor of
the amendment, and was followed by Mr. Bird, Of
Walpole, on the same side, and on the CONCLUSION
of the last named gentleman's remarks, the Con
vention at one O'Clock adjourned.