Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1810-12-07

Ihority! II NAV be asked, where can 1
a Committee OF Kevisors be found !
whose talents would be equal to the
task !-This is mor,ifying question
indeed-but answer, that among the
many wise and experienced Judges and
Lawyers (some OF whom have retired
from the labors of their profession)
two or three may be found whom ma
rufe has blessed with sufficient talents
to accomplish the work in a reasona
bic time, and with virtue and patriot
ism TO insure its performance in a
manner asspicious. to the best inter-
ests Of their country.-Let us not,
therefore, sit down in despair under
a mistaken impression that this load
|of Common Law Authorities cannot
be shaken of, but resolutely attack it
as we did the statutory despotism, and
no doubt but our endeavors will be.
crowned with success. (,
AS to the County Court system eve
ry experienced and rejecting man
must see AID feel the incompetency of
those (whose daily avoca;ions prevent
any acquisitions in legal knowledge
to discharge the important trust re5o-
sed in them ofdeciding between man
land msn on their most important lie.
gal and equitable,rlghts. Suppose ii
should be'necessafy, as it often is, that
instructions should be moved for ia
the Jury as to the evidence adduced,
or point of law arising out of the
facts of a Cause !; what respect will an
intelligent Jury pay TO them when they
are sensible that, but a little time be-
tore, the Justices were only Iurynien
and could not De made law Judges bv a
mere translation ofthem from the In.
r5-,oom to the Bench? They would
in such case (Which often has hap.
pencd) act for themselves, well knowl
ing thar the blind cannot lead the blind.
besides, it is not Just to call for so
much public duty from the Mapis-
trates without any compensation ex-
cept that .precarious one arising out
OF the Office of Sheriff, which NAV be
obtained perhaps once in the course
OF ones life! At present a Judge
rides into every county in the state. let
his jurisdiction therefore be extended
to cases generally, and limit the Coun-
ty Court jurisdiction to local matters
and to cases Of small Importance. BRING
ing back the out of doors authority of
single Magistrate to what it former,
~ was--- AT any rae let the Superior
Courts have concuii ent Jurisdiction.
and leave 1t to every mans option 70
so into either Court he may please.
by no means mean to detract from
the merit Of the County Courts. They
are valuable branch of our govern
ment, and deserve, in general, much
OF their country---but those citizens
who feel the high Office of dispensing
law and justice, cer'ainly should be
better qualified for SO great trust, &
| 1t IS no reflection even on those who
are literally endowed by nature or by
superior education to say, that they
may not be judges of law.
Thesc sentiments submit to NV
country with all due Difference thew
are such as / expressed in the lep;s.
lature % years ago, and never have
heard reason advanced which made
me doubt for a moment the proprie,y
of them.
Having thus far indnlged in few
general remarks, now submit the ac
counts and statements of the Armorv.
Peuitentiary and Public Ware house.
Tor the reception of tobacco and four,
in which tits hoped no cause will be
found FOR censure, making some al.
iowances 'or the infancy OF the iustitu-
tions in this country, & the difficulty
OF obtaining rhe most skilllul artists in
the various branches of business an
pertaining to two OF them. Iii is be.
iiSved a considerable improvement,
has taken place In the manufacturing
Of the small arms, both as to sightl,.
ness and quality, and the number will |
be SEN OF the present years labor 20 |
be, ct Muskris 3,435, besides Pistols.
S.w 5rds, ~. &esaad OF Cannon e2 Die.
ces.
The Penitentiary is progressing
nearer to perfection LIS clear pro-
hts, on amount Of sales since the frstl
o. Dece'nber, 1909, will be found to