Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-07-11
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"AEH Eth.
THAT cl'ere are many commonlaw courts which
hold 5heir sessions in the CITY of Richmond
these courts in the course of the year resuire 4
great many juries, and are thus described
The General Court of the Commonwealth.
The Distria COurl Of the Commo nVeath.
ISe Circuit Court OF the United States.
The Distrid Court of tine Unged Staies.
The County Court of Henrico
The Hastings Court OF the Civ of Richmond
Upon sur,herexsmina,ionin into above statement
twill appear, tharthere are more than one h,ndr ed
days IN the year wherein iuries may be y.anted
The officers of the courts frequently suron more
than enoagh for three juries, and soruerres two
OF the aforesaid Courts SIT upon the same day
which, considering tie population osthe city, falls
very heavy on some ofthe inhabi ants, in 80 much
that II frequently happens ihS5 retailers of nrr
chandize, ana mechanics who employ number
OF iourneynlen, and who depend upon their daily
sales for her pTefi's and subsistence are OBLIGED
either 10 disobey the summons, to shu, I'D their
stores and shops. TO commi, the care of their
business (and at the most public times tool to
boys or inexperienced agents
When duty is laid noon articles of rnercbsp-
die, or taX IS imposed upon the occura ION of :
merchant every man before he proceeds can calcu.
late upon he influence which these burthens Will
have uponhis business bu' if the same MAJ is fre
quently ca led away 10 serve upon juries, and is
compelled ether TO snu' mp hi, store or conGde in
inexperienced agents, he canuo, fJrrn comDuta.
ton Of the injury or islavartaee.
Observations somewhat dissiniiar tho eoui.
ponderant IN their tendencies, concerning mocha
mes and Others who su5sGt b. labor, may also be
made. The poor man, who has no means TO pro
vide tor his own wants or the subsistence of HE
family, except by his own labor, must feel the
hardship in very high degree. when he il corn.
pelleo to lose his time in lettering about court,
house, well knowing thar it onght to be employed
in earning breai for his children
These important facts, and theirinf3ucnce upon
socety and particularly the inhabitants of this ci
ty, are too well known 20 require grea or lustra-
ton; and II would be indecorous if your Memo
rialists should employ many arguments r. much
entreaty TO induce the honorable house TO listen
70 their complaint.
Your Memorialist9 have been informed, that in
some parts Of the United States, il is the custom
70 Summon juries some days previous to the court
aud when cause is about TO be tried list of
many names is given 10 the counsel Of the parties
each party strikes out eqr-l number until the
proper number remains. In this way, impartial
luries are certainly obtained.
i seems to be the general opinion Of all who
converse upon the subica, that a reasonable com
Pensaton should be made, equal TO the dali, price
oflabor, to those persons who are compelled 10
serve on iuries.
Your Memorialists contemplate with grea, de.
light the inestimable privilege ola ral by iurv -
they consider ofthe chartered birth riehts
Of which they the iuherii ors. and which - far
above price nor do they intend to utter an ex-
preston, which shall convey the smallest discon
tent in that respect. The sole design Of your Me.
morialis'sherein, isio make plain representation
OF The particular grievances TO which they are ex-
posed, on account Of their residing at the seat of
government, where juries being so frequently
wanted they are compelled 70 discharge more
than reasonable share Of social duties, and they
cannot help observing, that whatsoever operates
as an undue restriction or oppression upon indus
try and commerce, which are rhe great sources Of
national prosperity must operate as an injury up
on the whole community.
These importantapd well l;nowncircumsfances
connected with The high confidence whichis enter.
tanned Of the wisdom patriotism and cemeu.y Of
the 'use, have induced your Memoriaiets TO re-
present the particular hartships by which they
have been oppressed, and 70 which they
are still exposed, in The reasonable and conf lent
hope that the justice Of tie Legisla.u,e win ac
ford suitable relief. SO that your Wernonalists may
enjoy, IN equal degree with heir fellow CITIZENS,
he privileges and blessings of government, 10
Tie supper Of which they largely contribute
And your Memoriahsts, with an due respea
asd confederation, hu0by rray, &c w4w
10 hent-The HOUSE,