Gambar halaman
PDF
ePub
[graphic]
[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

+

twenty dollars, to be paid as the Leg-cuit, whose term of office shall com- [connties of Mackinaw, Chippewa, Che islature shall direct. mence on the first day of January boygan, Emmet and Manitou, with the Sec. 14. Any person entitled to vote thereafter. There shall be elected at territory attached thereto, shall constifor members of the Legislature by the the same time two judges of the Su- tute the tenth circuit; and the counties Constitution and laws now in force, preme Court, one of whom shall be of Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, shall, at the said election, be entitled elected for the term of eight years, Marquette, Delta and Menoimnee, with to vote for the adoption or rejection of and one for the term of ten years, and the territory thereto attached, shall conthis Constitution, at the places and in every second year thereafter one judge stitute the eleventh circuit. The Legthe manner provided by law for the of said court shall be elected. The islature shall not increase the number election of members of the Legislature. terms of office of said judges shall of circuits, or the number of judges of Sec. 15. At the said election a ballot- commence on the first day of January the circuit courts, as fixed by this box shall be kept by the several boards following their election. Constitution, until after the expiration of inspectors of election for the receiv- Sec. 19. The State shall be divided of eight years from the time of its ing of votes cast for or against the into five judicial districts; and until adoption. adoption of this Constitution; and on otherwise provided by law, the coun- Séc. 21. Until the next enumeration the ballots shall be written or printed, ties of Wayne, Monroe, Lenawee, Hills- of inhabitants of this State, in the year or partly written and partly printed, dale, Branch and St. Joseph, shall con- one thousand eight hundred and sevthe words, "Adoption of the Consti- stitute the first district; the counties of enty, the counties of Newaygo and tution-Yes;" or, (C Adoption of the Washtenaw, Jackson, Calhoun, Eaton, Oceana shall each be entitled to one Constitution-No." Kalamazoo, Allegan, Van Buren, Cass representative; the county of Mecosta, Sec. 16. The canvass of the votes cast and Berrien, shall constitute the sec- with the territory thereto attached, one for the adoption or rejection of this ond district; the counties of Ottawa, representative; the county of Isabella, Constitution, and the returns thereof, Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, Leelanaw, with the territory thereto attached, one shall be made by the proper returning Barry, Grand Traverse, Antrim, Kent, representative; the county of Midland, officers, in the same manner as is now Ionia, Clinton, Montcalm, Manistee, with the territory thereto attached, one provided by law for the canvass and re- Newaygo and Mecosta, with the terri- representative; the counties of Alpena turn of votes cast at an election for tory attached thereto, shall constitute and Iosco, and the territory thereto Regents of the State University, as the third district; the counties of Shia- attached, one representative; the counnear as may be, and the return thereof wassee, Ingham, Livingston, Genesee, ties of Menominee and Delta, one repshall be directed to the Secretary of Lapeer, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, resentative; the counties of Mason and State. On the first day of June next, Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, Saginaw, Mid- Manistee, and the territory thereto or within five days thereafter, the Au- land, Gratiot, Isabella, Bay, Iosco, and attached, one representative; the counditor General, State Treasurer and Alpena, with the territory attached ties of Grand Traverse, Benzie and Secretary of State, or a majority of thereto, shall constitute the fourth dis- Antrim, and the territory thereto them, shall meet at the Capital, and trict; and the counties of Mackinaw, attached, one representative; and the proceed, in the presence of the Gover- Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet, Mani- counties of Leelanaw and Manitou, one nor, to examine and canvass the return tou, Ontonagon, Marquette, Houghton, representative. of said votes, and proclamation shall Keweenaw, Delta and Menominee, forthwith be made by the Governor, with the territory attached thereto, of the result thereof. If it shall appear shall constitute the fifth district. that a majority of the votes cast upon Sec. 20. The judicial districts shall be the question have thereon, "Adoption subdivided into circuits, successively of the Constitution-Yes," this Consti- numbered; and until otherwise providtution shall be the supreme law of the ed by law, the counties of Wayne and First. Sec. 8. The Legislature shall State from and after the first day of Monroe shall constitute the first circuit; meet on the first Wednesday of JanuaJuly next; and any person declared an the counties of Lenawee, Hillsdale, ry, in the year one thousand eight elector, and entitled to vote by Article Branch and St. Joseph, shall constitute hundred and sixty-nine, and on the III, of this Constitution, shall, from the second circuit; the counties of Alle- first Wednesday of January of each and after the said first day of July gan, Van Buren, Cass, Kalamazoo and year thereafter, but at no other time, next, be entitled to vote at any election, Berrien, shall constitute the third cir- except as provided in this Constitution. in the same manner and subject to the cuit; the counties of Washtenaw, Jack-The time of meeting shall be at eleven same rules and regulations as are son, Calhoun and Eaton, shall consti- o'clock in the forenoon, and the time now provided by law for electors in tute the fourth circuit; the counties of of final adjournment shall be at twelve this State. But if a majority of the Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, Manistee, o'clock noon. votes cast upon the question, have Leelanaw, Grand Traverse, Antrim, Second. Sec. 8. The Legislature shall thereon, "Adoption of the Constitu- Newaygo and Mecosta, with the terri- meet on the first Wednesday of Jantion-No," the same shall be null and tory attached thereto, shall constitute uary, in the year one thousand eight void. the fifth circuit; the counties of Barry, hundred and sixty-nine, and on the Sec. 17, The Legislature, at its first Clinton, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm and first Wednesday of January of every session, shall make such further pro- Ottawa, shall constitute the sixth cir-second year thereafter, but at no other visions as may be necessary for the cuit; the counties of Ingham, Shia- time, except as provided in this Conpayment of all expenditures of the wassee, Livingston, Genesee, Lapeer stitution. The time of meeting shall Convention, including the publication and Tuscola, shall constitute the sev-be at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, of this Constitution, as provided in enth circuit; the counties of Oakland, and the time of final adjournment this article. Macomb, St. Clair, Sanilac and Huron, shall be at twelve o'clock noon. Sec. 18. There shall be elected on the shall constitute the eighth circuit; the first Tuesday in March, in the year one counties of Saginaw, Bay, Midland, thousand eight hundred and sixty- Gratiot, Isabella, Iosco and Alpena, nine, and every eight years thereafter, with the territory attached thereto, one circuit judge for each judicial cir- shall constitute the ninth circuit; the

[ocr errors]

At the election when this Constitution shall be submitted to the electors of this State for adoption or rejection, there shall also be separately submitted to such electors the two following propositions:

A separate ballot upon either proposition may be given by any elector, which shall be deposited in a ballotbox provided for that purpose.

On the ballots in favor of the adop

LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

noes 27.

COMPENSATION FOR ENROLLING THE CON

STITUTION.

tion of the above proposition No. 1, has been engrossed upon parchment, and to agreed to, upon a division; ayes 29, shall be the words, "Annual Sessions | report, before the close of the Convention, a description of the erasures and interlinea-Yes;" and upon the ballots in favor tions. of the above proposition No. 2, shall be the words, 'Biennial SessionsYes;" and upon the head or outside of all said ballots shall be the words, “Annual or Biennial Sessions," placed in such a manner that the same shall

be visible when the ballot is folded.

Mr. LONGYEAR. I desire to ask leave of absence for myself for the remainder of the session. I have important business which will occupy me to-morrow morning, and I shall not be

able to be here.

Leave was granted.

ADJOURNMENT.

Mr. ALEXANDER. I move that the Convention now adjourn until eight o'clock to-morrow morning.

If upon the canvass of such ballots cast at such election, a majority thereof shall be found to contain the words, "Annual Sessions-Yes," then said proposition No. 1 shall become and stand as section eight, of Article V, of this Constitution, if the same is adopted; but if a majority of such ballots shall contain the words, "Biennial Sessions-Yes," then the above proposition No. 2 shall become and stand as section eight, of Article V, of cordingly. this Constitution, if the same is adopted.

Mr. FARMER. I move to amend the motion by striking out "eight," and inserting "Bien- and inserting "half-past seven."

At the election, at the same time when the votes of the electors shall be taken for the adoption or rejection of this Constitution, an additional section of Article V, numbered thirty*four, in the words following:

Sec. 34. “The Legislature shall not pass any act authorizing the grant of license for the sale of ardent spirits or intoxicating liquors, but shall by law prohibit the sale of the same as a beverage;"

Shall be separately submitted to the electors of this State for their adoption or rejection in form following, to wit: A separate ballot may be given by every person having the right to vote for the revised Constitution, to be deposited in a separate box.

Mr. ALEXANDER.. I accept that amendment, and modify my motion ac

Mr. BLACKMAN offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

Resolved, That the President and Secretary

of this Convention be authorized and directed sons employed to assist in enrolling the Con

to issue certificates for the payment of perstitution.

RIGHTS OF WOMEN.

Mr. BURTCH offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That the "irrepressible conflict " must continue until the rights of women are respected and their slavery abolished.

Mr. WITHEY. I move that the resolution be laid upon the table. The motion was agreed to.

Mr. HENDERSON. I understand Mr. BURTCH. I rise to a point of The motion of Mr. ALEXANDER, as order. My point of order is that I modified, was adopted; and the Con- having obtained the floor, and not vention, (at eleven o'clock, p. m.,) ad- having yielded it, the motion to lay resolution on the table was not in journed.

SEVENTY-FOURTH DAY.

THURSDAY, August 22, 1867. The Convention met at half-past seven o'clock a. m., and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

The roll was called, and a quorum of members answered to their names.

VOTES OF ABSENTEES ON CONSTITUTION.

Mr. HENDERSON. I ask unanimous consent to record my vote upon the passage of the instrument we have been framing. I was unable to remain here until the close of the proceedings last evening.'

Mr. CASE. I make the same request. Mr. LEACH. I hope unanimous consent will be given to all who were not present last evening to record their votes now.

Upon the ballots given for said separate section shall be written or printed, or partly written and partly printed, the words "Prohibition-Yes," and upon the ballots given against the adoption of the said section, in like manner, the words "Prohibition-No." No objection was made. If at said election a majority of the Messrs. BARBER, CASE, CHAPIN, HENvotes for and against said section shall DERSON, HULL AND THOMPSON, accordcontain the words "Prohibition-Yes;" ingly recorded their votes in the affirmthen there shall be inserted in the ative; and Mr. HIXSON recorded his article entitled "Legislative Depart- vote in the negative. ment,” the said additional section, to be ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION TO ASSISTANT numbered as section thirty-four in said article. Mr. CHAPIN. I offer the following CORRECTIONS OF THE ENGROSSED CONSTI- resolution: TUTION.

SECRETARIES.

ASSISTANT

Resolved, That each of the Assistant Secretaries of this Convention be allowed and Mr. PRINGLE. I now move a re-paid the sum of one dollar additional comconsideration of the vote by which the pensation for each day's attendance (and resolution offered by me a few mo- usual traveling fees) at the sessions of this Convention. ments ago, was rejected.

The motion was agreed to: The question then recurring on the resolution, it was adopted, as follows: Resolved, That it be referred to the committee on arrangement and phraseology to the resolution be laid upon the table. examine the copy of the Constitution which

I do not desire to make any remarks upon this; I only ask that the sense of the Convention be taken upon it. Mr. STOCKWELL. I move that

my order.

The PRESIDENT. The Chair does not understand that the gentleman had the floor.

SIGNING THE NEW CONSTITUTION.

Mr. HENDERSON. We came here

this morning, I suppose, mainly for the purpose of signing the instrument we not more time than is necessary for have been framing. And as we have that purpose, I hope we shall not be detained by the offering of any more resolutions at this time. I move that we proceed at once to the business of signing the Constitution.

Mr. SAWYER. I hope the gentleman will withdraw that motion for a moment. I desire to offer a resolution to give one of the assistant secretaries, Mr. Collier, a dollar a day additional compensation.

Mr. HENDERSON. I cannot withdraw for any more resolutions.

The motion of Mr. HENDERSON Was then agreed to.

Mr. SUTHERLAND was called to the chair by the PRESIDENT.

The Secretary proceeded to call the roll of delegates by counties, and the following members then came forward and signed the parchment copy of the Constitution:

CHARLES M. CROSWELL,
DEWITT C. LEACH,
DEWITT C. CHAPIN,
DANIEL L. PRATT,
SIMEON P. ROOT,
L. J. THOMPSON,

P. DEAN WARNER,
WM. SMYTHE FARMER,
LORENZO P. ALEXANDER,
HENRY H. COOLIDGE,

CYRUS G. LUCE,
ASAHEL BROWN,
J. S. BARBER,

CHARLES D. HOLMES,
E. F. HENDERSON.

GEORGE WILLARD,
LEVI ALDRICH,
ALVAH H. WALKER,
NATHANIEL I. DANIELLS,

The motion to lay on the table was JOSIAH TURNER,

President of the Convention
PERLEY BILLS,
JACOB C. SAWYER,
MARTIN P. STOCKWELL,
HORACE J. SHELDON.
LEMUEL WOODHOUSE
E. B. WINANS,

WM. W. ANDRUS,
DEXTER MUSSEY,
BELA CHAPMAN,
G. F. CASE.
HENRY H. HOLT
E. G. MORTON,
WM. CORBIN,
WM. A. RAFTER,
PERRY H. ESTEE,
WM. S. UTLEY,

J. VAN VALKENBURGH,
EDWARD P. HARRIS,
W. M. MCCONNELL,

[graphic]
[graphic][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

COMMITTEE TO PREPARE AN ADDRESS TO

THE PEOPLE.

Mr. ALEXANDER. I offer the following resolution:

the word "exceed," the word "shall," interlined.

Article VI. In section fourteen, line three, before the word "committee," the word "the," erased.

Article VII, line thirteen, section ten, the word "civil," erased, and the word "circuit," interlined.

In section seven, line three, after the word "residing," the word "therein," interlined. In section fifteen, line three, after the word "any," the word "other," interlined.

the word "excused," the word "be," interArticle XIII, section one, line six, before lined.

1

Article XIV, section four, liné five, after the word "shall," the word "happen," interlined.

In section nine, in lines two and three, the words "to which," erased.

Article XVIII, section one, line three, the word "shall," written on an erasure.

Article XIX, section four, line four, the word "be," written on an erasure.

In the Schedule, section three, line three, before the word "State," the words "use of the," erased.

In section seventeen, line one, the word "their," erased, and the word "its," interlined.

In section eighteen, lines six and seven, the words "the term of," written on an era

sure.

THANKS TO PRESIDENT OF CONVENTION. Mr. McCLELLAND. I have a resolution to offer. My intention was to have made some preliminary rémarks. But I will not trespass upon the time Resolved, That the chairman of each of the In section twenty-one, line twenty-five, the of the Convention, under the circum-standing committees, together with the Presi- words "in the year," interlined after the stances, but merely offer the resolution, dent of this Convention (who shall be chair-word "January." man,) are hereby constituted a committee to In line forty-five, same section, the word as follows: prepare an address to the people on the sub-five," written on an erasure. ject of the numerous and important changes in the Constitution we are about to submit to them.

Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Convention be and they are hereby tendered to the Hon. CHARLES M. CROSWELL, President of the Convention, for the able, dignified and impartial manner in which he has presided over the deliberations of this body.

The resolution

adopted.

I have but a few remarks to make in
I think,
relation to this resolution.
and I doubt not members of the Con-
was unanimously vention will agree with me, that it is of
some importance that-the people should
be made acquainted with the various

THANKS TO THE SECRETARIES.

Mr. YEOMANS offered the follow-reasons for the changes we have made in the present Constitution, and I think ing resolution, which was unanimously my resolution offers the best method adopted: to accomplish that object.

Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be hereby tendered to the Secretary, Thomas H. Glenn, and to his assistants, G. X. M. Collier and T. P. Miles, for the faithfulness and ability with which they have discharged their duties.

THANKS TO THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS.

Mr. KENNEY offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

Resolved, That a vote of thanks is due, and is hereby tendered to the Sergeant-atArms, and his assistants, for the prompt, efficient and gentlemanly manner in which they have discharged their duties.

GENERAL SATISFACTION.

Mr. SHEARER offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

Resolved, That the very kind and friendly intercourse between all the officers and members of this Cnvention, will be cherished in lively recollection to the last period of life and memory.

THANKS TO MESSENGER BOYS. Mr. ALEXANDER offered the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention be tendered to the messenger boys for the faithful discharge of their duties, and for their amiable and courteous deportment.

THANKS TO OFFICIAL REPORTERS.

Mr. MORTON offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

The question was taken upon the resolution of Mr. ALEXANDER, and it was not adopted.

ERASURES AND INTERLINEATIONS IN THE

ENROLLED CONSTITUTION.

Mr. NINDE, from the committee on
arrangement and phraseology, made
the following report:

seology, to whom it was referred to examine
The committee on arrangement and phra-
the Constitution engrossed on parchment,
and to report to the Convention a description
of the erasures and interlineations therein,
respectfully report that they have so ex-
amined the same, and find the following

In section ten, same article, line three, the words "or to seize any person," written on

an erasure.

"as are,"

Article IV. In section two, line two, the
word "such," and the words
erased.

In same section, line fifty-two, the word "three," erased, and the word "four," interlined.

In line fifty-two, same section, the words "of article V," interlined, after the word "section."

In same line, the word "three," erased, and the word "four," interlined.

In line fifty-three, same section, the Roman numerals “XXXIII,” changed to “XXXIIII.” T. NINDE. Chairman.

The report was received, and laid upon the table, and the committee was discharged.

2

ADJOURNMENT sine die.-ADDRESS.

Mr. VAN VALKENBURGH. Mr. President, it is with a burdened heart that I rise to address a few words to you, sir, and to the members of this. Convention. The thought of our speedy separation, probably for the last time on earth, notwithstanding the anticipated joys of home, sends to my you can appreciate. heart a pang of regret, which many of

When solicited to become a candidate for a seat in this Convention, and when elected to this position, I looked forward to it with great solicitude, as

erasures and interlineations therein, namely:
In article II, in section seven, line six, the a scene of labor and of toil, with little
word "not," after the word "courts," writ- expectation of the happiness I have
ten on an erasure.
here enjoyed in the social converse with
kindred spirits, who have cheered me
in the weary hours, calmed the troubled
emotions, rendered the labor a pleas-
ure, and cast the bright rays of sun-
light over all this long and otherwise
tedious session. I have before re-
marked that I had never, in my long
life, seen a body of men so dignified,
so intelligent, so courteous. And I
now add, that I think there have been
few instances in the history of all the

Article V. In section two, line seven, the word "after," erased.

In same article, section twenty-four, line two, the word "statute," before the word "laws," interlined.

In line four, same section, before the word "jurisdiction," the word "for," written on

an erasure.

In line five, section twenty-seven, before

past, in the ecclesiastical, political or greeting has daily met us on every side. discharged his duties to the universal social relations of life, where a body In one providence I have noticed a satisfaction. Long may he prosper. of men so large as this body, with in- striking coincidence in 1850 and at this To the kind and courteous reporters terests so diversified, so extensive, and session. An honored and respected for the public press, we are much inso important to adjust, with views and member of the Convention of 1850, debted for their forbearance to our infeelings so varied and so conflicting, now a delegate here, was suddenly discretions and our follies. And our gathered here from remote and distant summoned to his home to perform the messenger boys, like the guardian localities of our State, with exacting con- right of sepulture to a dear son, taken angels, have watched and anticipated stituencies, urgent that their views and away in the dew of his youth. He had our wishes, and obeyed our calls, with their interests be consulted-in my our most sincere sympathy and condo- the fleetness of the antelope. We shall opinion, few such bodies of men, so lence. During our present session, a remember them with deep interest, and situated, have ever convened anywhere, venerable and honored member of our watch their future with great solicitude under any circumstances, that have body, also a delegate in the Conven- and with high hopes. I shall especially settled the vexed and important ques- tion of 1850, (Mr. DESNOYERS,) was remember them, each and all of them, as tions which were brought them together, suddenly called from his labors here to I shall frequently look upon their amiwith more wisdom, more cordiality, perform the last sad office of affection able countenances, grouped together, and with more unanmity, than this to an idolized daughter, in his own in the beautiful photograph with which Convention. language to me, "the light and joy of they have presented me; and I shall his house." He has our ardent sym- send up a mental prayer that God will pathy. We mingle our tears with his, watch over them, guide them safely and commend him to the Being who through the intricate mazes of this life, alone can assuage the sorrows of the and at last crown them His. heart.. With one other exception, I know not that any have been called to mourn the death of friends.

[ocr errors]

The kind and Christian spirit which has characterized all our counsels, the deference for the opinion of our colleagues, and the manifest desire on all hands to promote the public welfare, Indeed, Mr. President, I think we must have been very evident to every may challenge the world to produce a unprejudiced observer. Nay, sir, I body of men as large as this body, with most sincerely believe that every mem- In the Constitutional Convention of all its appointments, who have disber of this Convention has been actu- 1835, there were 89 members, of whom charged their duties more faithfully, ated by an honest and ardent desire to 20 are now living; two of whom have harmoniously, and successfully than perfect a Constitution that shall trans- seats in this Convention, Governor this Convention. Permit me, sir, to mit to our posterity the inestimable MCCLELLAND and Mr. BELA CHAPMAN. assure the members of this Convenblessings of "life, liberty and the pursuit The population of our State was then tion, one and all, of my high perof happiness," which we now so emi- 100,000. Now it is one million, or an sonal regard, and to extend to them a nently enjoy; that our beautiful Penin- increase of one thousand per cent., cordial invitation to visit me, with an sular State may retain the high rank while our material resources have in-assurance of the great pleasure it she now holds among her sister States. creased in about as great a proportion. would afford me to welcome them to To me, sir, instead of being a season of In the Convention of 1850, there were my home and my fireside, that we may unremitted toil, and labor, and per- 100 members, of whom more than one-together recall the memories of these plexity, as I anticipated, it has indeed fourth have passed away, while eight of days which have passed so swiftly and been "a feast of fat things,"-a scene their number are members of this Con- so happily away. of solicitude indeed, but cheered by vention. In the kind providence of And now, before I close, permit me, the counsels and sympathy and coöp-God, I still remain among you. sir, to make a suggestion which I know eration of men whose names are writ- Much of the success and the happy will find a ready response in the breast ten on my heart, and whose memories termination of our labors is owing to of every delegate on this floor; that is, will be cherished to my last dying day. the diligent, the patient, the prompt, before our final adjournment, before I shall ever recall the memories of and the impartial manner in which you, the President shall dissolve this Conthese days with unspeakable pleasure, sir, have discharged the arduous duties vention, that we unite our voices in and retain in constant verdure the kind of your office. And we shall ever re- singing the Doxology, in the tune of attentions and genial courtesies ex-member you with profound respect and Old Hundred, an appropriate act of tended to me by every member upon esteem. The Secretaries of our Con- worship and of praise to our God, the this floor. vention are also entitled to our high re- Almighty Governor of the Universe, In contrasting the sanitary condition gard for their unremitted diligence and and the Disposer of all events, for His of the Convention of 1850 with that of perseverance in the discharge of their kind care over us these many days this Convention, I have been deeply im- onerous labors. And we are proud to now past, and for the happy result to pressed with our increased obligations know that the correctness and fidelity which he has brought our labors. of gratitude to God, for the vigorous with which our gentlemanly reporters Now, Mr. President, I move that health enjoyed by most of the mem- have discharged their mission will this Convention adjourn sine die. bers of this Convention. During its be a matter of record in all Mr. SHEARER. I endorse most entire session, but two cases have oc- the future, and need no commen- heartily and cordially the high and curred, to my knowledge, where dele-dation at our hands. We fully noble sentiments of the gentleman gates have been prevented from occu- endorse their ability, and wish them from Oakland, (Mr. Van Valkenburgh.) pying their seats here for any length God speed. And what shall we say May his days be long in the land, and of time, and those delegates have now more? Our diligent, faithful and at- when he goes down to his last resting entirely recovered. In 1850, there was tentive Sergeant-at-Arms, with his ever place, may he go down like a shock of constant sickness among the members watchful assistants, have won for them- corn fully ripe. Gentlemen of the of the Convention, some confined to selves golden opinions from the mem- Convention, I thank you all for your their beds here, and others at their bers of this Convention, and will be courtesy and kindness to me at all homes; indeed the air appeared im- remembered by us with high regard. times. Probably we shall never all pregnated with a malaria that few Our Postmaster has transmitted faith-meet again. But I should be glad at escaped. Now, health, cheerfulness, fully and frequently the messages of any time to see any of you at my house and joy have abounded. The happy love to our cherished homes, and in Plymouth, and I will endeavor to

[ocr errors]

!

make your stay with me a pleasant

one.

Mr. BURTCH. I desire to tender my thanks to the members of this Convention for their kindness to me. The question was then taken on the motion to adjourn sine die, and it was agreed to.

Before announcing the result of the vote,

The PRESIDENT said: The gentleman from Kalamazoo, Rev. Mr. BRADLEY, will now perform the closing religious exercises of this Convention. Mr. BRADLEY. Mr. President and gentlemen of the Convention, I regard it as a privilege and an honor to engage in the services to which you have referred. I am not insensible to the

[ocr errors]
[merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also

will do it.

Heavenly Father, wilt Thou watch Brethren, pray for us. over each member here; wilt Thou Prayer by Mr. BRADLEY, as fol-watch over all our families; watch over lows: our commonwealth in its various inOur Heavenly Father, we bow in Thy terests. Prosper us in all our ways, in presence, on this solemn farewell occa- all our institutions, in our future legsion. Now, as we close the sessions of islation, and in everything connected this Convention, we desire to praise with the growth, integrity, strength Thy holy name for Thy kindness unto and prosperity of our people. us in the days in which we have been We pray, Heavenly Father, that we engaged in our work here. We thank may build upon sure foundations; that Thee that Thou hast regarded us in we may receive the principles of Christender compassion, preserving our tianity as giving life to the individual, health, giving unto us strength and wis- and life to the commonwealth, and thus dom from above, ordering our steps, prepare us to honor God as our Creaand ordering in regard to our work, so tor, prepare us to honor Christ as our that we have been enabled to reach the Savior, and the Holy Spirit as our conclusion of it so unitedly, with so Sanctifier. little controversy, and no ill feeling in any heart.

earthly work is done, and we are called
And finally, when our
to pass over the river, wilt Thou receive
holier life, for Jesus' sake, amen!
us among thy people in a purer and

The members of the Convention then

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost."
The PRESIDENT then addressed

hereafter under any trial or disappoint-
by Thy power, and by the manifesta- the Convention as follows:
ment, wilt Thou sustain and uphold us

tion of Thy grace.

GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION-AS I

solemnities of the hour. Our work is done. In the care of our Heavenly Father, health and life have been preserved. We go out from this Hall to out to our homes, as we enter again And now, Heavenly Father, as we go our homes; the people will judge of our work and pass their verdict upon tions, we pray that Thou wouldst go rose, and, with the audience, united in upon our ordinary duties and occupait. Our constituents are a Christian with us, with Thy sheltering, overruling singing, to the tune of "Old Hunpeople, and they will regard with ap- and guiding care. We pray that Thou singing, to the tune of "Old Hunprobation our recognition of religious wouldst be with us now in the toils dred," the wordsobligations. For the hundred days of and burdens of life, in our further our sessions, we have bowed at the anxieties; and if we are bowed down altar, seeking wisdom from above. It is now our privilege to commend ourselves to His guidance and keeping for all our future. For me, personally, it has been a rare opportunity to be asWe pray that Thy presence may now am soon to pronounce the words that sociated with this body of noble men; rest upon every member of this Con- dissolve our official relations, I should men who will ever be true to the State vention; that Thou wilt spare them, be dead to all feeling, did I not avail and to God. I thank you, Mr. President, and the members of the Conven- as shall be for Thy pleasure and Thy myself of this opportunity to express tion, for your uniform kindness to-glory; that Thou wouldst watch over my profound gratitude and thanks for their families and kindred, and prepare the invariable kindness extended to me ward me, coming as I did from a pro- them all for Thy will, for the resposi- by every member of this Convention fession not generally represented in bilities of life, for the privileges that during the time that I have occupied such bodies. This is the farewell hour. shall be granted to them, and for the this Chair. If my humble endeavors Hereafter, Christianity shall be our enjoyment of all their opportunities. to well and faithfully discharge the life, and the life of our commonwealth. We pray that Thou wouldst so order duties of this trust, have in any measAs we pass on and close up our earthly that Thy name may be honored by us ure proved a success, I am not insencourse, at noon, or late in the evening all; that when we act as citizens, we sible to the fact that it is largely due of life, may we have the consciousness of the Divine approval, in the testimo- may act as Christian citizens, in all the to your forbearance, coöperation and of the Divine approval, in the testimo- circumstances of life in which we may generous support. With sincere satisny of a good conscience. be placed. faction, I congratulate you upon the good order and harmony that have characterized your proceedings, and marked your intercourse with each other. With honest differences of opinion, strong convictions, and spirited debates, your discussions have not been marred by unkind words, offensive personal allusions, or bitter feuds. As you break up these associations, and turn your steps toward home and the loved ones there, you will bear with you the pleasant reflection that, however you may have differed, politically or otherwise, you have disagreed in kindness and parted in friendship.

[ocr errors]

Mr. BRADLEY, then came forward to the desk of the President, and read the following passages of Scripture:

They that trust the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth

forever.

As the mountains are round about Jerusa

lem, so the Lord is round about his people,

from henceforth, even forever.

*

Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

*

Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not prophesyings.

We thank Thee, Heavenly Father, for the good fellowship which has prevailed in this Convention, for the kindness which has been manifested by the members towards each other.

And now, though we desire to go, yet we regret to part; and we pray that a parting blessing may be given unto us by our Father above.

And we ask Thy blessing upon our constituents, the citizens of this commonwealth, that they may receive the work of our hands, and approve of it, so far as it deserves their approbation, and that they may sustain it as elec

Prove all things; hold fast that which is tors and as citizens; that, under this good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and pray God your whole spirit, and

While I bear witness to the faithfulConstitution which has now been ness, industry and zeal with which you framed, this State may become more have discharged the responsible duties and more prosperous, in all its mate- devolved upon you at this oppressive

« SebelumnyaLanjutkan »