The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-02-11

delegates were authorized 10 constitute the
convention to form the constitution
Sd. The election was ordered in conformity
to the Enabling Act, consequently but los del
egates could have been legally elected. We
deem 1t proper, however. to state that several
seats we're in contest between the two political
parties
9Th. All that were legally elected. and all that
claimed seats, met together a; the time and
place designated by law.
5th. Immediately after they me, motion was
made to adjourn. The Democratic members,
claiming that the motion was carried, LEFT the
hall. The opposition remained and organized.
The next day the former met, IS pursuant TO
adjournment, and organized. One party hold
ing regular sessions in the hall Of representa-
ti,es, the other hold ny its regular sessions in
the Council Chamber; each claiming to be the
true convention.
9Th. The dispute was occa Toned by each
charging that persons claimed seats not emit.
tied 10 them. But without entering into detail
we trust that your committee will be fully sat
istied upon this inquiry when we state that
whatever differences may have arisen Oh these
points were afterwards honorabiy and satisfa.
torily settled between the two parties. The
breach wa. healed by each party appointing
committee Of conference, which committee
agreed upon the constitution now before your
honorable committee. And the constitution
thus agreed upon was adopted by both diyis
ions Of the convention, and afterwards ratified
by the almost unanimous vote Of the people al
the Territory, aud certified to by Governor
Samuel Medary, under the seal of Minnesota.
Perhaps it would not be impr oper here to
atate that both political parties held State and
county nominating conventions. and that each
nominated candidates TO I'LL the various offices
provided for in the aforesaid constitution, and
that at the election, which was spirited and hot
ly contested, there was general attendance Of
voters. That the election was conducted with
ont violence; that the members elected to the
State Legislature met at the capitol on the 2nd
day Of December last. as prescribed by the
constitution; that every member Of both Dartie,
voted upon ali questions which came before
them.
Believing that the people Of Minnesota have
proceeded in strict accordance with the law OF
Congress- called the ''enab!ing act, and in con
formity TO the spirit Of the Constitution Of the
! United States; and knowing that the entire pop
ulation OF the State expect speedy admission
into the Union, We earnestly trust that their ex-
pectations may not be disappointed especially
/ a. there are questions now before Congress OF
vital importance to the state.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servants,
JAS. SHIELDS,
HENRY n. RICE.
We concur in the foregoing:
Gro. l.. BECKER,
W. W. PHELPS,
J. M. CAvASAUGH.
Asa member OF the committee Of conference
agreed upon by both divisions of the constitu
tional convention. wish to testify to the unan
unity by which that constitution was adopted
by both parties. and fully concur in the state
/ ment OF facts embodied in the above reply
W. w. kiSGsBrRY, Delegate.
} do not think We will be able to obtain
more than two Representatives; and this
number, cannot be denied ns with justice
( The census AZ returned to the Office of the
Secretary of the Interior, exhibits the fol-