He subsequently presented himself, accompanied by the members, to the Governor, for his approval, which was, of course, granted. The Speaker thereupon addressed the (iovernor, and, in behalf of the House, prayed ' that their words and actions may have a favorable construction ; that the members may have free access to him, and they and their servants be privileged with freedom from arrests.' The Governor having granted this request, opened the session by reading his speech to both Houses, a copy whereof was delivered to the Speaker of the Assembly. Jlessages to the Council were conveyed by one of the nieuiliers of the House, who was mot at the bar of the Council by the Speaker of that body, into whose hands the message was delivered.
All money bills originated in the Assembly, which, according to the practice of the House of Commons, allowed no amendment to be nuule thereto by the Council. Both houses were present in the Council Chamber when the Governor passed the bills sent him, on which occasion the custom was for his Excellency to ask the advice of his Council with respect to every bill. If approved, he signed them after these words, 'I assent to this bill, enacting the same, and order it to be enrolled.' The acts were thereupon i>ubliBlied in the open street, near the City Hall, New York, in the presence of the Governor and both branches of the Legislature. .\ll laws passed were subject, subsequently, to an absolute veto of the King." '