to take the action suggested by the gentleman from Bay, (Mr. BIRNEY.) Mr. LOVELL. There have been a great many amendments made to these rules, and there may be some question as to whether the language is now strictly correct. I suppose it would not delay final action upon them very much if they were referred to the committee on arrangement and phraseology. I therefore, make that motion. The motion was agreed to. JOURNAL OF DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS. Mr. SUTHERLAND. It seems to be understood that the substitute of and 52 others, of Cassapolis, Cass tion from Chas. E. Hodgman and 14 county, praying for equal suffrage for others, on the same subject; which was both men and women; which was re- referred to the committee on intoxiferred to the committee on elections. cating liquors. Mr. LONGYEAR presented the me- Mr. SHELDON presented the petimorial of Lodge No. 361, of the Inde- tion of A. W. Price, praying that perpendent Order of Good Templars, of sons convicted of murder may not be the village of Okemos, Ingham county, pardoned from the State prison withpraying for the retention of the clause out a vote of two-thirds of the memin the State Constitution, prohibiting bers of the Legislature, and that prothe sale of intoxicating liquors; which vision may be made for the taxation of was referred to the committee on in- dogs. So much of the petition as retoxicating liquors. lates to the pardon of persons convictMr. BLACKMAN presented the pe- ed of murder, was referred to the comtition of E. A. Smith, T. D. Ward, N. H. mittee on executive department; and fered by myself, to the resolution of Bitely and 42 others legal voters of the so much as relates to the taxation of fered by myself, to the resolution of townships of Antwerp and Porter, in dogs, was referred to the committee on the gentleman from Ingham, (Mr. Van Buren county, on the same sub-finance and taxation. LONGYEAR,) on Friday last, in regard ject; which was referred to the com- Mr. CORBIN presented the petition to printing and distributing the jour-mittee on intoxicating liquors. nal of debates and proceedings, has not yet been finally disposed of. The substitute was adopted, but the resolution so amended was not adopted. I ask that that resolution be now taken up and disposed of. The motion was agreed to. The question was upon agreeing to the resolution as amended, which was as follows: Resolved, That the State printer be in structed to print the daily proceedings and debates of this Convention, and to furnish daily 1,000 copies for the use of the members, and forward one additional copy to each newspaper published in this State, and to each county clerk, and also to the Governor and Judges of the Supreme Court. The resolution was adopted. Mr. D. GOODWIN. I had intended when the resolution just adopted was taken up for consideration, to move an amendment to it embodying the substance of the resolution which I offered this morning, and then withdrew. As that resolution has been adopted, I offer the following: Resolved, That the State Printer be instructed to furnish one copy of the daily proceedings and debates of this Convention, printed by him, to each of the Circuit Judges of the State, not members of the Convention, and one copy to the United States District Judge for the Eastern district of Michigan, and also to each of the State officers. The resolution was adopted. SIXTH DAY. WEDNESDAY, May 22, 1867. The Convention met at 10 o'clock A. M., and was called to order by the President. Prayer by Rev. Mr. BRADLEY, (a member of the Convention.) The roll was called, and a quorum answered to their names. PETITIONS. Mr. ALDRICH presented the petition of A. L. Graham, L. M. Graham, + of Elroy M. Avery, Danl. Noble, H. M. Noble and 91 others, asking the Convention to retain section 47, article 4, of the present Constitution in the new one; referred to the committee on intoxicating, liquors. Also, the petition of L. Painter and 46 other men and 45 women, citizens of Breedsville, Van Buren county, praying for suffrage upon equal terms to men and women; which was referred to the committee on clections. Mr. COOLIDGE presented the petiMr. ALEXANDER presented the tion of John L. Marvin, Harrison petition of Hiram Brown, W. S. May-Branch and 106 others, of Berrien nard and 62 other legal voters of Ber- county, on the same subject; which rien county, praying that section 47, was referred to the committee on inarticle 4, of the present Constitution, toxicating liquors. Mr. T. G. SMITH presented the be engrafted in the new Constitution. Also, the petition of Alexander Dela-petition of A. H. Miller, M. Birdsall field, Robert Moore and 205 other resi- and 40 other legal voters of Fenton, dents of Berrien county, Michigan, on Genesee county, on the same subject; the same subject; which petitions were which was referred to the committee on severally referred to the committee on intoxicating liquors. intoxicating liquors. Mr. PRATT presented the petition L Mr. GERMAIN presented the peti- Mr. STOCKWELL presented the Mr. DIVINE presented the petition of William Sweet and 11 other citizens of Bridgehampton, Sanilac county, on the same subject. Also, the petition of J. John Erskine and 16 other citizens of the township of Buel, Sanilac county, on the same subject. Also, the petition of S. W. Viets and 34 other citizens of the township of Forester, Sanilac county, on the same subject. Also, the petition of Dennis Shell and 17 others, of the township of Speaker, Sanilac county, on the same subject; which petitions were severally referred to the committee on intoxicating liquors. Mr. RICHMOND presented the Mr. CONGER presented the mepetition of T. P. Ballard, Jas. Sher-morial of Gen. Benj. C. Cox, of St. Clair man, C. M. Hurlburt, J. Webster county, in favor of the sale of pure Childs and 13 others, of Augusta, liquors, and making the sale of drugWashtenaw county, on the same sub-ged and adulterated liquors a felony; ject; which was referred to the com- which was referred to the committee mittee on intoxicating liquors. on intoxicating liquors. Also, the memorial of Gen. B. C. Cox, on the powers of towns and cities in work of internal improvements; which was referred to the committee on Mr. McCONNELL presented the Mr. BURTCH presented the petition of Albert S. Clark, D. Jones, T. L. Mr. BRADIEY presented the peti-Blake and others, legal voters of Clin 乾 Mr. WRIGHT presented the petition of S. Wright, John E. Davis and 17 others, legal voters of Woodman, Barry county, on the same subject; which was referred to the committee on intoxicating liquors. whole. ton and Eaton counties, asking that once in the journal of debates. I think available to us and to the public as of RULES OF THE CONVENTION. that most of our proceedings will be in committee of the whole. If we propose in the report of debates to have included all the proceedings in committee of the whole, then I think the motion now pending is a very good the Convention, reported from the com- one, and our Secretary will have to Mr. NINDE, from the committee on arrangement and phraseology, to whom had been referred the rules of Mr. MORTON. I understand that the Clerk of our House of Representatives usually takes no note of proceedings in committee of the whole, further than to record the amendments which may be made and reported to the Otherwise I will be House. I understand that our reportConvention, reported that they had obliged to vote against his motion. ers will record every motion and every mittee on rules, together with the keep a journal of the proceedings only amendments to the same, made by the in Convention. had the same under consideration, and The report was received and the committee discharged. Mr. NORRIS. I would make an- amendment-everything that is done had directed him to report them back other suggestion, which is, that as in committee of the whole, giving a Mr. WILLIAMS. I move that the changes in phraseology, recommended by the committee on arrangement and phraseology, be concurred in by. the Convention. The motion was agreed to. the rules as amended. Mr. MORTON. I move to amend the rules, by striking out the the 24th rule, as follows: while the reporters are to do the same thing. It is not the practice in legisMr. LONGYEAR. As suggestions lative bodies, and it is not to be exseem to be in order, I would further pected that he can make such a comsuggest that our reporters are to re- prehensive record as will be made by "A journal of the proceedings in committee port our debates and proceedings in our reporters. That is a matter, howof the whole shall be kept as in Convention." committee of the whole as well as in ever, for the consideration of the ConI learn from conversation with our Convention. If the reasons of the gen-vention. reporters that they understand their tleman from Monroe, (Mr. MORTON,) Mr. WILLIAMS. The rule referred contract to include all the debates and are good against requiring our Secre- to requires the Secretary to keep a proceedings in committee of the whole tary to keep a journal of our pro- record of the proceedings in committee as well as in Convention. If this rule ceedings in committee of the whole, of the whole, the same as in Convenis continued in operation, and our because our reporters are to report tion. That is the full extent and scope Secretary is required to keep a journal them, then they are equally good of the rule. If it is not necessary that of the proceedings in committee of the against requiring him to keep a jour- the Secretary should keep a record of whole, and our reporters do the same nal of our proceedings in Convention. the proceedings in committee of the thing, then they will be printed twice, The reporters record of the pro- whole, what necessity is there that he once in the journal of proceedings and ceedings in Convention will be just as should keep a record of the proceedVOL. 1-No. 8. ings in Convention? If the objection Reasons may be given by members in important rule. As has been remarked ürged by the gentleman from Monroe committee of the whole; facts may be with great force, when we shall have (Mr. MORTON) applies to any portion of stated there and arguments made, made a little further progress with our the record, it applies to the whole of which will indicate a particular line of business, the principal part of our proit. It is conceded by all, I believe, policy and the propriety of it; but all ceedings will take place in committee that the proceedings of this body in that will be contained in the record of the whole. If the view of the gencommittee of the whole will be the made by our reporters. But nothing tleman from Jackson (Mr. PRINGLE) most important of its proceedings. is determined in committee of the whole be correct, that the report made by the Then why should we not provide that except to recommend certain action to chairman of the committee of the whole If the will be sufficient, we might dispense our Secretary shall keep a record of be taken by the Convention. them? If there is to be any record at particular amendments recommended with any record of our proceedings in all kept of the proceedings here, I see no matter how many other amend- the Convention, and have the clerk no reason at all why that record should ments may have been offered and voted make up simply a statement of the connot be a complete one, differing from down-shall be embraced in the report clusions on which we may agree. The the record ordinarily kept of proceed- of the chairman of the committee of result at which we shall arrive will of ings in legislative bodies. The manner the whole, and that report is spread course be published ultimately in the in which every amendment or change upon the journal, that will be all that form of a Constitution to be submitted is made in our Constitution is a matter we really need to know, or that would to the people. of importance in determining the in- be of interest or profit to us. tention and purpose of this Convention in making it. For that reason I think it should appear in the record. I hope this rule will be retained as it now stands. Mr. PRINGLE. I think I shall vote I do not know what is the parliamentary usage in this respect. But I think a Convention or legislative body might at any time, if it saw fit, provide that the chairman of the committee of the whole shall report specifically each each matter of importance acted upon. At every stage of our proceedings, we shall desire to be able to refer back to what has been done in committee of the whole. The people will wish to know why we adopted or rejected this or that proposition; and if, as has been suggested by the gentleman from had experience in previous Constitutional Conventions, the greater part of our business is to be done in committee of the whole, we want, and the people want, a record of our proceedings in committee, as well as in the Convention. Some gentlemen speak of economy; but, sir, I apprehend that our constituents do not care to have us study such economy as will keep them in darkness in reference to what we are doing. They ask no such economy at our hands. They wish to know the entire transactions of this Convention. So far as regards the regulation of salaries, and matters of that sort, they' expect us to pay a proper regard to economy; but they do not expect us to economize in such a way as to keep from them the full record of our action. for the motion of the gentleman from amendment adopted in committee, and Wayne, (Mr. MCCLELLAND,) who has Monroe, (Mr. MORTON,) to strike out this rule. There would be no objection, of course, to keeping a record of what shall occur in committee of the whole, except the trouble and exBut whatever is done in pense of it. committee of the whole, whatever ac- Mr. FERRIS. I have no desire to tion is taken which will be likely to in- prolong this debate. I am as anxious fluence this body, will be stated in the as any gentleman upon this floor to report of the chairman of that commit- avoid all possible expense. But I am tee. He will report what has been more anxious that we should be indone by the committee, what amend- formed from day to day of all that is ments if any are recommended by done in committee of the whole, all them. A journal would show all the propositions offered and motions made, motions made, those that were lost as than I aim to avoid expense. well as those that prevailed. It might Now, if I understand this matter, be well to provide that the report of when we go into the committee of the the chairman of the committee of the whole on any branch of the Constituwhole, setting forth all the amend- tion, amendments will be proposed ments recommended, should be entered and discussed; and those discussions at length upon the journal. That I may continue perhaps for a week on submit would be all that is really one subject. Unless we have a journal necessary. By his reporting the iden- of the proceedings in the committee of tical amendment in each case, we should the whole, how could we know, for inhave all that is really valuable, all that stance, four days from the present is really necessary for us to have re- time the precise proposition which a corded of our proceedings from day to member may offer to-day? How could day. It will be a considerable addition we fix our minds upon the topic in the to the duties of our Secretary to re- meantime, and prepare ourselves by quire him to keep this journal of our deliberate examination of the subject, proceedings in committee of the whole, for giving our votes upon the question? and a considerable addition to the ex- It seems to me of the utmost imporpense to require our printers to pub-tance that we should have from day to lish it, from day to day. And on the day a record of the various proposiground of avoiding expense, and for tions made in committee of the whole. the reason that we can by a simpler If we dispense with it, I do not see means obtain all that would be really how we can possibly do justice to the valuable in such a journal, I shall, as subject which may be under consideraat present advised, vote in favor of the tion, or to ourselves. motion of the gentleman from Monroe, (Mr. MORTON.) It is to be considered that our action in committee of the whole is not final; it must be reviewed in Convention. Mr. HENDERSON. I apprehend, Mr. President, upon the point touched by the gentleman from Kalamazoo, (Mr. GIDDINGS,) there is no difference of opinion. We all believe that our constituents want to see an entire record of the proceedings of this Convention, whether in committee of the whole, or in general session. We all believe that it is their right to see such a record. But on one point there is a difference in our views. A portion of the members of this Convention entertain the opinion that our reporters, under their contract with us, are at liberty to furnish the report of the debates at their leisure-one, two, three or four days after the proceedings take place. Others of us believe that, Mr. GIDDINGS. If I understand by the conditions of the contract, the correctly the view of the gentleman reporters are under obligation to furfrom Kent (Mr. FERRIS) on this sub-nish the report of the proceedings ject, I entirely and most heartily concur daily, that we may have upon our with him. This appears to me a very tables each-day the proceedings of the Mr. BLACKMAN. Imove to amend "And no article shall be declared adopted members elect." I offer this amendment, partly because there are now present, members who were not here yesterday when the vote was taken on the same amend questions taken by yeas and nays, except on appeals from his own decisions, in which case he shall not vote. RULE 6. The President may leave the chair and appoint a member to preside, but not for a longer time than one day, except by leave of the Convention. the members shall keep their seats until the RULE 7. When the Convention adjourns, President announces the adjournment. RULE 8. Every member, previous to his speaking, shall rise from his seat and address himself to the President. RULE 9. When two or more members rise RULE 11. Every motion shall be reduced to writing if required by the President or any member, and shall be stated by the President in writing shall be endorsed by the member before debate. All resolutions and motions introducing the same. day previous. If this idea had not prevailed to some extent, I apprehend that the vote upon the employment of these reporters would have been somewhat different from what it was. When we come to an understanding on this point, we can vote intelligently on this subject. If the reporters can take their own time, and at their own pleasure furnish the report of our proceed-ment in committee of the whole, and ings and debates, then I am in favor also for the reason that I believe the of keeping a journal in committee of more members have considered this at once, the President shall designate the the whole; otherwise I am not, for we question, the more they must be in-member who is first to speak. RULE 10. No member shall speak more shall have, through the instrumentalclined to the opinion that this clause than twice on the same question, nor more than once until every member who chooses to ities we have employed in contracting should be stricken from the rule. with these reporters, a record of all I will only allude to a single consid-speak shall have spoken. This rule shall not apply to chairmen of committees speaking on that transpires in committee of the eration bearing upon this question. If matters reported by them. whole. I am desirous to avoid the gentlemen will refer to the journals labor and expense of repeating upon of the House of Representatives, a the journal the record of these pro-members as this Convention, they will body comprising the same number of ceedings, believing that no good can arise from thus encumbering the jour-observe that very frequently, on taking arise from thus encumbering the jour- the yeas and nays, there are not more nal. I hope that the motion of the than 75 or 80 members voting. The gentleman from Monroe, (Mr. MORTON,) will be adopted. probabilities are that the same will be the case in this Convention. The arMr. MORTON. As I understand guments adduced yesterday in support the matter, our reporters are under of this motion seem to me to have contract to report all our proceedings great force. I hope that the amendin full, in committee of the whole as ment will prevail. well as in the Convention-to record the various propositions offered and the discussions that may take place upon them. In their report, therefore, we shall have a full and perfect record of the proceedings in committee of the whole. As I understand the contract, and I would like to be corrected if I am in error, the reporters are bound to furnish the proceedings complete from day to day, if the printer can print them so rapidly. We shall then have the reports as fast as we shall have our The PRESIDENT. The Chair is of tion to a direct vote upon amendments, if any The question was taken on the amendment; and on a division-ayes 14, noes 42, it was not agreed to. The motion of Mr. BIRNEY, that the whether the Chair construes the pres- Journals. Why, then, is there any the opinion that by the adoption of The rules as finally adopted are as RULE 1. The President shall take the Chair at the time to which the Convention stands RULE 2. Upon the appearance of a quorum, RULE 3. After the reading of the Journal of the preceding day, the order of business shall be as follows: 1. Presentation of Petitions. RULE 12. After a motion has been stated Such by the President, it shall be deemed to be in RULE 13. When a question shall be under debate, no motion shall be received but the following, to wit: 1. To adjourn; 2. To lay on the table; 3. For the previous question; 6. To amend; 7. To postpone indefinitely; dence in the order in which they stand Which several motions shall have precearranged. RULE 14. A motion to adjourn shall alway be in order; this, and the motion to lay on the table, shall be decided without debate. RULE 15. The previous question shall be in this form: "Shall the main question be of the members elect, its effect shall be to put now put?" And if demanded by a majority an end to all debate, and bring the Conven are pending, and then upon the main quesunder consideration, as the Convention may direct. tion, which shall be the section or article RULE 16. All incidental questions of order, question, during the pendency of such moarising after a motion is made for the previous tion, or after the Convention shall have deter mined that the main question shall now be put, shall be decided, whether on appeal or otherwise, without debate. RULE 17. Petitions, memorials, and other papers addressed to the Convention, shall be presented by the President or a member in his place, with a brief statement of the contents, and the name of the member presenting the same endorsed thereon. RULE 18. When the President is putting across the house; nor when a member is speaking, shall any person entertain any private discourse, or pass between him and the Chair. Mr. PRINGLE. I rise for the pur-read by the Secretary, unless otherwise order- the question, no member shall walk out or pose simply of stating, in response to the remarks of the gentleman from Monroe, (Mr. MORTON,) what is the contract with the reporters. It is contained in the resolution adopted on Friday last, which provides that they are to "employ all needful assistance, and to supply the printer with copy as fast as he may be able to use it." The question was taken on the amendment of Mr. MORTON, and on a division—ayes 17, nays 38-it was not agreed to. 2. Reports of Standing Committees. 4. Communications from State Officers. RULE 19. If the question in debate contains several propositions, any member may have the same divided. RULE 20. A member called to order by the Chair, shall immediately take his seat unless permitted to explain, and the Convention, if appealed to, shall decide the case. If there be no appeal, the decision of the Chair shall be submitted to. On an appeal, no member shall speak more than once without leave of to order for offensive language, there shall be the Convention, and when a member is called 8. Special Orders of the Day. RULE 34. A majority of the members elected shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a less number may adjourn from day to day. RULE 21. When the Convention shall have reached the general orders of the day, they shall go into committee of the whole upon such orders, or a particular order designated by a vote of the Convention; and no other RULE 35. Every article shall receive three business shall be in order until the whole are several readings, previous to its being passed; considered or passed, or the committee rise; and the second and third readings shall be on and unless a particular subject is ordered up, different days, and the third reading shall be the committee of the whole shall consider, on a day subsequent to that in which it has act upon or pass the general orders, accord-passed a committee of the whole, unless the ing to the order of their reference. In form- Convention, by a vote of two-thirds of the ing a committee of the whole, the President members present shall otherwise direct; and shall appoint a chairman to preside. no article shall be declared adopted without RULE 22. Propositions committed to the the votes of a majority of all the members committee of the whole, shall first be read through by the Secretary, and then read and debated by clauses. All amendments shall be entered on a separate paper, and so reported to the Convention by the Chairman, standing in his place. RULE 23. The rules of the Convention shall be observed in the committee of the whole, so far as they may be applicable, except that the yeas and nays shall not be called, nor the previous question enforced. The Convention may at any time, by a vote of the majority of the members present, provide for the discharge of the committee of the whole from the further consideration of any subject referred to it, after acting without debate on all amendments pending, and that may be offered. RULE 24. A journal of the proceedings in committee of the whole shall be kept as in Convention. RULE 25. A motion that the committee rise shall always be in order, and shall be decided without debate, and if decided in the affirmative, the Chairman shall report the action of the committee, either upon the article or section or sections had under consideration, as the committee of the whole shall direct. RULE 26. All questions, whether in committee or in the Convention, shall be put in the order they were moved, except in the case of privileged questions. Where a blank is to be filled, and different sums or times shall be proposed, the question shall be first taken on the largest sum or the longest time. RULE 27. No motion for reconsideration shall be in order, unless within three days after the decision proposed to be reconsidered, took place. A motion for reconsideration being put and lost, (except in the case of privileged motions,) shall not be renewed on the same day. elect. RULE 36. No article shall be committed or amended, until it has been twice read, in whole or by its title, as the Convention shall direct; and every article reported upon by a committee, shall be referred to the committee of the whole, placed on the general order, and printed. RULE 37. When an article shall have reached the order of third reading, it shall be referred RULE 38. The several articles, after their LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Mr. HARRIS. I move that the gentleman from Marquette, (Mr. INGALLS,) be excused from attendance to-day. The motion was agreed to. PUBLICATION OF THE DEBATES. Mr. MORTON. It is necessary that the printer should be notified as soon as possible in what form the debates shall be published; and in the absence of the chairman of the committee on printing, I have been instructed to present the following report: "The Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the resolution to recommend the form and manner in which the proceedings RULE 28. Any member having voted with and debates shall be published, report in the majority, may move a reconsideration; and a motion for reconsideration shall be de-book form in the Congressional Globe, and and a motion for reconsideration shall be de- favor of the form of the debates published in cided by a majority of votes. recommend the adoption of the same. E. G. MORTON, Acting Chairman.” The report was adopted. RULE 29. All orders, resolutions and motions, shall be entered on the Journals of the Convention, with the name of the member moving the same. RULE 30. No rule of the Convention shall be suspended, altered or amended, without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. REGULATION OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. ANNUAL SESSIONS OF THE LEGISLATURE. Mr. MUSGRAVE offered the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That the Committee on the Legislative Department be requested to inquire into the expediency of amending the Constitution so as to require annual sessions of the Legislature. UNIFORM SYSTEM OF TAXATION. Mr. PRATT offered the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That the Committee on Finance. be instructed to inquire into and report upon the expediency of abolishing all specific taxes and adopting a uniform mode of taxation. BOARD OF RAILROAD COMMISSIONERS. Mr. PRATT offered the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That the Committee on Corporations be instructed to inquire into and report tions be instructed to inquire into and report upon the expediency of appointing a Board of Railroad Commissioners, whose duty it shall be (among other things,) to protect the public against illegal and unequal rates of tare and freight charged by railroad companies, and to secure the running of mail trains so as to accommodate the public. LEGISLATIVE CONTROL OF CHARTERS. Mr. PRATT offered the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That the Committee on Corporations be instructed to inquire into and report whether the Convention have the power to authorize the Legislature to amend or repeal charters granted by them. BOARD OF AUDITORS OF WAYNE COUNTY.. Mr. W. A. SMITH offered the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That the Committee on Counties be instructed to inquire into the expediency of providing for an appeal from the decisions of the Board of Auditors of the County of Wayne. CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE OF FIFTEEN. Mr. BURTCH. I offer the following resolution: this Convention be submitted to the CongresResolved, That the Constitution adopted by a copy thereof to be addressed to Hon. Thadsional Committee of fifteen for their approval, deus Stevens, chairman of said committee. Mr. SHEARER. I submit the fol- tion of order. lowing resolution: Kesolved, That the Committee on the Judi cial Department be instructed to inquire into Mr. NORRIS. I move that this resolution be referred to the committee on miscellaneous business. Mr. BLACKMAN. I rise to a quesI submit that this resolution is not in order, because it proposes to refer our Constitution to a committee entirely outside of this Convention, and over which the Convention has no control. RULE 31. Upon a call of the Convention, the names of the members shall be called by the Secretary, and the absentees noted; but no excuse shall be made until the Convention shall be fully called over; then the ab ́sentees shall be called the second time, and if still absent, excuses may be heard, and if The PRESIDENT. The Chair is of no sufficient excuse be made, the absentees may, by order of those present, if there be the opinion that the point of order is Mr. President, I have found, in my well taken. fifteen members present, be taken into cus- little experience in the legislation of tody wherever found by the Sergeant-at-this State, that too many questions of Arms. Mr. MUSSEY. I would inquire of RULE 32. The rules of parliamentary prac- minor importance and altogether local the gentleman from Eaton, (Mr. tice comprised in Jefferson's Manual, shall in their bearings, are regulated by the BURTCH,) whether he means Thaddeus govern the Convention in all cases to which they are applicable, and when they are not Legislature. Matters relating to the inconsistent with the standing rules and local interests of the different cities RULE 33. The yeas and nays shall be taken and counties can be better regulated orders of this Convention. upon any question, whenever demanded by by the municipal authorities than by The resolution was adopted, Stevens or Thaddeus Smith. The latter is a member of this Convention. Thaddeus Stevens perhaps would not want to trouble himself about our small matters. Mr. BURTCH. Mr. President, I will reply that "the gentleman from |