Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1865-03-17
HOUSE

Mr. Dorr u Rutland, from the select commit
tee, reported 4 joint resolution 10 rstify the
amendment TO the Constitution, which, after re-
citing the amendment in preamble, Il in the
f1ilosing words
Resolved, by the Senate snd House Of Rep
re-suta-iyes, that the said proposed amendment
60 the Constitution Of the United States be, and
the same = hereby, ratified by the Legislature Of
the State Of Vermont"
Mr. peAse Of Norwich moved to amend the
preamble by adding the following words
'With gratitude 10 Almighty God for the
privilege and With ievout confidence IN the ul-
innate and speedy contamination Of this great
measure q national justice snd policy"
Mr. PeAss -aii he desired TO express his own
feelings by this amendment; and whether &C
corlsnt With legislative forms OF not, he WAS
surc it would be sccorlant with the feelings Of
the House As much, however. As he desired
90 put Oh record bis own feelings. he would DO
nothing 20 impair the unity Of the Honse on this
question. He wanted unanimous vote; and II
s single man had any doubt. he would impl0re
him Co consider few questions. Has not the
negro had enough 0f the cup Of bitterness-full,
and running over Has not the white man
North and South. had enough Of the brutAliling
effects Of slavery Has not the Government
had enough % do With il ,znd more than enough
In the existing rebellion Have not the poll
tres and politicians Of the country had enough
20 10 with il
Here the Senate bill to ratify the amendment
Was received, and Mr. Barlow Of 81 Albsns nov
ell TO lay the pending resolution on the table for
the purpose Of considering the Senate bill
Mr. Dorr Of Rutland opposed the motion.
Either mode, BY resolution or by bin, will be
etfectual 10 give the Sssent 4 Vermont % the
amendment but he had a choice Of modes lie
would not proceed by bill, because that method
requires the assent Of the Governor. OF course
thst would not be Objectionable here Snd now,
s. the Governor is in full sympathy with both
branches Of the Legislature but 1t is objections
Die as a precedent for other States now, and for
Vermont in the future
Mr. Nicholson Of Wslingfori said that to
conce,ie that either mode is effectual is to con-
ceie the whole question ss to action here, since
nobody spprehends veto. II a ratification BY
bill is good. be thought it best to act courteous
ly TO the Senate and in harmony with it,
Nr Colby Of Hartland said that in any event
the House ought to extend to the Senate the
courtesy Of considering its bin. As to prece-
dent, the House viii establish no new one In
Proceeding by bill, as the Legislature Of 1904
proceeded in that way.
erred in not counting the Governor As a Co
ordinate branch Of the Legislature MassAchu-
setts has acted by bill and her sct bears the sig
nature Of Gov. Andrews. He WAS for harmony,
ss we'll as other gentlemen and he wished 10
give the Governor an opportunity TO act in har-
mony with the House.
Mr. Stewart Of Middlebury said the Constitu-
ton describes the Legislature ss consisting Of
the senate and House. and makes the Cover
nor the Executive officer. On this measure he
would stand on principle for popular rights, and
hold that the Legislatures may ratify without
the approval Of the Governor
The motion to lay the resolution on the table
Vas rejected, the amendment Of Mr. Pease WAS
agreed to. and the resolution was then UNANI-
MOUSLY ADOPTED-ayes 2lS, noes none.
The announcement OF this vote WSs received
with applause.
The judiciary com. reported house bill torStify
the constitutional amendment with the recon-
mendation that it do not pass, as the House has
already adopted joint resolution for the same
purpose; and the third reading Of the bill was
refused.
Senate bill No. ., to ratify the amendment Of
the Constitution, uss twice read and referred to
judiciary CON-
Senate bill No. /, for change Of venue in GER
tain caSes, was passed on = suspension Of the
rules, on motion Of Mr.. Stewart Of Middleburv.
The committee on ways and means reported
the bill 10 pay officers Of the Senate and House
SIS each. Mr.. Colby moved TO pay the Secre-
tary Of the Senate and Clerk Of the House $50
each, and the Assistants S25 each. which was
agreed to. and the bin was passed, on suspen-
sion Of the rules.