Rhode Island in the Continental Congress; With the Journal of the Convention That Adopted the Constitution. 1765-1790 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1870 Excerpt: ... so inconsistent with the spirit of a free government, that if the proposed amendment could not take place, it was proper for the Convention to recommend it as evencing their sense respecting so infamous a traffic. Many other observations were made in favor of and against this amendment, and on the Convention being called, there appeared a majority of one in favor of it. After all the amendments had been fully considered and finally voted, Mr. Marchant moved, in form, for a ratification of the Constitution. This motion was seconded by Mr. B. Bourn. Mr. Comstock immediately rose, and moved, as a previous question, for an adjournment. A very lengthy debate then ensued on the motion of Mr. Comstock. The powers of the Convention to adjourn was questioned. It was observed that the delegates.vere chosen expressly, to meet at a certain time and place, then and there to investigate and decide on the Constitution; that these were the very words of the act of government for calling a Convention; and the same language was used by the several towns in the appointment of their delegates; that the power to investigate and decide at a certain time, did not imply a power to adjourn; that the delegates being thus elected for the express purpose of deciding on the Constitution, that it was the expectation of the people, that the question for its ratification or rejection should then be taken. Moreover, upon a motion for an adjournment, it was carried in the affirmative by a majority of thirteen. Gov. Bradford then proposed that the adjourment should be to the last Monday in March. In favor of this motion, it was observed, that the adjournment proposed would afford sufficient time to lay the Bill of Rights and the amendments before the people for their consideration, and that ...