Alexandria Advertiser And Commercial Intelligencer

REPORT.

The committee to whom was referred the representation of the House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, Report,

THAT the first object mentioned in this representation respects the failure of an election for a member of the house of representatives for the county of Washington, in that territory.

On account of the governor's order not being received in season, the election was there held on the 15th and 16th days of August, whereas by law it was directed to have been holden on the 15th day of July. In all other respects the election is represented to have been fair, and the members chosen correct. The power of the governor to issue a writ of election is doubted, and the interference of Congress solicited.

As the members of the house of representatives of the territory, serve for two years, and unless special provision be made, the inhabitants of Washington county will have no member in the house of representatives, the first session of the general assembly, it appears to your committee expedient to authorize the governor to order an election to be held in that county, for a choice of a representative.

The second object of this representation, respects the time of holding the first session of the general assembly of the district.

By law the general assembly is to meet annually on the first Monday of December, unless by law they appoint a different day. The governor has power, on extraordinary occasions to convene the general assembly.

It was found impracticable to make the appointments of the legislative council seasonably for holding the first session of the general assembly, on the first Monday of December last; and it is represented that if an earlier time be not fixed than the first of December next, as now established by law, the appointment of a delegate in Congress from the territory cannot be made seasonably for the next congress, and it is stated that the governor will be disposed to convene the general assembly at an earlier day.

The powers of the governor being competent to the object in view, in the opinion of the committee, it would be inexpedient for Congress to interfere on the grounds suggested of a presumption that those powers will not be fairly and discreetly exercised in this instance.

The committee therefore respectfully submit to the consideration of the House. the following resolution:

Resolved, That the governor of the Mississippi territory, be authorized to cause an election to be holden in the county of Washington in that territory for the choice of a representative in the first General Assembly of the territory.