New-York tribune., 1867-06-13
THE CONVENTION.
TIE REToRT on RULES OF ORDER-IHTEREsTiNG DE
BATE-THE PREVIOUS QUESTION NOT INCoR-
IORATED IN THE RULES.

TIE REroRT on RULES OF oRDER-IHTEREsTiNG DE
BATE-THE PREVIOUS QUESTION NOT iNcoR-
ToRATED IN THE RULES.
~ rsLKsRAPH 70 THE TsIBusE
ALBANY June 12 1s67.-Ihe Convention opened
to-day with very fun The first business came
up under motion of Mr. Sherman Of Oneida 10 take up
| the report Of the Committee Rules. Mr.. Erastus
Brooks, in behalf of the minority reported that the Com
mtee were unanimous their conclus except upon
the matter of the previous question. lie stated that the
previous question unknown TO the State Senate and TO
the Senate of the United States Though adopted in
modified form by the Convention OF ls46 10 did not usually
enter into the rulings of large deiberatye bodies What
needed here freedom OF debate and Of detemn
alton at any time 1T became necessary to abridge the
privileges of the minority, to shorten debate, 1t could
readily be done by prescribing the length OF speeches
lie would amend by striking out all that relates to the
previous question would present as minority re-
port This gave rise to ayariety of suggestions all OF
which postponed for consideration later in the day
The first point in the proposed Rules Of Order that
called out any protraced debate the rule excusing
member from voting under certain conditions substi
offered by Mr.. Greeley made Il obligatory upon he
members remain within the bar Of the Convention dur
ing the calling of the Yeas aud Nays, and also to vote
In reply 10 a suggestion that member might have been
absent during the discussion and therefore might not De
able 10 vote intclligenty upon question Mr. Greeley
would excuse another Mr. Clinton of Eric thought the
substitute tyrannieal and quoted the first poetry wheh
has diversified the eminently practical character OF te
proceedings OF the Convention Mr. Van Campen ot
Cataraugus proposed as an amendment tat during he
SergeantatArms hold the members III close custody ul
I'll the roll is called This excited visible smile, ana
was speedily voted down The rule that was finally
adopted is substantially that OF the Assembly, which
allows to be offered at the time when mem
bers name called, and limits his time TO hve minutes
In this connection, MI Archer stated that was ms eN
perience, az well that Of most gentlemen who had
served IN the Legislature, that much yauube time was
often lost in this way, and the progress OF Wofk pro-
portionatey hindered.
The debate upon the adoption Of the rule relating to
"the previous quotation interesting and important
M Smith Of Fulton moved 10 strike out from the Lst of
specified motions and Their precedence, having previously
supported his motion at some length Inc Hon owen
Archer Whg member OF the Convention OF 1870. stated
that lie had become convert 70 the doctrine Of the pre-
question during the sessions OF that Convention
having found many Of the members speaking rather for
the benefit OF their constituents than FOR the purpose of
Influencing the Convention. Mr. Solomon Townsend,
Democratic member Of the Convention agreed with
the views Of his colleague, as 70 their experience at
that time, but preferred, at present, that lnta-
tion Of time should be adopted. Nr. Erastus
Brooks took It mp as partisan, and on behaI OF ms ms
political minority protested against the present use
4 & shs poWWTa W fr'is and Indge Harris spoke briefly in
favor of striking the rule relating to the previous
question taking the view OF previous speakers that Tue
power Of adopting It as rule II inherent 10 lhe SoiNe'
On and might be put in force AZ any time when its ne
ccssy became evident Judge Day OF New fOrk spoke
eoquently and patrioticaly. He had hitherto peen
He had been pleased thus far with the spirit Of
political majority, and deprecated the splflt whieh
called their action In question. He had originally no
ground complaint against their proceedings III caucus
and thought that there had been 10 call FOR an cN-
planation on their part. The harness, IN
Partially, and disntercstedness OF the majority
OF the members OF the Convention could not
be- called in question. HIS remarks we're wen received
aud created excellent impression Judge strong oi
sufolk undertook TO answer the part OF the naeop
tents and expressing himself as satisfied win the re-
ander OF the action OF the Republican caucus proesed
10 take ulnhrage at resolution offered az ih close pro
yidng for future meetings Of the caucus IN case they
were needed He did not think the Democratic voters
OF the state would reject new tCnsL atol VpesSll
was formed in the interests Of party HIS speech was
dosntory nud delivered in an almost inaudble tone OF
voice the members evidently paying little attention TO
after the patriotic disclaimer OF Judge Day
The Hon Martin Townsend SAID that he had the houor
10 make the motion providing for future meetings OF the
Republican caucus but hc shed 10 understood hat 10
could control his vote. IN is OPINION WHAT we
need Is debate and deibcratOn and what we have 10
fear uconsderate and hasty action lie would oppose
/ the Of the previous question.
| After q protracted debate Mr. Bck0rd 0f Jefferson
offered resolution striking ont RUc No ~ of The pre-
NtOus question Upon this the Yeas siAd Nays were
! called with the following result