Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1896-12-17

thought 1t would be ruinous to take
any long recess at this stage of the
proceedings, owing to the condition of
the work in committees. He believed
that the committees should have fairly
we'll mastered the work in hand before
adjournment.
DIR. Pratt thought that the conyen-
tion should hold at least one session
per day, Sundays excepted, when
possible to do so.
1t was finally decided TO adjourn
until 2 O'Clock this afternoon, az pro
vided in Mr.. Bradford's motion.
Dover, Dec. ia session of the
Constitutional Convention was held
yesterday afternoon. The attendance
was good, but none OF the Kent Union
Republicans were present except Mr..
Murray.
The first matter considered WAS the
furnishing of permanent quarters. Mr..
stated that since the meeting ON Wed
nesday they had visited the four
houses in Wilmington which had been
asked originally to bid. but none of
them would mako any estimate on
the matter of renting was out of the
question. The committee Lad, how
ever, obtained estimates on cheaper
articles, and that they had obtained a
bid of 1857. SO. This estimate was on
per yard; 30 oak tables with one
at S3. % each. and IA window shades at
Mp tnt bad thot ha
could also get chairs at 81 each, which,
in his opinion, were really better for
the purpose than the So. 20 chairs
He made motion to adopt~the report
Mr.. Moore thought comfortable chairs
OF leaving that matter entirely with
the committee.
Mr.. Bradford moved to amend by
referring the report back to the COM
mittee, with power TO act.
Mr.. Donahoe stated that he desired
the convention to act. He called
attention to the act creating the con-
vention providing for contingent ex-
penses, but what the contingent ex-
penses were no was not prepared to say.
Mr., Bradford Withdrew his motion,
whereupon Mr.. Spruance moved that
mittee, with instructions to furnish
the room at an expense not exceeding
5000, the understanding being that
everything, including heating and gas
fixtures Mr.. Donahoe having with
drawn his motion to accept the report,
Mr.. Sprusnce's motion was adopted,
and the members Of the committee
signified their intention OF going to
IN. .rly ff,F t.N, t-h thnw ,,f
President Biggs announced that he
on the committee on revenue and taxa
tion: Mesars. Pratt, Clark, Cooch,
Moore, Hearne and Orr.
On motion of Mr.. Gilchrist, the
president was authorized to appoint
education.
Mr.. Richards moved that when the
convention adjourn 1t be to meet at II
o'clock on Wednesday morning
Mr.. Bradford moved to amend by
adjourning to IL o'clock this morning.
He said he made the motion in the
interest of committee work, as he was
convinced that with long recesses it
mittees together. He thought the COM
III
the general features OF the several sub
iects before adjournment for any long
period, 30 that when the convention
reassembles there will be something to
act on. His desire was to expedite
committee work.
Mr.. Richards spoke in favor of mis-
motion to adjourn until Wednesday,
as did also Mr.. Spruance.
,,,,, GonlI,, ,JootlnI 90 ,naot ,,,,.,
this morning.
None of the absent Kent Union Re-
publicans have been around the con-
yention hall since the opening day,
and, according TO a prominent leader,
until after tie holiday recess.
There is considerable speculation as
to what the convention will do as re-
CARDS submitting the new Constitution
to the people for ratification. 1t is
United to the people and will be CON
sidered wholly on it's merits.
Some of the Union Republicans in
this county shortly after the opening
of the convention expressed dissatis-
faction at the failure of five of their
number to be seated and openly de-
election any instrument which might
emanate from the convention az it was
made up. and it really looked for
time as if an organized movement in
this direction had been set on foot,
and there is no doubt but that in the
face of such opposition, the adoption
OF Constitution by the people. no
matter how good the Constitution
might be, would be jeopardized. The
threat was taken seriously by some
members Of the convention and many
laymen who were interested in the
work of that body. The result was
that some OF the members were given
advice by their friends az to what
course should be pursued in the
matter.
Coupled with the threat was the
statement that none Of the Kent Re
publicans would take their seats, but
now that one, George III. Murray, has
taken his seat and there is little doubt
about the others doing likewise, the
general belief is that the feeling which
existed at first has in great measure
subsided.
The impartiality of President Biggs
has great deal to do with tho kindly
feeling which most of the Union Re-
publicans now have for the convention.
He has been careful in the appointment
of committees and has done nothing
that would tend to create the slightest
friction.
There does not appear to be the
slightest doubt about tine members
ha;po c,,nooi nm fiona abo,,f fhai. ,l,,ty