1517. CONGRESS, Convening.—
I have
carefully considered the question whether the
President may call Congress to any other
place than that to which they have adjourned
themselves, and think he cannot have such a
right unless it has been given him by the
Constitution, or the laws, and that neither of
these has given it. The only circumstance
which he can alter, as to their meeting is that
of time, by calling them at an earlier day than
that to which they stand adjourned, but no
power to change the place is given. * * *
I think * * * Congress must meet in
Philadelphia, even if it be in the open fields,
to adjourn themselves to some other place.—
To President Washington. Washington ed. iv, 73.
Ford ed., vi, 436.
(M.
Oct. 1793)
