The article does not give the number of members of the Lower House,
nor does it even state what amount of population shall be held as
entitled to a member. It merely provides for the division of the
State into districts which shall contain an equal number, not of
population, but of voters. The House of Assembly does consist of
128 members.
It is then stipulated that every member of both houses shall
receive three dollars a day, or twelve shillings, for their
services during the sitting of the legislature; but this sum is
never to exceed 300 dollars, or sixty pounds, in one year, unless
an extra session be called. There is also an allowance for the
traveling expenses of members. It is, I presume, generally known
that the members of the Congress at Washington are all paid, and
that the same is the case with reference to the legislatures of all
the States.
No member of the New York legislature can also be a member of the
Washington Congress, or hold any civil or military office under the
General States government.
A majority of each House must be present, or, as the article says,
"shall constitute a quorum to do business." Each House is to keep
a journal of its proceedings. The doors are to be open - except
when the public welfare shall require secrecy.
