Richmond enquirer. [volume], February 21, 1832, Image 3

About Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867

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Jbr thatn, I think I can vonturo to promise that 1 will not
* shortly, if over, trouble you again.
1 am aitk at heart on all of tlieno matters—and shall
endeavor, for my own sake, to keep quiot a* I can—es
pecially as I fear my old-times' notions do not keep pace
with the “ march of tnind" of the present day. A. II.
Virginia lartfislaturt*.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES. “*
Wednesday, February laf.
IPtECH Or MB. HHtCE ON IMPRISONMENT KOH DKIIt.
Mr. Bryce,of Frederick, rose for the purpose ol asking
that the subject be referred to a Select Committee. In
doing so, he disclaimed any intention to reflect upon the
very respectable committee to which it had been original
ly referred. Hut ho was well aware ol the multilaiious
duties which had been from time to time imposed by this
House, upon the Committee ol Courts of Justice; and he
was fearful that, in the discharge of those duties, that
Committee had not been -able to give to the subject that
mature and deliberato investigation, which its importance
demands.—Mr. B. did not intend, at this time, to go into
a detailed argument on the merits ol this subject.—But
he felt it duo to himself to take this opportunity of de
claring his conviction, that the abolishment of imprison
ment for debt, is no witifand impracticable proposal. It
is one, for which, said Mr. B., the public mind, in its pre
sent high ami elevated feeling, was already prepared—it
• is one, which was dictated by every principle of humani
ty—it is one which uccords fully with the genius and spi
rit of our Constitution—it is one, the adoption of which,
by the Legislature ol Virginia, would do infinite honor
to the State, and would be hailed abroad as the most glo
rious era in the history of our civil jurisprudence. Sir,
said Mr. B., imprisonment for debt is but a Legislative en
croachment upon that ancient and valuable inheritance,
the Common Law of England—that beautiful and efficient
system of jurisprudence, which is universally admitted to
be founded upon the purest principles of reason and ra
tional liberty—that splendid edifice of legal architecture,
symmetric in all its proportions, and perfect in all its parts
—erected by the wisdom, and consecrated by the experi
ence of ages, upon the great and immutable basis of right,
justice and common sense. Introduced first, by the British
Parliament, in the reign of Henry the Third, not for the pur
pose ol bcncliltiug the great mass of the community—to
whose welfare alotto the Legislature should look, in the
enactment of all laws affecting tho liberty or the property
of the citizen—but lor the benefit and protection of the
favoured class, the Lords and Barons. With us, Sir, I
thank my God, there is no favoured class—no Lords—no
Barons, in this our own native land, where the star-span
gled banner waves in all the pride of triumph, “O’er the
land ot the free and the home of the bravo,” there can be
no necessity lor such a system of partial legislation.
The first extension of this accursed innovation was in the
reign of Edwjrd the First, and was intended to embrace
within its provisions alone, the mercantile interest which
seems at an early period of English Government, to have
attracted tho kind and peculiar attention of its Legislature,
and was accordingly entitled the Statute of Merchants.—
Anil it was not until the reign ol Henry the r.ighlh, that
It was extended to all eases ot contract, debt, detenue and
trover. It is true, Sir, that this barbarous practice had ex
isted in the ancient republics of Greece and Home; but Ijio
dcvclopeinents made by their historians, demonstrate that it
is an evil which, in a free Government, must sooner or la
ter be eradicated Irom the system. Sir, do you doubt the
fact, I need only refer you to the history ol Mons Sacrc—
I need only direct your mind’s eye to the crowd of Roman
citizens, retiring from the environs of their native city, the
proud and potent mistress of the world—now the land of
lost gods and god-like men—and rallying around those
standards they had sworn never to desert, and which had
been placed upon the sacred mound by the hands of I.ici
nitis Hclluttis, and enquire why all this commotion, why all
this disaffection to the constituted authorities? The an
swer is to he found in the authority which the law gave
the creditor to imprison his debtor. Sir, they were amus
ed by a simultaneous emanation of indignation at the treat
ment received from their creditors; they did not believe
that the punishment imposed upon them, comported with
the dignity and magnanimity of Roman citizens; and they
formed the noble purpose—the solemn determination—-of
eradicating imprisonment for debt, from the organization of
a Government which professed to be free. The body poli
tic, like the body corporeal, requires an occasional purga
tion, in onler that the latent seeds of disease may be re
moved, and the system permitted to return to the vigor and
elasticity ot health; and all radical diseases require prompt
and energetic remedies. The fund upon which execu
tions shall operate, is clearly and incontestibly a regulation
of a civil character, subject to the absolute and uncon
ditional control of the Legislature; and it is clearly within
its power to contract or extend that fund to suit the
views and meet the demands ol those whom they represent.
And in a Government like ours, where every stream flows
from one common fountain—where the people is the only
source from whence all power emanates, and public opin
ion th« great master wheel which sets the whole machine
ry in motion; the relation of debtor and creditor is not only
one of the most important, hut one of the most delicate and
difficult branches of legislation, and should be regulated
upon principles the most just and equitable. In the re
covery of all debts and enforcing oi contracts, all harsh
^ and sudden means should be restrained by a spirit of lib
erality and forbearance towards the debtor, whilst the
rights, the interests and the safety of the creditor should
be guarded with the utmost vigilance and precaution. It
is, therefore, a matter of no inconsiderable importance to
the citizens of this Commonwealth, that we should deter
mine in our legislative capacity, whether it is more conso
nant with the rights of the debtor, (for I am one of those
who beligvc debtors bavc rights,) and accords more hilly
with the interests ot the creditor, that executions for the
payment ot debt shall be directed against the whole pro
perty of the debtor, with a view to have it converted into
money, and the price paid to the creditor; or whether the
execution should he directed against the person oi the
debtor, for the purpose of compelling him to provide more
speedily and effectually the means of payment; or to yield
up his liberty to a haughty and unfeeling creditor. To
the first of these propositions l give a most hearty and
unqualified approbation: to the latter, a most positive and
unequivocal opposition. 1 conceive, Sir, that contract is
founded upon confidence and upon property. I conceive
that reason and justice deny to the creditor the l ight to
enslave his debtor; and I humbly apprehend that properly
is the only fund upon which contract can rightly operate.
II this lie true, take the property, of whatsoever species,
whether real, personal, or mixed'—whether in possession
remainder, or reversion—because il is this which has ere,
ated that confidence, upon the faith of which the debt
was permitted to tie contracted: hut in the name of
every thing which is dear to freemen, spare the liber
ty ami protect the person of the unfortunate debt
or. Mr. Speaker, I never sec an unfortunate citizen led
captive to the debtor’s prison, that 1 do not mourn o’er the
degradation ol my native Slate. I never witness the appal
ling spectacle, that I do not ask how long are the people
to be mocked with the appellation of sovereigns of the land,
if a citizen, who, by the force of circumstances over which
ho can have no control, is thus at the whim of an heart
less usurer, or the caprice of a merciless creditor, to he con
verted into a slave, and deprived ol all the various bles
sings ot freedom, ol country, and of friends? How long
are we to bo denominated a free and happy people, when
if is within the power of any citizen, without even prima
facia evidence ol debt, or the slightest imputation of fraud,
to demand that Ins fellow-citizen find surety to answer his
demand, no matter how unreasonable—no matter how un
just? Sir, I am free lo admit, that if tlie party against
whom the requisition of hail is made, he a wealthy citizen,
that the demand is merely nominal. Hut suppose, ns is too
frequently the case, lie be a poor but honest man, with a
large ami helpless family dependent upon his own exer
tions lor support, how altered is tho slate of affairs? Sir,
we all know, and should lament the fact, that if no kind
friend he at hand possessed of sufficient wealth to cover
the demand, the unfortunate victim is to he dragged by
tha Sheri(1 from the fond embrace of bis wife and the prat
tle of little innocents, to be immured in the wall of a pri
son-house, there to commune with llic corrupt and degraded
perpetrators ol every species of crime, until he yields to a
demand which lie knows in many instances to he unjust,
in order that he may he permitted to return to his anxious
and distressed family, or to remain in confinement until his
cause undergoes the slow and tedious process of legal in
vestigation. Whal a scene for the contemplation ’of an
honorable mind!—Hut, during the confinement of the hus
band and the father, what becomes of the wife, the part
ner of his misfortunes, and his children, the offspring of
their mutual affection?
Sir, they are to be turned adrift, with no roof to shelter
them from the impending storm—with no bed whereon to
repose—and no food fo allay the pangs of hunger_save
what the cold and pitiless charity of the world thinks pro
per to bestow—
* < nmlnmnnl n pinr.y Ii-m hnrrnn path to loam.
'* Beornrd by tho worlil, nnd loft without ■ homo.*'
And tins, loo, in a government, whose wise and compre
hensive policy profiles lo remove llio OtliotH distinction
ol rank, and increa.to the hum of human happiness, by
rendering llio poorest citizen sensible of his valtie in llie
community which t!»rows open every portal, and invite*!
to its asylum the oppressed of every clime. I would to (»od,
Htr,that tins was a mere fiction—a picture drawn in the
vivid colour* of the imagination, instead of being verified
hy tho mieery which too many unfortunate citizens en
dure instead of being one of the many disgraceful rcali
ties, concomitant upon imprisonment for debt. For my
self, Sir, I am prepared to -trike at this whole system a fa
talblow, winch shall crush it Into atoms, and bury it in
oblivion. Sir, as one of the representatives of Virginia, I
would announce to my constituents and to the world the
arrival of a jubilee which should, not like that which’ Was
enjoyed by Judea, in by gone times—returned only with
every fiftieth year—but a jubilee which should he coeval
with the rising of this Legislator*!, and co extensive w ith
all time, which should enable the debtor in Virginia, by
honest exertions, and a noble spirit of enterprise, to buffet
the storms of advcr«ity, to smile at the. frowns of fortune—
to burst in sundertha chains which his evil genius may
have wrought about his devoted head—and walk abroad
in the strength and confidence of liberty—rejoicing that
(Iiougli deprived of proporty, ho U (till a uitizeu of Virgi
nia, and free.
Sir, said Mr. B., I assure you, in llio sincerity of my
heart, tliat I have trespassed lunger upon the indulgence
ot the House than I had intended when I rose to submit
this motion—for so doing, I crave pardou, and hope they
will attribute the intrusion to the deep interest and in
tense anxiety which 1 loel upon this subject—and 1 shall
be gratified il itscouitcsj shall extend to mo the reference
which 1 ask.
Thursday h'tb. Id.
military CAMPS OK INSTRUCTION.
I he bill to establish a camp of instruction in each Bri
gade in this Commonwealth with sundry amendments from
the Committee on the Militia, was taken up.
Mr. Kuthcrloord moved to till the blank, fixing the
month lor holding the camps, with the word “May”—
Mr Spurlock moved to iill it with the word “October.”
Mr. VVUcher rose to move the indefinite |>os!ponciiicnt
ol the Bill. He was opposed to its objects, us he believed
it would have the ellect to drive some of the best otlieers
in the State out of the service.
On motion of Mr. Zinn, the Ayes and Noes were order
ed.
Mr. (Hudson rose to express the hope that the bill un
der consideration would not be indefinitely postponed. It
was a mode of avoiding the investigation and direct deci
sion of questions, whicIHie would not approve. And yet,
lie could not deny that the present motion was entirely in
keeping with tho whole history of our legislation on this
subject, An experience and observation of several years
had convinced him that of all subjects whatever, our mi
litary system \vas the one, about which the Legislature
was most profoundly ignorant—he pretended to no excep
tion for himself—and hence our legislation on it had always
been marked with doubt and indecision.—We were never
ready to vote on any serious or important proposition in
relation to it: all were ready to denounce the present sys
tem as worse than useless, and in the process of patch
work, were ever ready to go all lengths—but whenever
any general or important modification oi the system itself
has been proposed, and especially when money formed an
ingredient of the proposition, the subject lias always been
too difficult, too little understood, and rather too expensive
tosecurc our formidable consideration. Mr. Q. remarked,
tliat lie would assure gentlemen, from all the re fleet ion
lie bad been enabled to bestow on the subject, that it was
in vain to hope lor a good or etlirient system, without in
curring some additional expence; and that such was his
anxious solicitude to make some improvement on the pre
sent miserable system, that bo had determined to vote
the passage of the present bill, provided the blanks in
it, should be filled to meet his views. He was persuaded
that its prominent provisions would meet the appro
bation of all. They contemplated a thorough and syste
matic instruction ol all the military officers of the State.
Camps of instruction were proposed at which the of
ficers of each Brigade should be convened, once a year,
for the purpose ot rigid camp discipline and dufv. for a
icrii) oi 8ix nays, and with an allowance of reasonable com
pensalion. 11« deemed it unnecessary to attempt to prove,
that in making good officers, tve should surely make good
soldiers;—this had become a maxim in military science,
practised on by all martial communities, and uncontrovert*
ed by any military man. Now, said Mr. G., I hazard
hut little in saying, that our officers would acquire more
useful, practical and scientific knowledge in six;days, un
der the proposed system, than they would under existing
regulations, in half a century. J\'ou\ we profess to have
a training in each county, once a year, of three days con
tinuance—and although I consider this decidedly the most
valuable portion of our present system, yet wo all know,
how very far short it falls of accomplishing the objects of
its creation. These trainings are generally held in some
county village, near tho centre of the county—about an
average of fiften miles from the homes of the officers. At
least half come from and return home every day_
the other half, too few in number to keep alive a
military spirit, do nothing until their arrival, and the
consequence frequently is, that the entire dm/ is pass
ed with one insipid and uninstructive drill.—Adopt
the system now proposed, and you will collect at
one point all the military science and spirit of a brigade
\ ou will excite ambition and inspire the desire of distinc
tion. You will arouse the drooping, military spirit of the
country. \ our military offices will be sought with avidi
ty: the talents and intelligence of the country will assume
a military cast! tho cjiuililicatious ami pretensions of every
military man will be well known and duly appreciated:
our highest military offices will be surely filled by our
most talented military men—because the country will
know and graduate the claims of contending candidates.
It w ill render the system of tactics in each brigade, at
least (which is far from being the case now) homogeneous
and uniform; and will thus produce concert and harmony
in times ol pressing emergency. Each officer will he en
abled to judge ol the nature of actual service in time of
war:—a kind of service, neither known nor understood hv
any militia officer in the State, who was not engaged in
the last war. All the forms and regulations of a military
eamp will t»n rigidly observed and enforced; and the life
ami duties ot a “citizen soldier*’ understood and practiced.
one can doubt that the spirit inspired in these en
campmonts will diffuso iUelf through the whole military
operations of the country. The soldier toill sympathise
with the feelings of his officers. If the one he brave, in
tcJligcnt anti jinn, the other will be true, confident anti
(earless. lint it the one he ignorant, uninformed ami un
decisivc, the other will become disorderly, negligent and
irresolute. It is the general expectation of the country,
that we shall increase the number o! company inustcrr,
and other military parades. It is wise and proper (hat we
should do so^ and he who thinks otherw isc must lie retard*
less of the history of the day in which he lives: but if
these p.it titles are to he multiplied, it peculiarly proper
that we should have well-informed officers to render them
as useful and instructive as possible. You may rail out
the militia of the county week after week, and they may
L>c ti.lined hour after hour, and if the officers commanding
them tie ignorant and uninformed as to their duties, it will
all result in “confusion worse confounded.” If it he ourreal
object to mako our military system more energetic and ef
ficient than at present, we cannot close our eyes to the
necessity of instructing our officers: common sense can
not associate the ideas of ignorant instsuetors and wise
pupils—of uninformed and undisciplined officers, and a
toell-organized,prompt and efficient soldiery.
lint the gentleman from Pittsylvania, (Mr. Witcher,)
has expressed (he opinion that this plan will rause the re
signation of all our hestand most meritorious officers. This,
Sir, is a very peculiar opinion, and the House would, no
doubt, have been gratified, had the talented an ingenious
gentleman given at large his reasons for such an opinion.
II the opinion he correct, the operations of the human mind
must, in the future, vary materially from those of (ho
past. If there lie any thing in the hill mortifying to mili
tary pride, detractive ot military glory, repugnant to the
impulses of chivalry or ambition, I have been unable to
detect them. The gentleman may, however, think that
it imposes pecuniary sacrifices, which many cannot sus
tain. It he does, I hope a little reflection will induce him
to change the opinion. The bill, in this aspect, is pecu
liarly unexceptionable, and, in this respect, differs from
the most of our laws, in “pari materia*'—Hy the exist
iug laws, the officers, both rich and poor, arc required to
attend an annual training, for three days, at a considerable
distance from home, at their mini expense. The hill un
der consideration proposes to call them from home, but six
days i|i tlie year, and to pay tlieir reasonable expenses du
ring the time. The season of the. year at which the en
campments would meet, would of course bo the most fa
vorable for the purpose, and the mode of subsistence tho
most simple and economical: and I should hold in low es
timation tho military spirit and character of any officer
who won Id not willingly make some individual sacrifice
for (lie public welfare. I am persuaded, that the gen
tleman’s apprehensions arc not well-founded. My own
opinion is, that there is but one class of officers, whom this
hill would cause to resign—those, namely, Sir, who by
the te-,t of comparison, would discover their total unfitness
and inability for military office, and who would retire,sim
I’ly because they could not advance—and tho gentleman
from P. will agree with me in thinking, that tho with
drawal of such as these, would inflict no serious injury on
the public service. J J
I am really unable to discover any well founded objee
tion to the bill, except tin? expense which is necessary to
carry it into execution. I his is an objection, and a serious
one; but it will not deter me from making an experiment
of the measure for a few months; and should the misgivings
which I now feel on this branch of the suldoet, be realised,
I will hereafter, should I be in public lift*, most frankly
retrace my steps. Sir, it is the veriest fatuity for us to rest
contented under our present system. It must not bo. It
is totally destitute of all energy and utility; and yet there
is no one here, who may dare say—either looking abroad
or at borne—how soon it may not be necessary for us to
call into requisition all the military resources and energies
of the State. No system can, at the same time, be useful
and cost nothing—and surely, gentlemen who object to
this bill on that account, would but be doing their duty by
presenting to us some other plan, equally efficient and
more cheap. I am free to admit, that this scheme is ex*
pensive, ft will require an annual appropriation of about
nineteen (housiuid dollars. As a consequence ofits adop
tion, however, (ffid of other measures connected with it.
I we may confidently anticipate a considerable increase of
j the militia fund from fines, penalties, fee.; and I feel jus
| *jhed In advancing the opinion, that an additional appropria
tion ol .^<12,000 to that at present made, will carry it into
succesful Operation. Would not a wise, and cffnici f mili
: tia system, he worth to Virginia, twelve thousand dollars a
yea i? that is the question.
Mr. Witcher agreed that the present militia system was
j defective; and lie would admit that the House was verv
ignorant on the subject: Hut their ignorance had not
been displayed by the rejection of the many hills which
I had been introduced to their consideration. He would
j ask if every session some law upon the subject had not
j been passed, and whether the system, after all this legis.
j lation, was as perfect now as it was in 1811? And if it
j was not—and he thought on that head there could be no
j difference of opinion—were they to goon legislating upon
the subject, pafrbing up a bad system, and rendering it
'worse with each progressive effort? He did not agieo
wi(h lh« gentluman from Brunswick u to tlia effect of tho '
bill, lie says that instead of four days, sorrier, as nt
present, six are required, llut lie did not consider that
these officer* would, in many instances, have to travel two
hundred miles. Mr. W. believed, audit was the opinion
also of his constituents, that the present system was dc
fectivc: but he looked to the abolition of musters as the
cause of the defects; as the men were not called out.
lie did not think it necessary to give to the militia the
knowledge which they would require in war; but they
ought to have sufficient military knowledge and practice,
to enable them to act in cases of emergency, and the;*
could only be obtained in musters. The gentleman from
Brunswick has spoken of the tents which were to be
provided for the officers who were to meet in these camps,
and as they would bo a charge upon tho State, ho would
ask whether the camp equipage and all the necessary
conveniences lor a six days’ tour of service would not be
an additional expence to the State? Thero might bo many
men who were loud of parade and show, who would wil
lingly go to these camps, and fmd in the service a pleasant
recreation. But he did not believe that the substantial
men ot business the bone ami muscle of the community,
who, from possessing the confidence of the people, wore
best qualified to command them, would engage in this
plan.. I hey could not atlord to ride two hundred miles to
and from, and spend six days at these camps, for the pay
wiiich this bill entitles them to receive. The plan wotil.1
be an expensive one, and lie could not perceive any good
to bo produced by it. lie, therefore, moved the indefi
nite postponement of the bill.
On motion of Mr. Zinn.thn ayes and nocs were ordered.
*'r. Gholron said that when any great change in the
Militia System had been proposed, the House had shown
great ignorance upon the subject. But in patch-work le
gislation they had displayed, not only a facility in passing
laws, but a most Improvident disposition to supply the
place of any great measure by partial enactments. The
gentleman hum Pittsylvania was mistaken in supposing
that officers would be obliged to travel 200 miles to reach
the camps of instruction. The average distance would be
but about 50 miles. Mr. G. differed from that gentleman
in supposing that tbe officers would go to these camps for
purposes of parade and carousal. They would not he
held in the limits ol cities; but in remote places, where
there would he no objects to distract the attention of the
officers from the duties which they were called there to
perform. The gentleman had declared his preference for
musters, where the officers and men were drilled togeth
er: but they could not, in Mr. G.’s ‘opinion, be of the
slightest service, because the officers themselves knew
nothing of the service, and could therefore impart no know
ledge to the soldiers. He had heard an officer in the regular
serviccsay, that lie would rather have recruits who were
perfectly ignorant, and had never been instructed at all,
than those who had received much of this muster diill
ing. Having begun wrong, and acquired had habits,
which it is difficult to unlearn, they were liable to goon in
their original errors, almost in defiance of a more regular
system or discipline. If tho officers were thoroughly
taught they would impart their knowledge to those' be
neath them ; and my life on if, said Mr. G., make good
officers and you cannot fail of having good soldiers.
mui mu uni under consideration
proposes a radical cliaugo in our present militia system.
It provides for the entire repeal ol the existing law in re
lation to the training ol the olficers, and the establishment
ol a camp of instruction in each brigade. He was well
aware, that so important a change would have strong pre
judices and a strong opposition to encounter—an opposi
tion which he believed to be founded, in a great degree,
upon some misapprehension as to the probable expense to
which the passage of this hill would subject the Common
wealth. He hoped, however, to he able to satisfy the
House, that the expense would not He so great os was
supposed, and certainly not greater than the object in view
would justify. Public sentiment seemed to require ol the
present Legislature such changes in the law, as would
render our militia system more efficient than at present.
Recent occurrences imperiously demanded our immediate
attention to this subject. The dcfectarol the present sys
tem are universally acknowledged, and the only question
to he considered is, how shall these defects he remedied?
It appeared to the Committee, who had reported the bill,
that the most effectual mode of improving the system,
would be to provide for the organization of a competent,
intelligent, well-trained corps of officers, without which,
no system that could be adopted would be of any avail.
Mr. R. said, that the plan recommended in the bill had
not originated with the committee. It had emanated from
iiiucii higher authority. It was in a great degree the same
system which had been recommended for the adoption of
Congress, by a Hoard of Officers convened at Washington
m the year 1826, under the order of the War Department.
1 he then Secretary of War had previously addressed a
( iiettfar to the (governors and various distinguished militia
officers of the several States, lor the purpose ol obtaining
their views in relation to tho defects of the existing or
ganization ol the militia, and such remedies ns they might
think proper to suggest. Numerous communications were
addressed to the war Department upon this subject; and
it is remarkable, with what unanimity those officers con
cu in tc.£»,au.B the liresent mimtnn, nf the. militia as
worse than useless, and m urging the importance of devis
ing some efficient system for the training of the officers
I he Board of Officers, (and an able Board it was,) after
mature deliberation upon tho various communications, rc
< eived in reply to the Circular of the M ar Department,
and the sovccal plans which, from time to time, had been
submitted to Congress for the organization and instruction
of the militia, recommended the establishment of a camp
ol insti uction in each brigade ol the militia of the several
States, upon tho principles adopted in the bill now under
consideration. And although more engrossing subjects had
as yet prevented Congress from paying that attention to
tins iceoinmeudation which its importance demands, the
deliberate judgment of so enlightened a Board of Officers
upon such a subject, is certainly entitled to much consid
eration.
Mr. R. said, that tho various changes which had
been made year alter year in the militia laws, had
rendered our present system so very defective, (hat he
had the consolation of believing it would be difficult
to make it more imperfect by any farther legislation. It
had gradually become in such low repute, that in many
parts ol (lie State Commissions below the grade of
held officers, (except in the Volunteer Companies,)
were neithersought nor desired. It had been found difficult
in many regiments to procure the acceptance of commis
sions. There is at present no pride, no spirit of emulation
among the officers; and, indeed, the military spirit of the
country is nearly extinct. In many instances, the ntten*
dance of the officers at the drills is so thin, that it is difficult
lor (lie Inspector to do more than impart the elementary
principles ol the school of the soldier. The want of a suf
ficient number on h ill, renders it frequently difficult, if
not impossible, to impart any valuable instruction as to the
school ol the company, the use of guides, or the drill of the
battalion. I lie duties of guards are seldom if ever taught
—and every attempt to learn the duties ol the camp, would
of course be fruitless. 1 he officers, not expecting to lie
called on to command, have not tho necessary stimulus to
prepare themselves for the drill by previous study. Kvory
officer should lie required alternately to undertake the in
struction. 1 lie habit of command is indispensable to an of
ficer, for, fho very best drilled soldier, placed in tho
front of a platoon, may find himself at first in a very
awkward situation. By the present system, much tiuic
i* wasted during the three day’s training, by the travelling
ol trio officers each day between their respective homes
and Hie places designated for the drill. Jaded and fatigued
on their arrival on the ground, they generally feel but lit
tle inclination to continue the instruction one moment
longer than the commanding officer may think proper. In
short, it seemed very generally to he admitted, that the
present tlirdo day's training of the officers, is a matter of
httlo or no account. Mr. R. said that the plan recom
mended in the bill, would remedy all tho defects of the
existing system, to which he had adverted. The annual
assemblage in camp of all the officers ol a brigade, dm in
six successive days, fur the purpose of receiving military
instruction, could not tail to give new lile anil animation to
the officers. Every officer who should attend the camp,
would feel the necessity of previously devoting some por
tion of his time to the study of military hooks, and at least, of
such systems of tactics as may be prescribed by Congress.
I lie hill rcrjiiirea that tho duty of instruction /diall he
performed by all of the officers, alternately, from tho Bri
gadier down to the Ensign. Pride, a spirit of emulation,
the lear of mortification, would all operate as a powerful
stimulus to all holding commissions, to learn and perform
their duty. All would attend their camn well
not only to receive but to impart instruction. The most
valuable olhcers would not resign, as bail been supposed,
m consequence of the passage of this bill. On the contra
ryt (lie adoption of a system calculated (ogive consequence
and respectability to a commission, would not only enable
iis to retain in the service tho most compotcnt, but would
induce many to seek and set a value upon commissions,
wheat present could not be induced to accept them. In
competent offieers, and all who inighl not feel disposed to
take the necessary trouble Co acquire military instruction,
would indeed be compelled to resign, while none would
venture to retain or accept com missions, without at least
intending to understand and perlbrin their duty. The
number of the officers, too, who would he (Inis assem
bled, would afford opportunities which do not at pn
sent cxi«l, for having them properly and efficiently
trained m the various duties and evolutions, from the
school of the soldier lo the school of the battalion, com
prising all the duties of the camp. The encampment ot
the officers together, would also he found, on experiment,
a great economy of time. The camp would prove, in
fact, a military school, ffoing fresh fo the drill each day,
tho officers would he in a condition ami in a humour to en
counter the six hours’ drill, subdivided as it would no doubt
he, into different portions, between icvcillic and sunset.—
Om ing the hours of suspension from drill, the thoughts of
the officers being turned upon military Subjects, they
could not fail lo derive much valuable instruction from
the conversations and discussions which would tialurally
arise Tfie lime which is now frequently consumed in
travelling during each day of tho drill, between the homes
ot the officers and the place of training, and (he cares of
business which so naturally occupy the minds of men, and
divide their attention, while at or near their homes, are
objection* which wobIJ not apply to the pfau now under
discussion. Thu officer* of a whole brigade would, more
over, have an opportunity of becoming personally ac
quainted withcacii other. The capacity and reputation of
every officer would soon be perfectly understood, and cor
rectly graduated throughout the brigade. This would
provu a most important desideratum, both to the piivates !
and officers, in all future promotions; for nothing could be
more important totho character and clliciency of the mi
litia, than some proper guide to aid them in the election of
officers. The claims of candidates to promotion, fiom the
lowest to the highest grade* of commission, would then
ho decided, not by the dates of their commission*, hut
by their actual qualification**. Officers elected under such
circumstance*, could not fail to be respected and obeyed
by those under their command. The great hotly of "the
militia would leel disposed to pay attention to-the instruc
ton of officers, in whose knowledge and capacity they
could repose confidence. This confidence of the militia
in their officers, might prove vitally important tothe coun
try, it any sudden emergency should call them into tho
field. Uy the proposed system, we should have a well
trained corps of officers throughout the Slate, who, in the
hourol peril, would not find it necessary to learn their
duty, but would feel themselves ready and coui|>cicut to
impart instruction, and to assume command. A militia
commanded by such a corps of officer*, could not fail to
be efficient,—and, in a very short time, to rival even reg
ular troops. A well-touii'led confidence of the soldier in
his officer, is the main-spring of military success. It was
owing mainly to this cause, that the untrained populace of
Paris, commanded and led on by the students at the mili
tary schools, mere boys, in whose military knowledge and
capacity, however, they felt confidence, were enabled to
sustain themselves so gallantly against veteran troops, du
ring their memorable struggle of three day*, and finally to
achieve the late wonderful revolution. The same confi
dence in their officers, w ould enable our militia, if called
into the field, to serve the State with honor and eflbct.
.Mr. It. said he had heard no plausible objection urged
against tho adoption of the proposed system, except the
expense which it would involve. Ho then proceed
ed to enter into various calculations, to shew what j
that expense would be, which, niter making allowance '
lor the eo*tol tents, (estimated to last at least twelve years 1
each,) the pay and mileage of officers, tho cost of I
music, and compensation to the Quarter-masters of Bri- I
gades for the care, storage, &c. of the tents, and deduct- j
ing therefrom the present cod of training the officers, ho I
estimated at a sum less than $20,000 per annum. But, '
as it was highly probable that tho number of musters, as 1
well a* the amount of militia fines would be increased du- 1
ring 4he present session, lie anticipated such an tugnien- !
tation ol tho militia fund from lines, as would probably j
reduce the above cstimato of the increased expenditures
of the militia to about $10,000 or $12,000 per annum._'
Mr. R.said, that an objection hud been urged against the !
amount of the proposed expenditure for tents, "it is in- I
deed true, they may cost, in t»,o first instance, from $6,000
to $7,000. But, as they are estimated to last at least
twelve years, it taken good rare of, (being used only six j
days in the year,) the annual charge for tents would not
ho more than from $500 to $(500. And even should it
hereafter l»e thought advisable to discontinue the propos
ed system, alter having adopted it, the tents might not be
altogether useless. II it be advisable to arm and equip the
militia, the distribution, in convenient places throughout
the State, of the number of tents required by the bill,
nffght prove very convenient on an emergency.
3lr. J\. 8uiu that those >vho attached importanco to ha
ving at all times in the State, a well disciplined corps of
officers, ought not to object to granting them n moder
ate compensation to defray their necessary expenses
while actually engaged in tho public service. He con
sidered the estimated expense to be a very insufficient o!>- ■
jeetion to the proposed system, if the importance of the
object in view, be duly considered. The officers una
voidably incur the expense of uniform, and various con
tingent charges,—they necessarily give up a portion of
their time—encounter a great deal of trouble—assume
much responsibility—and subject themselves to heavy
lines for a failure to comply with their respcctivo duties.
All this ought not to be expected from them, withoutsoftio
remuneration for the augmented trouble, expense, and du
ties, to which the bill under consideration would subject
them. Mr. R. ronsidcred it highly' important that the
legislature should at least make an experiment of the pro
posed system. He was aware of no change which could
he made in the militia laws, so likely to produce a benefi
cial result;—and he felt well assured, that should the bill
pass, and its various provisions he faithfully carried into ef
fect, we should inn very short lime have the most respec
table and best trained corps of militia officers of any State
in the Union.
1 he question being then taken on the motion to post
pone, it was decided in the atfirmativo by the following
vote : h
Jlycs—Messrs. Ranks, (Speaker,) Grinalds, Randolph,
Booker,. Garland, McCuc, Brooke Cameron, Campbell,
o( B., Good ot B., Anderson, of B., Patteson of B., Boll
h'g. Spurlock, Rives, Daniel, Dickinson, Halyburton,
Richardson, l’atteson of C., Pendleton, Broadus, Wilson
of C.,Chilton,Stillman, Hulms, Hale ot F., Woods, Wood
°*|,*» Rryce ot K., Soldo*, Smith of O., Bryce oft;., Hail
of G. Erskine, Spencer, Bruce, Poston, Rome, Johnson,
(■ravely, Hays, Lawson, Caldwell, Poindexter, Street,
Hudgins, Goode of M., Knox, Billingsly, Vawter, Pres
ton, Leigh, Fisher, Harvey, Davis, Adams, Witcher,
Swanson, Gilliland, Miller, Zinn, Dupuy, Land, ShancN
Carter ot P. W., Hart, McVahon, Cline, .lessee, Kil
gore, Bare,',Carson, Hargrave-, Gillespie, McCoy, Keller,
Newton, Crockett, King—80.*
•A Vs—Messrs. Pcrsingcr, Wilson of B., Campbell of
B. Gholson, Shell, Rrodnnx, Jones, Ritchie, Ball, Ste
phenson, Smith of Frederick, Sims, Carskadon, Mullen,
Mayo, Jordan, Shield, Galluhcr, Berry Summers, I Jar
wood ^Carter of I.. & R., Alien, Mcllhany, Cordell, Smith
ot M. & J., Henry, Byrne, Webb, Cabell, Chnndler, Filz
hugh, Parriott, Robertson, I liner, Moore, McDowell,
Cobb, Powell, Moncure, Hutlierfoord—II.
Saturday, February 18.
The Senate have passed a hill incorporating a turnpike
road from Lynchburg to Chilton’s tavern, with amend
ments, which were agreed to:—Also, they have rejected
the hill, placing i\ illiatn Truit on the Pension list.
On motion ot Mr. Powell, leave was given to bring in
a hill to authorize the jail of the Corporation of Freder
icksburg to he used as the jail ol the Superior Court of
Law and Chancery, for the County of Spottsylvnnia.
On motion of Mr. Brodnnx the Committee of Courts of
Justice was discharged from the consideration of a resolu
tion inquiring into tHe expediency' of allowing the rent of
offices provided by Clerks ot Superior Courts; from a reso
lution to amend the law concerning insolvent debtors, so as
to allow them to retain certain articles for the support of
their families—and from n resolution authorizing shcrifls to
appoint either general orspcci.il ha fills.
Mr. Ball presented several potions of citizens of Fair
tax remonstrating against the establishment of a separate
election in that county. Mr. Dickin«on, a petition of ci
tizens of Caroline asking the establishment of a separate
election at Port Roy'al—ami a petition from other citizens
of the same county remonstrating against the establish
ment of said separate election—Mr. Lawson, a petition of
Andrew Kisheugcr and others for the passage of a law,
authorizing the sale ol certain lands.
BANK AT SCOTTSV 11,1,E AND FAUMVILJ.E.
On motion ot Mr. Randolph the hill establishing offices
of discount and deposit at Seottsvillc and Farinviilc, was
taken up [the vole oil its engrossment having been re
considered on motion of Mr. Sims, several days since.]
Mr. Randolph said it seemed that the friends of this hill
had been suspected of endeavouring to pass it through the
House by indirect means as gentlemen had complained
that it proposed to increase the capital stock outlie Bank of
Virginia 250,000 dollars. He explained the cause of this
to he, (hat although the Bank of \ irginia was willing to
establish a branhc at Seottsvillc, its capital stock was not
sufficient for that purpose. It would be remembered that1
tho capital stock of this bank had not been increased since I
1811, while a portion of its funds had bean removed to
Danville and l harlestown. Since 181 t the population of the :
State bad increased 30 per cent, and its business transac
tions had equalled that ratio. If in 1811 with a population
of 30 per cent, less than it is now, the present stock of the
bank was not considered excessive, tho addition proposed I
by this bill was not disproportionate to tlm present state of j
tilings, lie alluded to statements which nad been made
as to evils arising out of former bankimr snecula- I
Uons and attributed tho commercial disasters at (hat time,to
onr peculiar national circumstances, the existence of war,
fee. lie argued that an increase of the capital stock ot
state hanks would enable them more successfully to com
mute with the Hank of the United States, and enable the
Stato notes to expel the notes of the United States from
general circulation in Virginia; which position he sup
ported by various statements. The town of Scottsvilie
had peculiar claims to the establishment there of a branch
ot tho mother bank. The business done there was large
and increasing. During the last season 33,000 libs, of flour
was inspected there. The tobacco inspection was ano
ther branch of its business, and one hundred and fifty thou
sand dollars worth ot goods had been sent to Scottsville
within the year. Mr. Randolph made other similar stato
incuts from which he drew the conclusion that if tho esta
blishment of a branch hank at Scotlsville was not absolute
ly essential it would add much to the convenience and
contribute very much to the prosperity of the people ot
that place and its vicinity.
Mr. Preston was decidedly hostile to the hill and con
sidered it neither more nor less than a proposition to esta
blish a new hank in Virginia. While he was willing that a
hank should be established at Scottsvillc from tho capital
stock already possessed by the hank of Virginia as iu the
case of the branches at Kanawha and Danville, he was
averse to increasing the capital stock of that hank, which
would be equivalent to the establishment of a now institu
tion- Me should therefore vote against the hill.
**r Sims remarked, that in moving the rc-con*>ideratfon
of the vote for engrossing this bill, the other day, ho had
no intention of imputing any underhand measures to its
friends. ^ It was rather his own negligence which caused
him at first to overlook the fact, that the hill embraced a
principle to which hr conld not accede. He had, there
fore, moved the rc-consideration, in order to he enabled to
MOOnJ l*ix vote u«kut tiiu Lilt.
Mr. Roane believed, that if there was one subject on
which the mind!* of tho people were distinctly made up, *
it was against the multiplication of banks. They recol
lected the evils arising out of an accumulation of hank
stock a few years since, and were not disposed to extend
it. The situation of Srottsville, being nearly equi-distsnt I
(rout Richmond, Petersburg and Fredericksburg, prevent- j
c*l its suffering very great inconvenience from the want of
a bank. He hoped the bill would be rejected; and, on his
motion, the ayes and noos were ordered.
Mr. McCuesustained the hill; observing that his county *
had made a similar application, lie sigued that the ‘
change in the condition of things, since 1SIL made it ex- j
podient to increase the capital stock of the Slate banks.
At that time, tho business ol the State was by no 11103111 as
largo as at present; and many places now needed banking
facilities, where little or no business was formerly done.
Subsequently to that time, tho population of the State !
West of the Blue Ridge had increased 129,000 I
within that ju-riod and its growing business required fuel- !
lilies which were not formerly needed. The town of|
Scottsville, according to the statement ol the gentleman j
Iron* Albemarle, had strong claims for the establishment
of a branch. 'I ho amount of tho sales of produce lust year i
was 400,0t>0dollars. Air. C. alluded to the derangement
in the monied operation of tho State, which he attributed
to other causes than excess ol bank capital. The war in
this country and in Europe, and the expiring o( the char
ter of tho Bank of tho United States, leaving no check up
on the operations of tho State Banks, had their lull share
in the derangements of that period. Upon these grounds
lie was desirous that the bill might pass.
The question was then taken, and the bill was rejected
by the following vote:
.'///ex—Messrs, Randolph, AleCtie, Brooke, Campbell of
H. T Spurlock, Ilivcs, Dickinson, Pendleton, Wilson ol C.
Stephenson, Stillman, Car-kudon, Gullaher, Summers,
Lawson,Cordell, Smith of M. is. J., Hillingsly, Henry,
Vawtcr, Byrne, Kit/.luirgh, Harriott, Robertson, I liner,1
Swanson, Zinu, Moore, \l'Dowell, M’Alahon, Cline,
McCoy, King, Huthcrfoord—34.
•AW’*—Messrs. Banks, (Speaker,) Grinahls, Persinger,
Booker, Garland, Cameron, Campbell of B., Pate, Good ol ■
B., Anderson of B., Wilson of B., Gholson, Shell, Patio-1
son ol B., Bolling, Daniel, Hullyhurton, Richardson, Pst
teson of C., Broadus, Brodnax, .lone*, Ritchie, Ball, Chil
ton. Marshall, Helms, llalo of F., Wood of F., Sniilotv,
Smith ol G.,Bryce ol G.,flail ol G., Spencer, Bruac, Sims,
Poston. Roane, illiams, Johnson, M.ivo, Jordan, Shield,
Bcriv, Hays, Mcllhancy, Caldwell, Poindexter, Street,
Hudgins, Goode, Knox, Preston, Wchh, Chandler, Leigh, |
fisher, Harvey, Davis, Adams, Miller, Dupuv, I. a nil, |
Shands, Carter of l». W., Hart, Jessec, Kilgore, Bare,
Carson, Cobb, Powell, Moncurc, Hargrave, McCulloch, 1
Keller, Newton—7!).
SLAVES ANO TREK NEGROES.
The order ol the day belli*.; taken up, the Homo re
solved itself into a Committee of the Whole, on the lUII
concerning slaver, free negroes and itiulullocs (the police
hill)—which was read by sections. The amendment pro
posed by the Committee to the first section, making free
negroes who shall attempt to preach, exhort, &.c. liable for
the second offence, to transportation out of the United
States, and in case of their return, to be sold as slaves, ice.
being under consideration, it was explained by Mr. llroduax.
Mr. Witcher moved a dit ision of the question, which
was agreed to, and the motion to strike out was carried.
Mr. McCue hoped the amendment proposed by the
gentleman Irom Dinwiddio would not he adopted. As a
whole, the bill was a most extraordinary one. The pun
ishment proposed outraged, in bis opinion, every principle
ol justice and humanity. It this amendment was reject
ed lie would submit one which, lor a second ofl'.nee,
should subject the offender to imprisonment in jail, or line,
and if necessary, security for good behavior.
Mr. Broadnax said that this was not hi? amendment; but
was proposed by one of the most numerous committees of
the Houso of which lie was a member. Instead of being
of a cruel character, it proposed to mitigate the punish
ment at present authorized tor such offences, and was
much more humane than that proposed by the gentleman
from Augusta. The transportation out ot tho state of per- 1
sons convicted of having been guilty ot a second olTenco
named, was no worse treatment than so mo of the most me
ritorious free negroes in the commonwealth would receive.
As to the general character ol (ho bill, it was a congrega
tion ol tho acts from lire lleviscd Code, (o which lie refer
red the gentleman from Augusta. Those acts might he
considered inhuman; but they had been passed from time
to time. (Mr. 11. read an extract front the Governor's last
Annual Messrge to shew the ground on which the Com
mittee had acted—and several passages in previous statutes
to shew the severity of the penalties lor this offence.) It was
well known that more crime had been concocted at these
negro preachings than in any other manner. He should
he one ol the last to prevent the dispensation of correct
religious information to any class of beings. Those who
knew him best, knew that however he might err in judg
ment, he was a friend to the promulgation of true religion,
lie was fully convinced that every class ot men, from the
wildest savage to the most profound philosopher,must have
some religion. Hut if they did not receive correct informa
tion, they would have a spurious religion, which would dege
nerate into fanaticism, lie believed these meetings had been
mndo flic places of assignation for evil purposes'. It would
be perceived by the very next section it was provided,
that,although negroes were forbidden going to these meet
ings at night, they were permitted to attend worship in the
day, when some white person was present to see that no
■ evil was done. The (onner law was in every respect as
I penal and severe as this; and he thought tho latter would
be found more congenial to tho condition ol the persons to
be operated upon by it. Tho very provisions complained
of, had been in force ever since we were bom. Mr. II.
said lie knew that lie had been censured os the author of
this bill. But be called on the gentlemen of the comrnit
I tee, whose production it was, to stand by their own work,
able as the)’ were to defend it. He agreed in most of the
provisions; but lie was no more implicated in the framing
ol the bill than the other members of the committee.
-Mr.M itchcr confessed this was more a subject of feeling
than judgment with him. Ho was convinced that (lu> pre
vention of tlii.s offence had not heretofore failed for tho want
ot a remedy; hut from a want of disposition in the people
to sec Hie penalty exercised. He therefore thought it un
necessary to make the law more severe.
The amendment was adopted: Ayes 15, Noes 12.
Mr. W il.-on ot B. moved to amend the 2d section hy
striking out from the third line the words—“although lie
| or she may have a written permission &c.”—which debars
slaves from attending night meetings with or with
out suet, permit. H i should suppose the owner was the
best judge whether his slaves ought to go to these meet
ings or not.
Mr. Witcher would prefer that the 2d section should he
stricken out—It provides that no slave or free negro shall
attend a night meeting, with or without permission of the
owner, ifa slave, under a penally of- lashes—hut nl
lows their attendance at such meetings if accompanied by
their masters, or some one of his family, and permits white
preachers to give religious instruction to blacks in the day
time, and masters to omp'oy free colored persons to give
religious instruction to their slaves, Sic.
Mr. \V. would put it to every man in the House, if *
slave whom he believed fo he pious, was brought before
him as a magistrate, and convicted of having gone to a
meeting under the cirum*tanccs set forth in tins section,
whether ho would inllict the punishment—or whether it
would be done hy any magistrate in Virginia. He was
willing logo as lar as any man to put down incendiary
writings ami seditious meetings: Hut lie thought this pro
vision went too far.—He therefore moved to strike out the
section. Agreed to— Ayes 51, Noes IS.
The third section having been read, Mr. Polling moved
to strike out the concluding sentence—“it shall no! he law
ful for any master of vessel, &c. sailing to any port North
of this Stale to employ on board any slave, free negro,
Mr. If. considered this prohibition as contrary to the
Constitution of the U. S.
Mr. Now ton hoped the amendment would prevail, for
the reason that almost all tho coasting vessels in the Eas
tern portion of the State, were manned hy slaves, and
much injury would he done hy preventing their employ
ments. * J
Mr. Fisher said bis constituents were as much interest- !
ed as any in the State: hut they would rather make a sac- |
rifirc than allow their slaves to coin the north, and bring j
hack all (hose incendiary pamphlets which had caused so i
much injury to Virginia already.
Various motions to amend were offered and discussed at
great^ length, when an amendment moved by Mr. Jones
was finally adopted, confinding the restrictions fo captain
ami owners of coasting vessels, sailing to ports north os i
Baltimore. I j
On motion of Mr. Harvey, the penalty of 10Oft for '
such offe.nco was stricken out, and left blank.
Mr. Bruce moved to amend the third section in such a !
manner as to permit the free negroes of North Carolina
and this Stale to pass to and fro from Norfolk to J.cukcs
villoon the waters of the Konnoke.
Mr. W idioms moved to amend tho amendment so as to I
embrace all the navigable waters ol the Commonwealth,
which, after debale, was adopted.
Op motion of Mr. Williams the committee ro«e, and re
ported progress, and had leave to «it again.
On motion of Mr. Hives the time of meeting was rhurig |
cd from eleven to ten o’clock.
Monday, Feb. 20.
i he Senate ha« passed the hills to authorize a ferry from I
tho lor of Robert iineeborry in thu town of Point Plea uit
acrn.s the Ohio—to authorize the rebuilding and repairing !
a wharf in tho town of Tappalifimiock—md to establish ,
thefownof Brownsville In the county of Cabell. M<o,'
with an amendment, the hill authorizing a lottery for the
building an Academy at Port floyal—and they have agreed
fo the Preamble an<l Resolutions remonstrating against the
removal of the remains of George Washington beyond the
limits of Virginia, with amendment*.
•Mr. Bryce of F., said (hat tho Chairman of the Com
mittee hy whom these resolutions were reported, w . now !
absent; and he therefore moved lo lay the nuolidinus in-1
amendments on tho table.
Mr. Witcher said that the gentleman had left town,
and would not roturn for vcvwrui Jjys.—Mr. BVyco with
drew Ins motion.
The motion to lay on the table was renewed by Mr
Randolph, on the ground that these resolution* would now
bo useless—as the remains of Washington, it they were re
moved, would he disinterred Indore this reuienstrauco
coni I reach Congrcs**.
Mr. Newton considered that tho«c ratofution* were of
most importance, as a formal declaration ol the sentiments
ol this Legislature, lie theretorc hepedthutthey would
now be acted on.
.Mr. (.'allaher moved to refer the amendments to tho
s‘elect C'omrni'tee which brought in the resolutions.
1 liis motion wa«oppo«cd by Mr. ^ iller, who observer}
that too language adopted by the Senate was in some re
spects more simple and appropriate.
I he motions to lay on the table, and to refer, were re
jected.
The amendments of the Senate being before the Houser
they were further atueiuLd on motion of Mr. Miller, anil
agreed to. vkl* ok at ronsins.
Mr. Jordan moved that leave he given to biing in ;v
hill, prohibiting attorneys nt law, bom receiving the mo
ney of their clients, unless ho shall have a written order
for the same or the name ot hi< client Ire endorsed upon
the hack ot the bond, note or account.
Mr. Campbell of 11 rooko had not tho least Direction (o>
the proposition, as a la wyor, but he must, a* a member of
this House, hu opposed l > the resolution. It would ho
recollected that tins very subject was before the House
I ist year and that it proved a lirebr.md among the mem
bers. Its repetition now would have tho ellcct to proftacl
the labors of the House, with, ho believed, no prospect
ot producing any good result.
Mr. Jordan did not wish to protract the session, or throw
a firebrand among tho members. The adoption ol this
resolution could have ho such ellect. llo knew* that this
subject had been befoie the House last year, mid that fact
induced him to present it now, as it had hern much talked
over among his cousituents, who were desirous of tho
passage ol such a law.
Mr. \\ illiams hoped the resolution would he adopted.
Such a law would do no injury to the honorable part of
the profession, to which tliu gentleman Ilruoko and hiin
s< II belonged: but it would protect the people from tho
race ot pettifoggers who ueglected no opportunity of rob
bing their clients.
Mr. Campbell o! Brooke hoped the gentleman Harrison
and himsclt belonged to the honorable clu-.s of the pro—
le sion. He had staled at first, that as a lawyer he had
no objection to the proposition, and the statement was
sustained by the fact that be voted for the hill last vear
Wul he opposed (be consideration now, because it would
be an unavailing waste of (into.
The resolution was iben adopted.
On motion >d Mr. Rives, the Committee of Claims was
instructed to Inquire into the expediency of authorising
i ^,0 payment ot Samuel Hr.mslu.il, Sergeant ol Lynchburg,.
the sum ol'ftSO.&e. *
(hi motion of Mr. Il.iys, tlie Committee of Roach, &c.
ere instructed to inquire into the expediency ot piovid
'"S by law for the coiupluliuit of the road from Stauntoiir
by way ol Beverly and Weston, to the mouth of tiie Lit
Ue Iv uiawlia, according to the provisions of the act passed
Marcli G, 1824.
On motion of Mr. Bryce of F., tlic Committee f*r Court*
o! dust ice was instructed to inquire into the propriety of
amending so much ofnn act establishing Courts of Law
ami t lianccry, .is regulates the proceeding in cases of su
pursedeas.
On mo'ion of Mr. Bryce ol F., a resolution of the Coin"
uiiltec of Courts ot Justice, adverse to a resolution direct"
ing tfiat committee to inquire into the expediency of abo
lishing imprisonment for debt, was taken op.
JURISDICTION OK MAGISTRATES.
fho engrossed bill to extend the jurisdiction of Justice*
ot the Peace in this Common wealth, was read a third
time, and being on it« pa sage, Mr. Marshall moved to
amend the bill by adding to it the following rider.
Jiiul be_il further enacted, That all the provisions in this
act contained, shall be construed to extend to such cases
only \n here the subject :n controversy shall amount to
more than twenty dollars; but that in all eases where it
fshtill not <*\cced that sum, the same proceedings anil none
other, shall he haft, us arc now authorised and required by
law.
The hill was discussed on its merits—by Messrs. Wil
liams, Crockett and Sims against, ntid Mr. Knox in favor
ol its passage.
Mr. llrycc of f. opposed the passage of the hill, and
uiui ed its indefinite po tponcuicnt. This motion was dis
cussed at length—by Mr. Gholson against, and Messrs,
Bryce «>fF , C ampbell of Bedford, Fitzl.ugh, Daniel, Ran
ilolpli ami W itcher, in support of the motion, w hen the
ayes and nocs having been ordered on motion ol Mr. Ghol
son, it was decided in the affirmative by the follow ing vote;
,/i/rs- Messrs. Grinalds, Randolph, Persinger, Booker,
(■arluiul, M Cue, Diooke, Cameron, Campbell ol Bedford,
1 ate, Anderson and W ilson of Botetourt, l’uttcsoii of
Buckingham, Bolling, Daniel, Richardson, Patteson of
, uesterheld, Pendleton, Broadus, Wilson of Cumberland,
I Jones, Ritchie, Ball, Stephenson, Woods of Franklin,
I Bryce of r rederick, Smith of Gloucester, Bruce, Sims,
i ‘v,allc* V imams ol Harrison, Johnson, Sheihl, Summers,
: 11 a>'wood, Dabney, Carter of Lancaster and Richmond,
Poindexter, Street, Byrne, Chandler, Leigh, Fisher, Har
vey.i itzhugh Robertson, Witcher, Swanson, Miller,
f Dupuy, .Sbands. .Moore, M’Dowcll, |lare, Carson,
j ouell, M Culloch, Newton, Morris, Crocketf, King,
I Brown, and Rutherfoord—64. b
r Ha"k9 (SP®ok«f.) Goo,l of Berkeley,
Campbell of Brooke, Ghol-on, Shell, Spurlock, Rives,
Dickinson C hi ton, Marshall, Stillman, Helms,' Hale of
1 lank.in, Wool and Smith ol Frederick, Snidow, Hail of
Gi-ayson, Lrsklne, Spencer, Carskadon, Poston, Mullen,
H i‘ !a ,ea n '> s f-awson, Cordell, Cahl
wclI Hudgins Sm"1' ol Mason and Jackson, Goode of
Mecklenburg, Knox, Billlnsly, Henry, Vawter, Webb,
Vndcrson of Nottoway, Parrlott, Davis, Adams, Diner
;;.nd, ( al ter of Prim e W illiam, Hart, M’Mahon, Cline,
Keller-5 |SOre’ ’ Mo,lcurc’ H»«*rave, M’Coy, and
The Speaker pros mteda memorial of Isaiah Buck, con
n l"KI I,e eCr A".°‘ I,Cnr> A- Byrne, returned to serve
in the House ot Delegates from the county oT Morgan.
tt'AVES AND FBEE NEGROES.
The order of the d iy was taken up, being the bill to
nmluttoS.0' aCtS COnCen,in« “,UVCB* ‘‘Co negroes and
Mr. ( aid well moved that the Committee of (he Whohv
be discharged Irom lurthei consideration of this hill. Ho
thought the proceedings of Saturday had given satisfacto
ry^evidence of lno inutility ol continuing the bill in Com
mittee ot the. W hole. Agreed to.
the hill' '!l!'TTS',itV.,,Cr? 'Vero n,,mc,'°us discrepancies in
he bill, which could not conveniently he amended in the
Wree'l m.H° 'C' I'n refi,'cnce (o Select Committee.
\_iccd to and t.io following gentlemen were appointed
rnf£ „0,mmllc.°) on the subject: Messrs. W illiams,
SrK vf r.",,l»"C*0nof c- Knox, Car
wn motion ol Mr. Brown, a bill to amend the charter
o t.K. I i tcr.sbiirg Rml-road Company (to authorize the
extension of the Rail-road into ihe town of Petersburg,
-■>*" ,a,{cn "I’* rca‘> twice, anil ordered to be eu
. 'rth.C ensrowot! Wir-to repeal so much of an act chnng
ins the days ol (no county courts of Hampshire and Har
dy, as concerns the county of Hampshire, was read a third
Uiiie line passed.
A .ncss,,Ko was received from the Senate, stating that
tlu > had agreed to the amendment by the House of Dole
g.iteM to the amendment ot the Senate, to the preamble
and resolutions, remonstrating against Urn removal of the
Kin(J (’corgc W ashington, beyond the limits of Vir
frou.*,C|ho °nk«r/'r1 lwforfl ,h,\ » communication
fiim (he Rmml ot Directors of the Penitentiary fo-Mttu
nm, winch was, on motion ol Mr. Poindexter, ordered to
ot* printed.
On motion of Mr. Randolph, the House adjourned.
H-®' . ' " Maulersand
W others sending Tobacco to the above Warehouse,
arc informed Hint (lie Maine is now undergoing a general
repair, tor the better security ot Tobacco. (John M. Shcp
I,Jr- 'V,vm? ,,,on appointed in the place ol Mr. John
l islicr rc agned,) it is now under the ii.nnagcinent of the
su .scrihers who pledge themselves that every attention
sli.ill lie paid to any I oharfo sent to ilie Warehouse._
■might, toil, kr. advanced on all Tobacco sent to ns, and
lie drayage on such Tob.-co (tie same as to other W are
houses m this city. m. c. lackland,
p . JOHN M. SHEPPARD, Jk,
Fet>-aT- ['•' w Inspectors
Illy I'. .1. Selden A CJo, ’
J.H'lry, II ntchet, fyr. to Du: amount of $16 noo
IS S1'HA,II " CO'y. 'N ,,'-*peettflliy "nfoms her
lilends and (be put.lie, that the entire stock of
goods of the Ido William Cow.m, deceased, will he sold
by auction, on Tins Monvi.so, 21st February, »t half
past nine o clock.— I Ins sale oilers An the public a morn
L'emr.l and pxlcn*-ivc assortment ol Jnrutrf/ and H'atche»,
iban has evei been disposed of in (bis city—consisting of
fmr ic<>M and >*il''•r patent lovrr tviitche*; ladies’ firm
gold watches; T/Kpiue, French, Swiss, and Fnglish
watches; a choice and valuable assortment of the best
silver ware ol the mod modern and fashionuhle patterns;
gold chains, sc.ili and Keys; mohair and bead reticules
and bracelet*; right-day mantel-clocks; and a general
variety of fancy goods.— Must oft he above su,< k was
purchased in the northern cities last summer, hrSho late
Mr. <’.. mid is well worthy the alten(lr#of city and coun
try dealers.
N fs.—A large collection of Dentist’s and Watch Ma
loots and materials, well worthy the attention of the
trade, which will lie so! I .it private sale on the most rea
‘"liable terms. Fel>. 21. 02- It
o I I ( E. — In' held in the I 1
i* Richmond and county of I/Oidss, I will hereafter at
tend those of Ft mover. Oiiicc on Main «treef, npposito
the Merchant’s Coffee House. HEN. F. MICIIIE,
Feb. 21. {f*2«—J Attorney at Law