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Letter to Editor
September 9, 1768
The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
In a 1768 letter to the New-Hampshire Gazette, 'PUBLICUS' from Portsmouth advocates for the provincial assembly to print their journal sessionally and establish a public gallery in the assembly room for constituents to observe debates, promoting transparency and accountability. He cites Rhode Island's open practices as a model.
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To the Publishers of the New-Hampshire Gazette.
Gentlemen,
The Representatives of this Province, now convened, have received a Petition from a Number of their Constituents, requesting them to use their best Influence that the Journal of the Assembly may be printed, from Session to Session, which we are told will be done with all convenient Speed : At the same Time another Subject equally interesting to the whole Community, was strongly recommended to their Consideration, viz. Setting a-part a convenient Place in the Assembly Room for a Gallery; under proper Restrictions, that every Constituent may hear the public Debates -- This we hear has been mentioned, but opposed by some of the Members from the Country.
The Petitioners for these Measures never once entertained a Doubt or Distrust that any of the present Members were wanting of Capacities, or were ever under the Influence of others ; but were induced to this Recommendation, from a Suggestion, that the Path of many an honest Senator, may be made to appear plain, by advising with such of his Constituents who might occasionally be admitted to hear the Debates, who might otherwise grope in Darkness on many critical Subjects, hastily controverted in the wisest Assemblies.
It has been said, that every Constituent has an inherent Right to be admitted into the House, so that thereby they may form a Judgment of the Integrity, Honesty and Capacities of their Substitutes ; and this is so warmly contended for in the Government of Rhode-Island, that even transient Travellers have free Access into the Assembly's-Room--tho I cannot justify this Condescension upon the same Principles of Right, that a Constituent has, yet it discovers such a manly, open and disinterested Conduct, as shows, that they are willing all the World should canvass their political Disputes; and so convince the Public of their firm Attachment to their Duty and Trust, and that they are not under the baneful Influence of the designing few.--It is to be wished, this Application might be received, and the Inclinations of many Constituents gratified.
Portsmouth, Sept. 7, 1768.
PUBLICUS.
Gentlemen,
The Representatives of this Province, now convened, have received a Petition from a Number of their Constituents, requesting them to use their best Influence that the Journal of the Assembly may be printed, from Session to Session, which we are told will be done with all convenient Speed : At the same Time another Subject equally interesting to the whole Community, was strongly recommended to their Consideration, viz. Setting a-part a convenient Place in the Assembly Room for a Gallery; under proper Restrictions, that every Constituent may hear the public Debates -- This we hear has been mentioned, but opposed by some of the Members from the Country.
The Petitioners for these Measures never once entertained a Doubt or Distrust that any of the present Members were wanting of Capacities, or were ever under the Influence of others ; but were induced to this Recommendation, from a Suggestion, that the Path of many an honest Senator, may be made to appear plain, by advising with such of his Constituents who might occasionally be admitted to hear the Debates, who might otherwise grope in Darkness on many critical Subjects, hastily controverted in the wisest Assemblies.
It has been said, that every Constituent has an inherent Right to be admitted into the House, so that thereby they may form a Judgment of the Integrity, Honesty and Capacities of their Substitutes ; and this is so warmly contended for in the Government of Rhode-Island, that even transient Travellers have free Access into the Assembly's-Room--tho I cannot justify this Condescension upon the same Principles of Right, that a Constituent has, yet it discovers such a manly, open and disinterested Conduct, as shows, that they are willing all the World should canvass their political Disputes; and so convince the Public of their firm Attachment to their Duty and Trust, and that they are not under the baneful Influence of the designing few.--It is to be wished, this Application might be received, and the Inclinations of many Constituents gratified.
Portsmouth, Sept. 7, 1768.
PUBLICUS.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Constitutional Rights
What keywords are associated?
Assembly Journal
Public Gallery
Constituent Rights
Transparency
Rhode Island Example
Portsmouth 1768
What entities or persons were involved?
Publicus
Publishers Of The New Hampshire Gazette
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Publicus
Recipient
Publishers Of The New Hampshire Gazette
Main Argument
the assembly should print their journal and allow public access to debates via a gallery to enable constituents to judge representatives' integrity and promote transparency, as opposed by some members.
Notable Details
Petition From Constituents
Reference To Rhode Island's Open Assembly Access
Emphasis On Inherent Right Of Constituents To Observe Proceedings