The debates and proceedings of the Minnesota Constitutional Convention for the Territory of Minnesota, to form a state Constitution preparatory to its admission into the Union
Saint Paul: George W. Moore, printer, 1858. 8vo, pp. 7, [1], xviii, [3], 10-624; stain on the last 5 leaves not affecting legibility; title page toned; all else good and sound in full contemporary sheep, red and black leather labels on spine. Debates and proceedings of the Republican wing of the Convention (there was also a separate volume for the Democratic wing) to make Minnesota's state constitution. A tempestuous battle had ensued over which party would control the convention, as that party would dictate the provisions of the constitution, and so arrange the formation of congressional and legislative districts, that Senators and Representatives in Congress would be of that party's faith. The political control of Congress might depend on the outcome in the new state of Minnesota, and so the whole country became interested in the election of delegates to Minnesota's Constitutional Convention. Agreement between the two parties could not be reached and thus two separate conventions were convened. "The two conventions met daily. Their proceedings were uniformly orderly, dignified, and most interesting. Various important measures, far reaching and influential in their character and nature, were proposed in each convention and some of them adopted ... In a few weeks after the rival conventions assembled, the better judgement, sound sense, and devotion to the interests of the people among the members generally asserted themselves." Private conferences were held and at last Democratic leaders conferred with leading Republicans, and on the 28th of August, 1857 agreement was reached upon the entire draft of the constitution, a printed version of which appears at the back the volume. Minnesota in Three Centuries, 1908, III, 42-48. Martin, Minnesota Imprints 194. Item #66323
Price: $375.00
