be pu

in debate. Any person, not a member, may nished for disorderly or contemptuous behaviour to the house by imprisonment during twenty-four hours. Bills may originate in either house, subject to alteration, amendment, or rejection by the other.

The doors are kept open during the sitting, except when the house requires secrecy; and one house cannot adjourn for more than two days without the consent of the other. Vacancies are filled by writs of election issued for this purpose. No senator or representative can be elected to any civil office which shall have been created, or the emoluments thereof increased, during the time for which he is elected. The power of impeachment is vested in the house of representatives, in which a majority of all the members must concur in criminal or state cases. The senate has the right of trial; and no person can be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the members. All civil officers are liable to impeachment for misdemeanour in office, and after removal therefrom to trial according to law. The supreme executive power is vested in a governor, chosen for the term of two years, by the same persons who elect the members of the general assembly. He is not eligible for more than six in eight years; he must be thirty years of age, a citizen of the United States, and an inhabitant of this state four years next preceding his election. The governor has power to grant reprieves and pardons after conviction, except in cases of impeachment; to fill up vacancies in office during the recess of the assembly, by granting a commission which expires at the end of the next session of the legislature,

and to convene the assembly by proclamations on extraordinary occasions. He is commander-in-chief of the army and navy, and militia of the state, except when called into the service of the United States.

Judiciary.-There is a supreme court, court of common pleas for each county, besides justices of the peace. The first is composed of three judges, elected for seven years, who annually hold a court in every county. This tribunal, from which there is no appeal, has original jurisdiction in all capital offences, and in civil cases, when the matter in dispute exceeds 1000 dollars. The court of common pleas, composed of a president and three associates, also elected for seven years, has jurisdiction in all cases cognizable by a court of chancery, and has concurrent jurisdiction with the supreme court when there is question of land-titles, or when the sum in controversy exceeds 1000 dollars. All the judges are elected by the general assembly, and one less than the number of each court constitutes a quorum. Those of the supreme court, by virtue of their office, are conservators of the peace throughout the state. The president of the court of common pleas has the same authority within the circuit, while that of the judge of the court of common pleas is confined within the limits of the county. The judges cannot hold any other office during the time for which they are elected; and are prevented from receiving any other compensation, fees, or perquisites, than that which the laws have established. The clerk of each court is appointed by a majority of the judges for the term of seven years, and is removeable for breach of

good behaviour. The justices of the peace are chosen for the period of three years by the qualified electors of each township; and their jurisdiction extends to cases in which the amount is seventy dollars, or even where the amount is 200 dollars, with the consent of parties. Their number in each township is fixed by the court of common pleas. In that of Cincinnati there are generally three. In each county there is a sheriff and coroner elected by qualified members of assembly for the term of two years. Officers of towns and townships are chosen annually by the inhabitants. The state treasurer and auditor are appointed every three years by a joint ballot of both houses of the legislature. The judiciary officers of the United States. for this state are, a judge, with a salary of 1000 dollars; an attorney, with 200; a marshal, with 200; and a clerk, with fees.

Military Force.-The militia is organized in divisions, brigades, regiments, battalions, and companies. Captains and officers of inferior rank are elected by persons subject to military duty in the same military district. The majors are elected by the captains and inferior officers of the battalion; and the colonels by the majors, captains, and lieutenants. The brigadiersgeneral by the commissioned officers of their respective brigades. The majors-general and quarter-masters-general by the joint ballot of both houses of the legislaThe adjutant-general by the governor. There are but six days for public exercise in the year, two in spring, and four in autumn. In 1812, the militia consisted of four divisions, each commanded by a major

ture.

general; seventeen brigades, each commanded by a brigadier-general. Forty-eight regiments, each com manded by a lieutenant-colonel commandant. In 1815, the whole militia, according to the official report presented to congress, amounted to 37,873 infantry, 176 artillery, 1138 dragoons, 2356 riflemen.

Finances. The annual salaries of the chief officers of the government, as fixed by the constitution, were to remain the same till 1818. Salary of the governor, 1000 dollars; judges of the supreme court, 1000; presidents of the courts of common pleas, 800; secretary of state, 500; auditors of public accounts, 750; treasurer, 450. Members of the legislature receive two dollars a day, and a sum not exceeding this amount for every twenty-five miles in going or return. ing therefrom. *

* In July 1817, the prices at Cincinnati were:

Internal Government.-Towns are incorporated by the legislature of the state; and are formed into wards, in each of which trustees are elected for a limited time, who appoint the mayor, recorder, clerk, and treasurer,

French and Port wine, sugar, tea, and coffee, dearer than in

England; woollen and cotton goods very dear, *