NATURAL AND CiVlfj 



than on the influence and elections that were, 

 derived from the number of slaves in some of 

 the states : but when the debates were finished, 

 the majority of votes was for rejecting the Mas- 

 sachusetts proposals, yeas 106, nays 76.* Had 

 three fourths of the state legislatures adopted 

 the Massachusetts aimendment, there cannot be 

 much doubt, but that it would have endangered 

 the federal union ; and many, who were from 

 principle for preserving the federal compact inT 

 Its original state, were not sorry that it was not 

 agreed to by the state of Vermont. 



The common and usual business of the an- 

 nual session, was transacted with propriety and 

 expedition. Many useful bills of a private na- 

 ture were passed ; and the concerns of towns 

 and individuals were attended to with impar- 

 tiality and justice. The zealous political parti- 

 sans were neither well qualified, or very desir- 

 ous to be much engag<^d in such kinds of ne- 

 cessary or useful services. When this sort of 

 business was to be done, the politicians were 

 <juiet ; and all was calmness, diligence, and at- 

 tention in the assembly. But as soon as the 

 views and feelings of parties were involved in a 

 political pursuit or measure, all was contestj 

 partiality, and duplicity. 



Towards the close of the session an impor- 

 tant and serious inquiry was proposed, Whether 

 the judges of the supreme court had not in cer- 

 tain cases taken fees Xvhfch were not allowed by 

 law ? A committee of three members were ap- 

 pointed to state facts, and make report. Of 

 this committee it was understood that one 



♦ Psgc 161. 



