, 1856-02-01
For the Pioneer and Democrat.

Mr.. EDrroR Sir, as l have never be
fore troubled you with Communication ol
any kind, for publication, you will pardon
me If ask the indulgence Of q small space
in your columns for the purpose Of making
few statements, as l understand them to
exist in fact, and asking few questions in
reference thereto do so the more readi-
ly, inasmuch as the People-the masters Of
the territorial law-making authority, may
possibly feel some interest in the matter,
and in fair and truthful solution Of the
questions propounded.
Aud in the first place 1 would respect
fully inquire, in general terms, Of the men,
bers Of the House, for some light in regard
to Tint secret session." which have posi-
tive assurance was in council not rery long
time ago. will be bold enough to ask il
the "inlunctions Of secresy" has been re-
moved from the deliberations Of that ses-
sion, and il so, what was the object Of it !
understand that no record Of that secret
session" was placed upon the journal, and
| always supposed the journal declared the
action Of the House.
have been advised Of another matter,
substantially to this effect; The Honse
some time since, adopted o joint resolution
in regard to'the election Of additional clerks
for each branch Of the assembly-the sub
stance Of which resolution is as follows -
Resolped BY he House, de Council eOncurTing
Tha we proceed TO the election Of an engrossng clerk
for each House, to be elected by each House, In the
same manner as other officers are elected"
The foregoing resolution, after its pas
sage through the House, was sent to the
Council for concurrence, but was, AL think
very properly, for valid reasons, which
should be apparent to all, ruled out Of or
der by the clear-headed old veteran who
presides over that body, and 1t was returned
to the House. This we learn, the House
considered an insult, and ordered the reso-
luton to be returned to the Council, which
body refused to receive It. Tho President
of the Council, then, IL our information be
correct, directed the second clerk to pro-
cure q copy Of the resolution, who, on ap-
plication to the clerk Of the House for the
same. was informed that be was directed
not 10 let IL Be sem! The reporter was also
requested, as l am told, to obtain copy
for publication, and it was peremptorily re-
fused him. The resolution probably be-
came the property Of the secret session.
about which, Of course, the people have no
business to know anything. But they will
get their eyes open to the actions Of their
servants in due time.
1t Is clear that the Chair ruled within
the legitimate perview Of the law, for there
are no such officers known to the organic
act, or Congress, as engrossing clerks, Ia
whom pay, for their services, is to be awar-
ded / certainly think should Congress
donate, in money, for the benefit Of the
people Of the territory, OTe7hof the amount
for which the legislature has memorlalizedr
it will be source Of congratulation, in the
highest degree, to the people Of the terrific
ry in their present extremity. And about
that secret session, l have no doubt but
that yet the people Of this territory will
feel as much anxiety about its dolngs as
were the people many years ago interested
! in the closed-doors, Secret session" trans