Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1857-02-27

to the increased value of property by reason
| of the construction of various lines of rail-
road. he could not see why that fact demand
ed an enlarged house. The testimony Of
competent witnesses has been produced to
prove that the walls were yet sound. Because
the old building was badly ventilated 1t did
not follow that it could not be constructed so
as to meet that desirable end. So in regard
to the inconvenience of the internal arrange
mcnts.
The people of Montpelier invested their
money in the state House with the under
standing the General Assembly was to have
its sessions in their town. And in case of a
removal, the State by its plighted faith was
bound to repay, principal and interest, the mo-
noy which Montpelier expended.
lie believed that the geographical contre
had a good deal TO do with the mattcr-so too
the centre of population Montpelier was
the nearest place to the geographical centre Of
any considerable importance.
Tho nations Of the earth. and the different
Statos of the Union, had all, nearly without
exception, located their capital in their CEN
tors The circumstances under which our
forohthors saw tit to locate their capital in
Montpelier were, by far, more uniavorablc
than those which the town offered now Bur
lngton. the place where the Legislature had
formerly held its sessions, had become beauti-
fol for scenery. and was town of considerable
importance; and although Montpelier was
then a small town, vet the good judgment of
the people indicated Montpelier as the seat Of
government
The speaker went on TO cite the different
states of the Union as offering examples di-
rccdy opposed to the measure proposed
on motion of Mr. Cuhoon the Committee
rose, and had leave to sit again to-morning at
quarter past 10 o. clock.
The Senate concurrcd with the House in
the adoption of the resolution providing for
tho pay OF the Librarian and Assistant Libra
rian during the extra session of the Lcgisla-
ture
On motion of Mr. Underwood, the Senate
adjourned.
HOUSE.
On motion of Mr. Marsh Of Brandon, the
bin establishing the capital at Rutland was
recommitted to the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Marsh of b. called up the resolution
i'm Che case of Mr. IIarwood Of Rupert, when
Mr.. Spencer of Castlcton, moved to amend
by declaring that Mr.. Harwood is entitled TO
a scat
Mr.. Marsh Of Brandon, opposed the claim
of Mr.. lIarwood. and said that the question
presented by the majority and minority re-
ports of the Committee on the credentials of
Mr.. Iluwood was Il grave and important one.
One that should be well considered before
final action upon it.
WHAT said Mr.. NJ arc the facts in this
case il appears that Mylon DEMO was cleo
ted % Representative from the town of Rupert
at the annual Ircemcu Meeting in Soptem-
Der last-that Doc took his scat and acted as a
member of this House at the last regular sos-
sion IL fWthorappcars that. I'm consequence
of The death OF Mr. DEMO the town of Ru-
port had held q special town meeting In this
present month of February and elected Jo-
scph j. Huwood to represent them at this
extra session.
Now, said Mr.. March, by what authority
was this last election held Whore is the
constitutional or legal provision which auth
orizes or directs this special election; Tn
der what law did the town act: II GER
tainly deyolved on M Ilarwood. or on the
town. to show some precedent, some legality
to these proceedings. None had been shown
in the minority report The people it is true.
were entitled TO bc represented lt was n
great cardinal and constitutional right and he
would do nothing TO impair IT, But repre-
sontatives must be elected 10 conformity with
the constitution and laws ordained by the
people disc there is an end of all government
Under the constitution we have one general
election law which provides for the election of
representatives. in September. We have no
laws or constitutional provision. for election
of representatives. in February or at any other
time. IL would not do. Mr. NJ contepded. 10
assert that because the law provides for an
election at a particular time, therefore it was
permitted to hold an election at any oihcr
time fla vacancy happened in the roprcscn-
tauon of town il would not answer 20 fll
that vacancy at any time not designated by
law. If representative is not chosen the
first Tuesday in September, there is vacancy
for the entire year If a member of the
House is sick there is a vacancy. Ifamem-
Der dies there is vacancy If member
emigratcs, removes, or absconds. there is
vacancy.
Mr. Bradley-Or is put in the State Pris-
on.
Mr.. Marsh-Most assuredly But he
would remind the gentleman from Brattlebo-
ro that such an event could hardly happen.
lnasmuch as the constitution provided that
the representatives should consist Of persons
gJtOgf gofed fan