Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-01-30

the present laid on the table. IL Is very oouo'iui
whether the measure proposed in the resolu-
tons would be productive of beneficial result;
but since the evil referred TO is one of great
magnitude, and rapidly growing, every feasible
plan for arrestingi it should be essayed. We
hope, therefore, that the experiment may be
tried.
"Whereas great and extensive injury has
been heretofore sustained, and must continue to
be suffered by many of the good citizens Of this
Commonwealth, in various parts thereof, from
the loss ofrunaway slaves Ascending to ada
cent states, and more particularly to the states
of Pennsylvania and Ohio, for the detection and
apprehension of whom adequate provision has
not been hitherto made by the laws OF the said
states; and whereas it is among the first relative
duties which neigh5oring communities owe to
each other, that they should afford mutual faci'
lities for the accomplishment OF their Just pur-
poses, and more especially 10 provide mutual
guarantees for the security of the acknowledge
ed rights of private property in each
" Resolved, therefore, By the General assembly
of Virginia, That it is expedient to make the
Legislatures of Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsyl-
vana, Ohio, and Indiana, respectively, res
pectful representation of the character and ex-
tent of these evils as growing out of the circum-
stances Of their proximity, and the peculiar va
rance Of their political and internal polity from
that Of Virginia, and respectfully to urge the
prepriety, and to request the enactment OF such
laws as will afford the means of detecting and
experimenting runaway slaves in these states,
and the necessary security to the citizens OF this
Commonwealth prosecuting their just rights in
the pursuit OF their slaves within their limits.
Reaoicsd, That-Commission be APP
pointed by on the part of this Le-
gislature, whose duty it shall be to proceed
orthwith--to the seat of government
Of Pennsylvania, and--to the seat OF 60
vernment of the state of Ohio, and to use their
exertions before the Legislatures Of those states
now in session, respectively, for the purpose
Of procuring the enactment of such laws as will
afford the necessary security to persons pursu-
ing Runaway slaves within the limits Of said
states, and The means of the detection and ap-
prehension of said slaves.
Z" Resolued, That the Executive Of Virginia be
requested to transmit, forthwith, to the Execa-
tive Of each of the five states aforesaid, a copy
Of these resolutions and the annexed preamble,
and TO accompany his communication with such
representations as he may deem expedent, in
furtherance of the object of these resolutions"
From the Richmond Vhig of January q.
BAIL IN CIVIL CASES.
A bill of much consequence, dispensing with
appe~ ance Bail in Civil Cases, brought in by
Mr.. McIlhaney, passed the House Of Delegates
on Wednesday, by vote Of III to 47.-No law
perhaps, in the Statute Book, whose operation
is felt by all classes and at all times, has been
so little understood by the great mass OF popu-
lation, as the law of BAIL Comparatively few
are apprised of the nature of the responsibility
encountered by appearance bail-and while the
ignorant are almost universally mistaken in
their idea Of the nature and extent of the
responsibility incurred in this character, their
ignorance is as generally prac,iced upon
by the cunning and interested to their injury
An appearance bail makes himself liable for the
debt, where the Office Judgment is not set aside
at the succeeding term. But the original obi
CATION of the bail is simply to secure the ap-
pearance of the Defendant to plead 1t follows
of course, that as the appearance bail is always
allowed the privilege of setting aside the judg-
ment and pleading, he can only fail to do SO but
by accident or misfortune-by the sudden adj
journment of the Court, sickness, &c.--These
being the only causes which will prevent his EN-
tering special bail, itequally follows, that he is
never made liable for the debt Of his principal,
except when he is taken by surprise, or pursued
by misfortune. As we think that neither accident
nor misfortune ought to subject one man to
pay another's debts, as the origin al obligation
of appearance bail extended no further than to
secure tie appearance of his principal-as the
nature Of the undertaking is not understood by
the less intelligent part ofthe communicated
as this ignorance is made the prey Of sharks
who prowl around the administration Of Justice,
we think that the law will be happily amended
by dispensing with appearance bail, the poor
and ignorant protected, the Code simpli6ed, and
something done towards the great work of
abolishing common law forms.
CoUNTERFETTER CAUGHT.
Ne,o Haven, Con- JAM 24.-On Thursday
afternoon of last week. we'll dressed and de-