"Every person who shall be chosen or appointed to any of fice of trust or profit, under the authority of the State, shall, before entering upon the execution thereof, take an oath or affirmation to support the constitution of the United States and this State, and also an oath of office." marks I will read from the constitution of the State of stitution until it shall be amended, or we shall get Ohio. I suppose we hold our seats here by virtue of another. But it is likewise true that our duties here the constitution of Ohio; and I am opposed to violating will be to change and alter that Constitution. In either my oath or that instrument in the very first act discharging this duty we shall only be required to which we do here. Let me read from the constitution conform to the existing Constitution pointing out the the following language: made and manner by which the alteration shall be made. The oath of office is altogether sufficient to enforce the Constitutional mode of proceeding. What do you do? You take an oath to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of delegates here. How are those duties to be discharged, if faithfully? How is the constitution to be altered, if altered at all? Is it not to be altered in conformity with the provisions of the old constitution which point out the mode? It does seem to me that the oath of office, in connection with the oath to support the constitution of the United States will be all sufficient. We are limited by the provisions of the United States. We are not limited by the constitution of Ohio, except so far as to conform to the mode of proceeding pointed out in that constitution: this is all. I repeat it again, that I believe, if members will reflect for a single moment, that they cannot conscientiously take the oath of office under the amendment proposed by the gentleman from Morgan. What! take an oath to support the constitu- . tion of Ohio, and in the next hour" be called upon to support a proposition in direct opposition to some of the provisions found there? Certainly we cannot do Mr. HAWKINS. I have no disposition to be stren- this, unless we act inconsistently, or under the menIt appears to my mind that we are acting un-tal reservation suggested, which I am not willing der and by virtue of the present constitution. If that to be trammeled by. I hope that the amendment will constitution has imposed upon us any obligations we not prevail. I have no objections that the resolution ought to be sworn to abide by them. should be referred to a committee of seven, or any othBut this seems to be understood differently by the gentleman from er number, but I am opposed to the amendment now Clark (Mr. MASON)—he viewing it something like an offered, and do not see how I could take the oath if act of constitutional suicide, and that the constitution the amendment should prevail. proposes here to destroy itself. I do not understand Now, sir, I hold that we are acting under the authority of this constitution, and I hold that we have not come here to violate it in any particular. I hold that this constitution is still binding upon us, and that it will remain so, until the people by their vote abrogate it, and adopt the constitution which we may recommend. Let me illustrate the idea. Suppose we appoint a chaplain to this Convention, to serve for a prescribed salary. The constitution provides against the pay of such an officer. Is there any gentleman in this Convention who would be willing to violate the constitution by voting an order for this payment of money out of the treasury? I apprehend that all our orders for the payment of money are to be guided by this constitution, because it will remain in full force and virtue until it shall be repealed. Therefore, I hold that we ought to take an oath to support the constitution of Ohio. yous. it so. It appears to me that the provisions of the constitution intended to secure the perpetuity of some instrument of that kind. In passing from the old constitution to the new, I desire to treat the old with respect. It was a very good one in its day, and I desire to respect it until by the sanction and voice of our constituents it shall have been annulled. If the present constitution imposes any obligations upon us, we should abide by them; but if it really imposes no obligation upon us, why then our oath would be or no effect. The question was now demanded and taken upon the reference to a select committee, and the motion was lost; and then the question recurred upon Mr. Hawkins' amendment, upon which a division was demanded. The division was then taken upon Mr. HAWKINS' amendment, and it was lost. Mr. HOLMES. In order to bring this debate to a close and get at what gentlemen seem all to desire, I will offer an amendment to the resolution. I propose to strike out all after the word "resolved," and insert, "That the members elect be, and they are hereby, required severally to support the constitution of the United States, and faithfully discharge their duties as delegates to this convention." A MEMBER. That is all embraced in the original resolution. Mr. HOLMES. If it is included in the other resolution, I withdraw the amendment. structions upon Mr. TAYLOR. I move an amendment which I think will simplify the proposition. Here is a disMr. VANCE, of Butler. I wish to say one word. parity of opinion already. Here we have the expresLooking to the duties which devolve upon me as a sion of sentiments honestly entertained, that the resomember of this Convention, I would certainly be un-lution does not properly represent our wishes. And willing to take an oath to support the constitution of if the proposition must prevail that we shall take upOhio. Now what is the nature of the duties devolving on ourselves the solemn sanction of an oath, gentleupon us? It is to make a change in the constitution. men, whether on this or that side of the House, have We propose to construct an entire new constitution, both the right and the power to put their own contheir duties. Thus their consciences embracing no part of the old one. Well; suppose we are called upon to vote upon any proposition submit- will be reached by the resolution. I move that the ted in connection with the amendment of the constitu- resolution be so amended as to prescribe that the oath tion, and suppose that proposition should be in viola- shall be taken to faithfully discharge our duties as tion of some known principle found in the constitution members of this Convention. of Ohio. Now, under such circumstances, how could we act when we are bound to support the provisions of the constitution of Ohio? It does seem to me that if gentlemen will reflect for a single moment, they will see the impropriety of requiring members to support the existing constitution of the State of Ohio. It is true, this Convention should not undertake in any way to violate the constitution of the State of Ohio. It is also true that we are bound and governed by that con A VOICE. That is the very thing we have. On motion. it was ordered that the delegate from Geauga, (Judge PETER HITCHCOCK) be requested to administer the oath of office. Mr. LIDEY moved that the delegates elect be sworn by rising and lifting up their hands in their places. Mr. HOLMES suggested that delegates should swear by being called to the Clerk's desk in conve- President, did not include other officers, he hoped the nient numbers. remaining officers would be chosen without the form The PRESIDENT announced the nomination of Mr. Gill, and a motion having been made and seconded that he be declared elected as Secretary of the convention, the same was agreed to without a division. Mr. Gill came forward and was sworn in. Mr. SAWYER demanded the question on Mr. LI-ality of going into a ballot. DEY'S motion, and the same being taken, it was lost. Mr. HOLMES' suggestion was then taken up by consent and the delegates were severally sworn in by Judge HITCHCOCK, who administered the oath in the following words: "You solemnly swear that you will support the constitu- Mr. ROBERTSON moved that William S. V. Prention of the United States, and that you will honestly and faith-tiss, of Knox, be elected assistant Secretary. Agreed fully to the State of Ohio, discharge your duties as members to without a division. of this Convention SEVERAL VOICES. A majority of all the votes must elect. The CHAIRMAN supposed there was no difference of opinion on that subject, and called for nominations for President of the Convention. Mr. HOLMES moved that John W. Carlton, of Hamilton, be elected Sergeant-at-Arms. Agreed to without a division. Mr. SAWYER moved that James Arnold be elected Door-keeper. Agreed to. Upon motion of Mr, HOLMES, the Convention adjourned until to-morrow at 10 o'clock. SECOND DAY-TUESDAY, May 7-10 A. M. After the Secretary had concluded the reading of the Journal, Mr. ARCHBOLD asked and obtained leave to have some verbal alterations made in the Journal of yesterday, Mr. VANCE, of Butler, offered the following: Resolved, That a committee of thirteen members be appointed by the chair, whose duty shall be to form rules for the government of the proceedings of this Convention. Mr. HUMPHREVILLE, thought this was out of order-"the first business, in order, would be to apMr. LEADBETTER. Mr. President: I would nom-point a committee on privileges and elections." inate Col. WILLIAM MEDILL, of Fairfield, for President of this Convention. Mr. CHAMBERS. I would nominate Mr. JoSEPH VANCE, of Champaign county. The balloting was then had, and the tellers reported as follows: William Medill received Joseph Vance Reuben Hitchcock " Peter Hitchcock The CHAIRMAN. WM. MEDILL, having received a majority of all the votes cast, he is therefore declared to be duly elected President of this Convention. Whereupon, the PRESIDENT, being conducted to the Chair by Mr. HITCHCOCK, of Geauga, and Mr. SAWYER, addressed the Convention as follows: Before assuming the chair, allow me, gentlemen, to express to you my grateful acknowledgements for the honor which you have been pleased to confer upon me, in thus selecting me to preside over your deliberations on an occasion of so much importance, and of such deep interest to the people of our State. I have had experience enough to know that the position assigned me is one of no ordinary responsibility and care; but in the performance of its duties I feel that I may rely on your co-operation, and upon that confidence and kind indulgence which you have already manifested toward me. Whilst in all my votes I shall be governed by my own judgment, and the views and sentiments of my immediate constituents, I shall endeavor to execute the duties of the chair with impartiality and with the most scrupulous regard for the rights and feelings of all. Again I thank you for so distinguished a mark of your favorable consideration and regard. The convention then proceeded to elect a Secretary. Mr. STIDGER nominated Mr. William H. Gill, of Guernsey. Mr. MITCHELL moved to amend by striking out the word "form" and inserting the word "report." Agreed to and the resolution adopted. Mr. HOOTMAN offered the following: "Resolved, That the convention appoint four Messengers to serve during its session in the city of Columbus." Mr. LIDEY moved that the resolution be referred to a select committee of three.. Agreed to. Mr. SAWYER offered the following, which was agreed to: "Resolved, That the rules for the government of the last House of Representatives of this State, as far as applicable, be adopted for the government of this Convention until otherwise ordered. The PRESIDENT laid before the Convention the Report of J. V. SMITH, relative to the official report of the debates and proceedings of the Convention." On motion of Mr. ORTON, the same was referred to a committee of five. Mr. ARCHBOLD offered the following resolution, which was agreed to: Resolved, That the President of the Convention be and he is hereby authorized and required to audit and allow for payment, as part of the expenses of the Convention, the postage accounts of the members and their officers, on all letters and papers by them received, and on all such letters and docu ments as a member or officer may see fit to send by mail marked "paid." Mr. MANON offered a resolution directing the Sergeant-at-Arms to have two additional doors cut in the bar of the Hall, so as to make an entrance direct to the aisles on the right and left of the centre. Mr. SAWYER thought the matter had better be referred to a committee. Mr. HAWKINS remarked, that the object of closing up the side entrances was evidently to render the Hall inside of the bar, less convenient of access for the crowd who might throng it to the great inconvenience of members. Mr. VANCE. If the gentleman from Licking, (Mr. MANON) will change seats with me, I will not oppose his resolution. (A laugh.) Mr. MITCHELL appreciated the inconvenience to Mr. HITCHCOCK, of Geauga, said that as the mo-members located as was Mr. VANCE, but he also appretion of Mr. SAWYER to proceed, by ballot, to elect a ciated the general inconvenience from having but one been referred to the appropriate standing committee and reported to the Convention. Mr. ARCHBOLD. I have formed no definite opin Mr. GREEN said there was some diversity of opinion of the amendment, only having heard it read once, ion upon the matter, and he would therefore move to lay the resolution on the table for the present; which motion was agreed to. Mr. LEADBETTER offered a resolution that a committee of nine be appointed, to report the order of business for this Convention. tron. Mr. LEADBETTER. I understood the resolution offered by the gentleman from Butler, (Mr. VANCE) to relate only to a preparation of rules for the ConvenI am under the impression that it is necessary that we should adopt a method to arrive at business, and think that it is better that a committee should be appointed to report the order of business. If any member has a better plan, by which our business can be expedited, I shall cheerfully agree to it. and would like to see it referred, together with the original resolution, to a committee. On the whole I am favorably impressed with the amendment; but there is one resolution-the 11th-to which, I think, this convention will not agree: it is that no original resolution touching a change of the constitution shall be subject to debate, until the same shall have been referred to the appropriate standing committee. This seems too much like shackling the freedom of members I move that the original resolution, (Mr. LEADBETTER'S,) with the accompanying amendments, be laid upon the table and printed. After some remarks by Mr. SAWYER, the motion to lay on the table and print was agreed to. Mr. SAWYER thought that the first thing to be Mr. HAWKINS concurred in the propriety of pass-done, before any printing was ordered, would be the ing a resolution like the one just proposed. It was necessary to itemize business and distribute it among different committees. Mr. McCORMICK moved to strike out all after the word "Resolved," and insert the following: appointment of a public printer. He had no disposi tion to disguise the matter, and would frankly state that he presumed, from the complexion of the convention, that S. Medary would be chosen Printer for the convention, and, he would offer a resolution "that 1st. That a committee of three delegates be appointed whose Samuel Medary be, and he is hereby appointed Printduty it shall be to report what changes,alterations or amender to this convention." Mr. S. remarked that some ments they deem necessary in the Preamble to the constitu- gentlemen might object to the resolution, inasmuch as tion of Ohio; who shall be styled the "Committee on the Pre- the compensation for printing was not named; but he 2nd. That a committee of twenty-one delegates be appoin- presumed that would be fixed by an appropriate comted whose duty it shall be to report what changes, alterations mittee. He would frankly state that he preferred to or amendments they deem necessary in those provisions of give the printing to Mr. Medary, but he should only the constitution of Ohio which relate to the election qualification term of office,powers and duties of the executive and min- vote to do so at reasonable and proper prices. amble." isterial officers whose duties have reference to the State Gov ernment at large: who shall be styled the "Committee on the Executive and Ministerial Department." 3d. That a similar committee be appointed whose duty it shall be to report what changes, alterations or amendments they deem necessary in that portion of the constitution of Ohio which has reference to the legislative department of the lative department." 5th. That a committee of point a printer without fixing his compensation. government who shall be styled the "Committe on the legis-it proposes that the committee shall contract for the 4th. That a like committee be appointed whose duty it shall printing. I am in favor of the resolution, but I want be to report what changes, alterations or amendments they to know the price to be paid for the work, and I wish deem necessary in that portion of the constitution of Ohio that the committee may be required to report what ar which refers to the Judiciary and Judicial proceedings, who shall be styled the Committee on the Judiciary. rangements it may make, so that the Convention may delegates be appointed act upon it, and, in fact, choose its own printer. I whose duty it shall be to report what changes alterations or am unwilling to delegate to a committee the power to amendments are necessary in that portion of the constitution of Ohio which has reference to the organization of the Mili- contract for the printing, and I hope that the gentletia, who shall be styled the committee on Military affairs. man will so modify his resolution that I can vote for it. Mr. MITCHELL suggested that the committee should consist of five instead of three, which sugestion was accepted. 6th. That a similar committee be appointed whose duty it shall be to report what changes alterations ar amendments they deem necessary in that portion of the constitution of Ohio which refers to electors and elections, who shall be styled the "Committee on Electors and Elections." 7th. That a like committee be appointed whose duty it shall be to report what changes alterations or amendments they deem necessary in that portion of the constitution of Ohio which refers to the subdivision of the State into counties and townships, and the officers thereto belonging who shall be styled the "Committee on counties and county officers," 8th. That all miscellaneous matters embraced in the constitution of Ohio be referred to a committee of dele Mr. LARWILL offered the following as an amendment: "the compensation to be fixed hereafter." Mr. REEMELIN wished the resolution read again. He thought the gentleman from Muskingum (Mr. CHAMBERS) must see that the committee would have full power to hawk about the streets for printers, and contract for the work-he repeated that he could not gates, whose duty it shall be to report what changes, altera consent to clothe a committee with this plenary power. tions or amendments they deem necessary to the same, who amendments are necessary in that portion of the constitution Mr. SAWYER thought that the original resolution was about right. He did not wish to appoint a committee with power to "hawk about the streets" for printers, nor did he desire to let out the work at less than fair and living prices. Mr. CLARKE remarked that it was not so clear, "from the complexion of the House," that Mr. Medary would be elected printer for this convention. Those who assumed that he would be, were better judges of complexions" than he was. He was unwilling that 11th. That the foregoing committees together with the com- | Mr. Medary should do the printing, unless he would mittee on Rules and Credentials, constitute the standing com- do it as low and as well as any other individual. Mr. CHAMBERS's resolution should go further and require the committee to invite propositions from the different mittees of the Convention, and no original resolution touch. ing the change, alteration or amendment of the constitution of Ohio, shall be subject of debate, until the same shall have printers of the city. Was there anything improper Mr. TAYLOR. The gentleman from Morgan has in this ? remarked upon the propriety of fixing the compensaMr. CHAMBERS. I propose to modify my resolution subsequently to the appointment of an individual tion by adding the following which may, perhaps, meet the views of the gentleman from Hamilton, to wit: "That before entering into a contract with any individual, the committee shall receive proposals from the printers, after giving public notice, and report to this Convention." Mr. REEMELIN. There are a few words in that which I do not like, for the reason that it will delay the whole matter perhaps for weeks. I refer to that part of the verbiage which relates to public advertisement. There are two printers in this city, and for all the purposes of consultation, an understanding could be had before night, so that a committee could report on the subject in the morning. I see no reason for public advertisement unless we had ten or fifteen days, so that it could reach different quarters of the State. I think that either of the printing offices in this city are fully prepared to do our printing. I know that Medary is, and I am opposed to all delay on the subject, as we need a printer as soon as possible. Mr. STANTON. I hope the question will be taken on the amendment of the gentleman from Wayne, Mr. Larwill,) and that it will prevail, and then we can modify the proposition so as to suit the views of the gentleman from Hamilton. Mr. CHAMBERS. I would merely observe in regard to the term "notice," that I did not intend it to be public. I only intended that the committee should give notice that they would receive propositionsthat notice could be given to the printers of this city in twenty minutes. It is necessary that some notice should be given, and I have no doubt that the printers of this city would be ready in half an hour to give a response to such notice, and be prepared for a contract. Then the prices will be established, and there will be no misunderstanding or delay. Mr. SAWYER. I will accept the amendment of the gentleman from Wayne. Mr. NASH. To me, there are some inconsistencies between the pending amendment and the original resolution, as they now stand. For example, we direct a man to build a house, and at the same time we tell him, after the work is done, what price we will give him, which is, according to my notions, a queer way of making a bargain. I have a notion that it always "takes two to make a bargain." I am rather inclined to believe with the gentleman from Auglaize, that Mr. Medary is to do the printing of this Convention, and I think the gentleman from Lorain will find it out.But I am of the opinion that the contract should be made at once, so that we may know the terms beforehand, and at the close of the Convention we shall not have a wrangle about what is to be the compensation; and I think also that this matter should go to a committee in order that Mr. Medary may know under what contract he is to work for the Convention, and we may know what we shall have to pay. Mr. HAWKINS. It appears to me that the Delegate from Gallia, (Mr. Nash,) mistakes the proposition. It does not necessarily follow that because the compensation is to be considered subsequently to the passage of the resolution, that it is to be fixed at the end of the session. The resolution may be passed now, and to-morrow we may fix the compensation.All it proposes is, that the matter of compensation should be subsequently considered. It is not proposed, as I understand it, to fix the compensation at the end of the session, but at some subsequent period. Pass the resolution to-day, and fix the compensation to-morrow. to do the work. If I understand the gentleman from Muskingum, (Mr. CHAMBERS) with whom I perfectly agree, our first duty is to fix the compensation, and with the gentleman from Auglaize, (Mr. SAWYER) I go for a fair price-a living price such a price as will be ample to the printer and honorable to the Convention, and when that is done, we are prepared, at the proper moment, to ascertain what we will do, and who shall do the work. The proposition of the gentleman from Muskingum, has been objected to, and I think properly too, on the ground that it vests in the Committees power to contract. The Convention reserves that power, and it seems to me that that power ought not to be exercised until we ascertain what is the proper compensation to be given. Let us, by a Committee, ascertain that; and when that is done, let us proceed to designate the printer who shall do the work. I do hope that we shall have an opportunity to so separate the question of compensation, from the question as to who shall do the work, as to reach the point now, as to what is a full and proper compensation. Muskingum, to modify his resolution by striking out Mr. BENNETT. I understand the gentleman from the word "public." The PRESIDENT. It is so modified. "Give notice" is the reading now. Mr. FORBES. I am favorable to the proposition of raising a committee to ascertain what the printing can be done for. I feel willing to give a full, fair and honorable compensation for this printing. If it authorize the committee to receive proposals simply, I shall vote for it, but if it authorizes a committee to contract, I do conceive that would be placing too much power in the hands of a committee of five. I am in favor of ascertaining what our printing can be done for before we say who shall be the printer. I have not much doubt in my own mind that what the gentleman from Auglaize says is correct, with regard to the complexion of this body, but at the same time I want to know what we are going to pay our printer before we appoint him. That I think can be best ascertained by a committee. Mr. LARWILL. It seems to me there is no great difficulty to be apprehended about the passage of the original resolution The power is still with the Convention to fix the compensation hereafter, and if Mr. Medary should think proper to accept the printing with this proviso, it leaves the whole field open. presume we shall have a competent committee hereafter to fix the price, such an one as will be satisfactory to this Convention, as well as Mr. Medary. The only object is to get some person to do the work, and have the printing in progress. Mr. HITCHCOCK, of Cuyahoga. I propose an amendment to the amendment of the gentleman from Muskingum. If it be in order, I would add the words "That in the mean time the Secretary be authorized to employ S. MEDARY to perform all the necessary printing of the Convention, at prices not exceeding those paid at the last session of the Legislature for similiar work." Mr. CHAMBERS. I accept the amendment. not provide that the committee shall make the contract absolutely until after they report to the Convention. Mr. NASH. As I understand it the resolution does Mr. GREENE, of Defiance. Before the amendment proposed by our friend from Cuyahoga was offered, I had prepared a resolution, which it strikes me, will meet the views of the gentleman from Muskingum, as well as gentlemen on the other side, which I will read: to inquire and ascertain the best terms on which the printing for this convention can be contracted for, and that they report "Resolved, That a committee of five members be appointed I offer this as an amendment to the amendment now before the House. Mr. CHAMBERS. I accept that as a substitute for my amendment. Mr. SAWYER. My friend from Defiance proposes to authorize the Secretary to contract. He is willing that Mr. Medary should do the work, but wants it to come through different channels. My friend over the way has no particular objections to Mr. Medary, but he wants the Secretary of the Convention to contract for the work. Now I propose to contract, myself, without the intervention of the Secretary of the Convention or any other Secretary. The proposition as it now stands amended, says that Mr. Medary shall do the printing, and that the Convention shall hereafter fix the price. I had a conversation with Mr. Medary this morning upon this subject, and he informed me that he is perfectly willing to do the printing at a fair price at the former prices fixed for the same kind of work. As I before observed, we do not yet know what kind of work this is to be. After a while, when we get to work, we can ascertain that I am satisfied that gentlemen do not wish to hawk this matter about the streets of Columbus, to get Mr. Medary or any other man down to the starving point. I am willing that the printer should be liberally paid -I say, liberally. Mr. REEMELIN. I am in hopes that the gentleman from Auglaize will accept of my amendment as a substitute, which I beg leave to read: Strike out all after the word resolved, and add, "That Samuel Medary be, and he is hereby appointed printer to this Convention, to be paid therefor the prices paid by the last General Assembly for similar work, and to be ascertained in accordance with existing laws." The PRESIDENT. Does the gentleman from Auglaize accept? Mr. SAWYER. The Convention can do as it pleases about the matter. I understood Mr. Medary this morning that he would do it at the former rates, if the work be of a similar character. It may be found, upon examination, that a very small amount of printing is to be done for this Convention. It seems to me that it would be very wrong to require Mr. Medary to print one volume of the journals of this Convention at the same rate that he would print a thousand volumes: and if there is to be but one bill to print, it would be wrong to require him to print that one Convention bill at the same price that he executed the bill printing at the last session of the General Assembly I am not willing to accept that modification, because I believe it would be doing him injustice. Mr. LARWILL. I have a word to say. My impression is that the original resolution is still the best. If gentlemen can satisfy themselves what they intend to allow for the printing, it seems to me that a little delay as to fixing the price would be better than making any definite terms at this time through a committee. I wish to have a voice myself in saying what Mr. Medary shall receive. It is proper that we should make him a reasonable compensation, and I presume he would not ask anything more. Mr. DORSEY. I have a resolution that I wish to offer by way of substitute, and which I will now read, for information, if it be in order: Resolved, That Samuel Medary be appointed printer to the Convention, and that he be paid at such price as may be agreed upon between himself and the aforesaid committee of five." Mr. CHAMBERS. It appears to me that there is an evident incongruity between the original resolution and the amendment offered by the gentleman from Hamilton, for it reiterates the same matter. I would ask how the original resolution would read if the amendment of the gentleman from Hamilton was adopted. The PRESIDENT. The amendment then would be, in fact, the original resolution by retaining only the single word "resolved." Mr. CHAMBERS. I understand it now, and call for the yeas and nays. Mr. LIDEY. I do not see any impropriety in the demand for the yeas and nays, but I prefer a different course. I move that the whole subject be referred to a committee of three, to report this afternoon. His motion prevailing, the resolution and amendment were referred accordingly. Mr. HAWKINS. It appears to me that this is rather a supernumerary. There has been a committee on Rules already appointed. There has been a proposition submitted for the purpose of raising some twelve or thirteen standing committees, to which the separate items of business are to be referred. The present resolution contemplates something like this-to supercede entirely both the other propositions. Mr. ROBERTSON. Mr. President: The committee heretofore appointed is a committee to prepare rules. The committee now proposed is an entirely different committee. It is a committee to report a method for conducting the business of the convention and to designate the necessary standing committees. No such committee as that contemplated by this resolution has been appointed. The PRESIDENT interrupted here, and stated that the resolutions offered by the gentleman from Adams (Mr. McCORMICK) were laid on the table. Mr. ROBERTSON continued. The object of this resolution is, simply, to report the necessary standing committees, and also to report a method of conducting the deliberations and business of the convention; and that the views of all portions of the State may be represented in this committee, it is proposed that it shall consist of one member from each congressional district. When this committee shall have been appointed, all propositions like that submitted this morning by the gentleman from Adams (Mr. McCORMICK) may be referred to this committee. The passage of this resolution will set the machinery of the convention in motion, and by relieving us from the difficulty and confusion of settling preliminaries, which can soon be disposed of in committee, greatly expedite the initiative business of the convention. Mr. McCORMICK. The course pursued by other conventions for the amendment of State constitutions, has been to appoint committees for the purpose of preparing and laying out the business of the convention. The New York convention appointed a committee of seven. The Virginia convention appointed a committee of seven, and the Kentucky convention also appointed a committee. These different committees deliberated, taking the different subjects of their constitutions into consideration, and seeing the various matters likely to be embraced in their deliberations, they reported a number of standing committees, and to each of these standing committees was assigned its peculiar work. The first proposition, which was offered this morning, to raise a committee of nine, was similar to the precedents set us by New York, Virginia and Ken'tucky. The resolution now offered by the gentleman |