The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1860-11-21
x..A. AN

ror originating in SO respectable jonrna and copy
II only 10 show into what absurdites one may be led
by indulgence to idea in the midst of excitement
South Carolina has long been absorbed in the con-
temptation Of the movement she is now encasoring to
precipate that every thing is to be seen only through
spectaclef adjusted to her purpose.
II il indeed be true that Congress cannot organize
for any purpose Congress of the United States,
the Senators and Representatives Of State be alb
SENT thon would il have failed, il We are not much
mistaken, on several occasions, certainly more than
once; and il would at any time be in the power Of
Senators and Representatives Of any State by alb
ientne themeiyes to obsruct prevent the organza-
lion Of Congress Is this the idea which has induced
the South Carolina Senators 10 resign
But correct reading Of the Constitution will show
thai The trainers Of that instrument did moi leave their
work in 50 imperfect state.
Section p provides that The House Of Representa-
tlyes shall be composed members chosen every two
years BY the people Of The several States
Section 2. prayides that the Senate Of The Uned
States shall be composed Of Two Senators from each
State, chosen by the Legislature ,beof for six years.
Section s. provides thot a nsjsniy Of each House
shall constitute quorum TO do business" Such
quorum i legally qualified 10 organize their respective
Houses, and TO do all ordinary business The absence
Of one State o. oneour,h Of ihdm would not plo-
vent an Organization, or the progress 81 business.
Even in election Of President The United States
when that election shall de,oye upon the House Of
Representatives, is not necessary that oil the ates
shalt be represented Article XII Of ihe Amendments
Of the Constitution provides that for this purpose quo
rum shall consist Of a member or members from two
thirds Of the States, and majority Of al the States
shall he necessary to choice And The same num-
her constitute uorcm IN the Senate IN the election
u Vice President.
L will be seen, therefore, that The Courier takes ye.
y contracted view Of the letter and spirit Of The Con-
sllaon, when he sssers rs true Interpretation % is
provisions that Congress cannot organize il one State
be ahsent-" il lis representative have resigned" And
quite as absurd is il To say. thirty STATES ma, form
Congress and egisl1e for ihifty-one States. then
twenty may DO the same yea len or even five"
quorum consists Of agority q III The members a
r. number cannot organize d business any larger
number may.
- fNNt ~ Akde WV lAlffft the l0Dguagg
o. the Constitution i too plain 10 require it, south
ca.ona cnnhO, stop the wheels Of government by
simply ab-enI'ng i'se Il II in consequence Of this de-
usion tina, the south Carolina members have resigned
their seai,i
From the Charleston Courier.
Can Congress Organise, one STATE being
.46senf?
The toll bearings 81 the position South
carolina = about % assume i gradually fore
ing attention. One Of these, aud il h, one
OF immense Importance, is that Congress.
under The Constitution. cannot organize Tor
business, OF for any other purpose, as Con.
gtess OF the United States, Il the Srnators
and Representatives OF one State are absent.
Mute carefully the provisions Of the Consti-
tuition. Section J.. provides that eli lexisIa-
tive power granted shall be vested IN Con-
gfess q the United States, which shall con.
sisf q q Senate and House Of Representa.
tisrs.
section TX declares that the House " Re-
prrsentatl,es shaH be composed al nrmbes.
from The sererai Sfates; while Section M.
declares that the Senate Of the United STATES
shal be composed Of Two Senators from each
State.
II then State is absent; IL the two sena-
Tors 90 mol erisf; If the representatives Of
shc people have resigned their powers and
once, congress cannot organize. lie mar.
t'fs legally, constiluiionally necessary 10
construct Congress OF The United .y,ale,
are not present u. therefore, South Caro-.
iila having no Senators. and Congress being
eon'"ked, none were appointed By the pro.
per authority. The remainder 81 the states
could not legally organize. OF proceed 10 any
business Tor the country. Such an ss,embly
would not be Congress Of the United STATE.
uhder Tue requirements Of The con,iituti.n.
= would have no vitality, aud il il proceed.
81 q my kind "a legislation il would a.sro
ro1efs ahich belong only 10 liz NAL. ~
~ 'la'es 70 their united caparly. II this
Is not a correct reading u these sections.
anu true Interpretation of letter and .p,rit:
- ielily siaies may iurm = Congress and
leg,sla,e Tor ihiriy-one States, then twenty
may U" lle sane, yea ten of even 1--WE. For
alt'f Congress is formed con.titutionallv.
llifn mgariiy Of each Ilause shall eon.ii'
iule quorum. and business can "a - N
lnen south Carolina holds her present posi.
non, am hrr Delegates DO not present them.
selves 20 the halls where other nsle..,s.
meet, Congress cannot be organized. and IN.
functions VI this Government cra.e
We are warned 10 be brief, bur we sb.u
pursue THIS subject still further on a future
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