Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-12-28

! BXts Passed.. Respoctiu3 anac: changing the
place of holding separate eeciion IN tho county of
Harrison 2 Incorporating The Nor!o.t Aquednct
( Company.
The resolution Of the Committee Of Courts of Jus
uces Ito whom resolution on Tho subject, submitted
by Mr. Knox rclerred,l declaring 1t expeaien; 20
change III" tenure by which Clerks Of County Courts
hoih their Offices from life 10 term cf yrars--and
giving the Courts power within that terra, to remove
them generally, having heen read
Mr. Cumpoen Of Brooke, moved to expunga the
latter clause OF the resolution
Mr. Hno1 opposed the motion lie viewed the
power thus given the Courts. the most vuluahl,
feature of the resolution It was the renins of our
institutions, that officers should be all occasions
and under all crcuns ances, responsible to I'll, nm
pointing power Was there to be no responsibility
during the term for which the Clerks heidi Ii often
ces were committed within this time, how was the Of
fender to be removed? He was fastened on The Cont
and the people. until his term expired. The charac-
ter of the County Courts was Il guarantee that the,
power thus confiied. would not be abused |, would
be exercised with great caution and only in extreme
cases.
MIR. Campbell of Brooke, expressed his concurrence
in the p.oprety Of changing the tenure from life to
term Of years (Mr G.. indicated FIVE as n sii, abe
period) but he was utterly opposed to he vestng the
County Courts with the power OF removal at their
arbitrary will He was opposed to it for the reason
that 1t would Keep the Counties in perpetual rnent
and agitation The change from If. TO term of
years, was great chaDge-but if to tn was added
the arbitrary power of removing the Clerk plea
sure, all stability would be overthrown. 1t would o.
pen the door to management and Intrigue Rival par
ties IN the County would keep it constant fever.
One would elect their Clerk at this tern--,he other
at the next-und the Clerk would remain in Office
long enough TO become acquainted with us duties =
II Thought TO chGfngc the tenure of the Clerks from
life tn term of vcarsand to held item during this
period to their present liabilities for malconduct IN
ofice-was reform enough
Mr. Chr'stian OF Buckingham, supported the reso
luton Of the Committee The Court which appoin,-
ed ought he thought to have the power to remove,
1T had been decided that to remove, under The present
tenure ct good behaviour, the misbehavuur must be
Official. There were many reasons for removing,
which were yet not in'ctablc. The highest moral
offences might be committed with safety the tenure
OF Office. Lie in favor of the resolution, but
with an amendment. He would require the Courts
to state Tia reasons for which they deprived he Clerk
upon the record. THIS would be a security for the
Clerk, and notification to The world of the reasons
ct deprivation; and public opinion thus appealed TO-
would be sufficient guard against The abuses of the
power IF Clerk was not obnoxious he would not
be removed The attempt to him would never
be made without sufficient Mr.. c. moved to
amend as he had suggested
Mr Brodndr said the debate was incidentally
drawing in the whole merits of the question: as such
was ITS tendency, and the question deserved debera-
ton, q he House wihall thin. he moved that the
resnl luton for the present, be laid the table-whch
motion prevailed
| resolution Of the same Committee, proposing to
abolish burning in the hand IN all cases-was unani
mousy agreed to by the House.
The Committee on a resolution of Mr. Gar
land Ut Nelson, declared it eXpedlent TO have bonds
1or appeals and wts of supersedeas, executed IN the
Clerks Office of the County whence the appeal pro-
ceeds. instead of the Clerks Office of the Court OF
Appeals.
On motion of Mr. Iiar;, the House adjourned.
MARRIED-In this city on the 25th instant, bv
the Rav. MIR. Armstrong, Mr.. PETER Cook to Mis-.
| EMFIISF ri WHIT