Mr. Satterlee offered the following preamble and resolution as a substitute for the said resolutions:
Whereas the funds placed at the disposal of this Territory, which are requisite to defray the printing and other contingent expenses of this Council, are furnished by the general government; and there being three printing establishments in this city, applicants for the printing of the Council, each of which is ready, willing and has the ability to do the printing of the Council upon fair and equitable terms, and in the best manner; and it being heretofore the practice of the Legislative Council to divide the printing among the said several establishments; and no good reason at this time appearing why the Council should depart from said practice, and give nearly the whole of this fund, furnished by the general government, to any one printer, to the manifest prejudice of the others; a course that is aristocratical in its character, and contrary to every true principle of democracy, and of right, equity and justice: Therefore,
Resolved by the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan, That the resolution adopted on the 16th instant, authorizing the appointment of a printer for the Legislative Council at the first session of each Council, who shall hold said office until another is appointed and qualified, and shall receive such compensation for his services as shall be provided by law, be and the same is hereby rescinded; and that an equal portion of the printing, as nearly as may be, shall be given to each of the three printing establishments in this city, for a fair and equitable compensation, under the direction of the committee on printing.
Mr. Doty moved a division of the motion, so as first to take the question on the preamble.
Mr. Bacon moved to lay the whole subject on the table. The motion was lost.
The question was then taken on the preamble; and it was rejected.
The question being taken on the resolution without the preamble, it was also rejected.
The question recurring on the original resolution, the same was adopted.
Mr. Renwick moved that the Council adjourn.
The motion was lost.
On motion of Mr. Martin,
The Council proceeded to the election of a printer for the Legislative Council in the manner prescribed by the resolution this day adopted: And, thereupon,
Sheldon M'Knight was duly chosen.
A message on executive business Was received from the Governor, by Mr. Pritchette, his private secretary.
