Vermont Phœnix

VERMONT PHENIX.

Friday Morning, Oct. 19, 1838.

Our Legislature, as will be seen by the report of proceedings in another column, commenced its session on Thursday of last week. There are 245 towns in the state, each entitled to a representative. Two hundred and twenty-six members of the House were present; and all the Senators except one. A Whig Speaker of the House was elected by 68 majority. The actual Whig majority for Governor as appears by the report of the Canvassing committee was, 5,507; last year 4,522; Whig gain nine hundred and eighty-five. There were 3,971 more votes cast this year, than last.

A resolution has been passed unanimously by both Houses, instructing the Judiciary Committee to report a bill abolishing imprisonment for debt. Such a bill will probably pass, at the present session. The Governor speaks favorably of it in his Message. Memorials in favor of an act prohibiting the sale of ardent spirits, seem to be pouring in from all parts of the state. They are referred to a select committee of one from each county, of which Mr. Fairbanks of St. Johnsbury, is chairman.

One more Whig representative from this county. It will be recollected, that Dummerston was reported to have made no choice of representative to the Legislature, at the late election. After balloting, as was supposed unsuccessfully, till near midnight the meeting was adjourned. On examining afterwards the poll book however, it was found that a mistake intentional or unintentional, we will not say which, had been made, and Clarke Rice, a sound Whig was ascertained to have been elected. The Constable, who is the presiding officer at such meetings, we understand is a Loco Foco. The member elect has been furnished with his credentials, and has doubtless taken his seat.