Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-12-16
FEDERAL COURT.

We understand that since the commencement OF
The present session of the Circuit Court in this
City, bill and answer were presented to the
Judges in behalf OF certain persons, styling them
selves citizens and inhabitants of the State of Ohio
The object of the bill to authorize the plaiu-
tfs TO participate in fund, which q tes,ator had
provided for his slaves, whom, by his will, he had
enancpated. The plaintiffs had been the slaves
of the same owner, blu, had been set free by him.
some time before his death, and provided for and
sent to Ohio. The plaintiffs, in making out their
case, obliged to shew these circumstances:
AS the Court could have no jurisdiction, unless
the plaintiffs citizens OF another State,
doubt was expressed by the Court, whether the
Plaintiffs could be considered citizens OF the State
of Ohio. Ii they were so considered, the Consti-
tuition would make them Citizens OF the u. States,
entitled to all the privileges and immuniies of
citizens OF the several States. Such point could
no, be decided without argument and the mos,
deliberate examination
The Counsel for the plaintiff, we understand,
though satisfied that the jurisdiction of the Court
could be sustained, thought it better TO Withdraw
the papers, and transfer the subject to state trbu-
nal, before wbirh III. question to civil capacities
OF the plaintiffs could not occur.
A subject OF very great importance in this State
at least was brought before The Circuit Court during
its present session and disposed Of The questions
were L. whch her an adminisirat bond, not pay
able according 10 the language of the law, TO the
&c sitting justices" of Stafford Court, but TO the
justices OF the Court of Stafford County for the
time being" was good statutory bond 2 whe-
ther a Court OF Equity could relieve against the
Error in taking the bond, supposing one to have
been committed
The Chief Justice declined sitting in the cause.
The other Judge decided Eve are nformed,) tba,
the bond was taken substantially in conformity to
the statute. Ii became unnecessary, therefore, 10
decide the second question The Judge however
remarked that if he had been called decide that
question, the excellent argument which he had
heard, would render perfectly easy the performance
! of that duty. We infer that he thought Couri OF
Equity could relieve against an Error in form, in
taking bond. This subject derives very great in
portance from the multitude OF bonds which are
taken by so many OF our officers; from the Audi
tor down To- a Constable.
| The II. OF Representatives. seem TO have no
difficulty in making appropriations for the Deaf
and Dumb Schools. We should really like To
know where this poper Of appropriation is 10
stop. Has it no limit? Are they determined to 90
away every vestige OF limited and specified con-
| sttuion Are Elemosynary Institutions Of all
sorts to be taken under the wing OF the Federai
Government? Are ,hey to give US system oil
poor-laws-a whole system OF elementary schools.
colleges, uniyersities?- Are 'hey TO stop at MOTH
ing! we really should like to see some able pen
| come forth to expose the wide spread consequen-
ces Of these usurpstions OF power.