American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-01-01
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
RECESS FOR CHRISTMAS.


Mr.. Davis offered the following res
olution:
Resolved, That this House, when it
adourns to-day with the consent of
the Senate take recess till Wedncs.
day, 3Oth inst.
Mr.. Raymond said that the time was
when there was no limit to the sessions
of the Legislature. 1t was now restrict
ed by the Constitution which intended
that the Legislature should remain in
session ninety days. There was no
necessity for adjourning at all. Who
is to be accommodated? The men,
bers who designed to return home will
60 whether this resolution be adopted
or not. He wanted to go home as
much as any man in the body, but if
the House is to adjourn, let it adjourn
altogether, and not use the technical
word "recess.' His objections to the
resolution were these: He desired to
give the Constitution fair trial ; he
wanted to see it put through, and its
purpose understood and, if the time
it allows is not sufficient for the trans
action of the public business, let it be
amended. The period of the proposed
recess was about onc-tenth of the time
allowed by the Constitution. He would
remain here from day to day and aid
other members who would do likewise
in advancing the bills upon the cal
cndar, so that when the absent mem.
bcrs returned they could act upon the
business so advanced. This was done
four years ago and it operated we'll.
Mr.. Johnson, of Taylor, said that
he had voted against the previous res
olution to adjourn, but it was apparent
this morning, from the number of va
cant seats, and the certainty of the alb
scncc of others, that there will be no
quorum here. His views were similar
to those expressed by the gentleman
from Marion, (Mr. Haymond,) but be-
ing convinced that there would not be
IA quorum, he could not see the justice
of keeping the officers of the House
here, when the members did not pro-
pose to remain themselves. For these
reasons lie would vote for the resou-
ton.
Mr.. Raymond disclaimed any de-
sire to punish the officers, but if there
are any who ought to remain at their
posts, it is the officers. The members
receive 81 per diem, and cxpend So.
The clerk receives $4,000 for only
three months service, except that he
has the keeping of the rolls.
MIR. Christian inquired what length
of time would be required to get through
with the calendar.
The Speaker replied that the dock
cts now on the table could be gone
through with in two hours on two sue
cessive days, provided the House would
not interrupt the regular progress of
business.
Mr.. johnson, in reply to Mr.. Hay
mond, remarked that the salaries of
officers had nothing to do with the qucs-
ton before the House. Whether the
Clerk received $40 or $4,000 was q
question not now to be considered, as
the salary was fixed by law.
Mr.. Davis said the business of the
House could not be expedited by Mr..
Haylhond's plan, as he knew Il men,
Der who designed to remain and call
for a count daily, in which event it
would BIO ascertained there was not a
quorum, and hence there could only be
an adjournment from day to day
MIR. d. said that he was only a young
politician, but was independent enough
to do what he thought to be right and
proper. He did not come here to
trim his sails to catch popular favor.
On looking over the list Of those who
voted against the previous propositions
for recess, he had discovered that al
most all Of them are now absent from
their seats. 1t seemed as if the gen.
tlemcn were actuated in their votes by
a desire for the uncnviable distinction
Of place in the columns of the local
papers. The observance of Christmas
was good old custom which ought not
to be dispensed with, even if the Con-
stitution required it.
Mr.. Raymond said, in reply, that if
Mr.. Davis had no respect for the coun-
ty of Marion, the time would come
when members ought to have some
respect for themselves. The gentle
man who expresses suspicion in re.
gard to the course Of others, is liable
to the same charge. Mr.. II. denied
that he was acting for "buncombe -.
lie had taken upon himself the respon-
sibility Of a delegate, and intended to
discharge the duties Of his position in
accordance with the views of those
whom he represented. 1t was unfair
tn cbnroo him ,v;tb Ssb,,oo,oln o.J