The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1830-07-29

ssid ts that gentlemun, now say to the 4
Housa--I knew no standard more iaIlacious; {
if the United States Judges had to pcriom
the duties of the State Courts, and those a. 4
lone, there might be some propriety in a
dopting it; but they have different duties
and however light one may be, it does not
prove that the others are the less onerous
on that account. The Judge Of Rhode Is.
land has to attend to the duties of the U.
4, nted States, within that State or District.
Now. suppose the State Judiciary received
no compe nsation, is Judge Of the United
States to perform duties on that account
for which Judge in another State is fully |
compensated, for nothing? think not. /
am not now called upon to say that the
Judges Of our State Courts are over paid,
or under paid, that does not belong to this
discussion; but this I can say, that if the
revenue which the General Government
collects in Rhode Island was passed 10 the
credit ofour State, we could afford TO pay
q our Judiciary little more; and we are to
bear IN mind, Mr.. Speaker, that to enforce
and secure the collection of this revenue,
the District Courts, under the constitution,
ara created. Another remark will make.
That because our State Judges are not bet.
ter paid, suitors are frequently driven into
the United Stutcs Courts in Rhode Island,
and thereby increasing the duties OF those
courts, because they prefer them to our
State tribunals. But, sir, Why this compar,
ison, and why this standard? IL followed
up, you would give to the Collector oi one
ofthe Ports in Rhode Island the same cou,
pensation wbich, IN that State, collector
oftaxos receives; the United States Attor.
ncy, what the Attorney General receives
the Marshal, what the Sheriff Of county
nnr r,yil tiat 10 MOI a upn
one. am not disposed TO go into details
1--we are parsimonlous, it is because w'
are so from habit;a and what is more unpleas-
ant to acknowledge, from necessity for ou'
means are small aud resources we have
none, independent of taxation. There u
one other view which Will take OF thi'
question, and will then assure gentlemen
who now manifest so much impailence III
way not unusual at this late period, in fac
tho last day Of the session. (but on account
of which ! ought not To compiaini will
gree UPON an arInistice, if not sign articles
of peace, for the residue Of the session, hui
must at the same time assure them, that the
war which they are new carrying on vii
not drive me from my ground, and the soon
or they ground their arms the sooner hos
tilities will cease on my part. In looking
into tho Blue Book, find the salaries Of tn,
several Judges range from eight hundred
to three thousand dollars, and this distinc
ton must have ocen made, partly IN refer
encc to tho duties 70 be performed, ng
partly in reference 10 the expense Of liv!nh
the Judges in the two Districts Of Louis
iaua receive each sally Of Z SOiD; tn
Judge in Mississippi, salary OF $1,000; til
comparatively high compensation given
these Judges, must have been given NOR
in reference to their expense of living 'ha
the duties they were liable to be called uI
or to discharge. II. sir, we are 10 be II
Huenced Ivy considerations of this kind a,
di,ional reasons might be assigned an fnv
Of on increase of the salary Of the Juds
Of Rhode Island. He is obliged to resi'
ator near the place where tho business
the Court is; and unfortunately for him, Il
expenses of liviug thcre are as great as
Boston, New York or Philadelphia; az
yet his compensation is MS low, with or
exception as that Of any Judge Of the Tn
ted States. Every view can take of Il
case, satisfies roe Of the unequal bearir
and gross injustice of tho existing law
paying your Judges; but unequal as til,
are, will not, ,'by my vote, help TO perpct
ate the inequality. Give TO Massachuset
New York, Pennsylvania, and ore or tv
more Of the largo States at this time, all I,
increased compensations they now rcqui
for their Judges, and my head will be gre
ifnot cold, before they will lend bclpi
hand to incrcase the salary OF the Judge
the District Of Rhode Island: without tn,
aid it cannot be dime, aud Withholding tn,
aid, it never will be done. aia, then n
Speaker, for the SeRate's bin, or no bill
this session.
Upon the suggestion Of Mr.. STORR
Mr.. PEARCE withdrew his motion
strike out the enacting clause of the bi
/ frn,, ha