Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1835-01-15
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RICHMOND, JAN. %. 1885.

tnc ihtcncctuai giants not only Of the
house, but of the City OF Richmond.
On SaiSrfay the 81. contrary 10 the
Sanguine opinions of the friends III the
measure. and iGdeed contrary TO the
expectation of it, opponents, the bill
authorizing subscription 60 the Rich
rond and Fredericksburg Rail Road.
was lost 10y a majority Of three votes
The vote was: Ayes 81. noes Of
twenty members absent. and three va
cancics. The bill proposed subscrip-
ton OF S',S0,0O0. lts rejection has
caused much gloom. because IT vas
entirely unexpected; but it is general
ly believed that reconsideration will
be had IN a full house, when, have
no doubt. majority will be found in
lis favor.
On Monday. after the transaction of
the ordinary business of the morning.
the bill authorizing the Common Hall
OF Richmond 10 subscribe, on behalf OF
the Corporation, the sum of $3.50, 900.
IN addition 10 St00,00 already sub
scribed by that body. to the stock of
the James River md kanawha compa-
ny, was taken up, when the minority of
the citizens were allowed to appear, by
deputation, at the bar of the house. IN
opposition To the bill. Seats were ac-
cordingly allotted 10 John Wickham and
Robert Stanard, Esqs.; and Mr.. STAN
ARD occupied the whole sitting, in an
argument of great ability, not only
against the constitutional right of the
Legislature TO grant the authority asked
for, but against the cxpediency and
justice of the measure.
On Tuesday, at the hour OF meeting.
the privileged seats, the lobby, and gal
lcry, were crowded to Overlooking. to
hear Mr.. Wickham, who had not ap-
pcared before the public for about ten
years, and who is now near Sd wears of
age. yet possessed of unusual physical
and mental sprightlincss. Mr.. WICK
HAM occupied the floor three hours, with
only an intcrmission of eight or ten
minutes. delighting his auditory all the
while with aspecch Astounding in strong
argument, happy illustration, and in
imitable wit and humor. but occasion.
ally interpreted with biting sarcasm.
which, from the manifest unLindncss
OF its application, detracted something
from the force Of his remarks.
On Wednesday, the subject was re-
Sumsd, when Mr.. JOHNSON, the dele
gate from Richmond City, proceeded
IN reply, and sustained his well-cstab-
lished reputation for logical deduction
and sound argument. lie spoke, he
SAID, not only the views and opinions
OF majority of his constituents, but
the deliberate convictions Of his best
Judgment. He reviewed, with great
precision and power, the constitutional
objections urged by Mcssrs. Wickham
and Stanard, and If he did not entirely
dcmoliSh tho structure raised by those
ingenious gentlemen, he at least made
the pillars of their cdifcc tremblc and
totter. Ills speech was a comprehen-
sive and close analysis of the whole
matter IN controversy. and cvinced the
possession Of energies never TO be re-
pressed or overpowercd. He did not
conclude, and the house adjourned at
3 o'clock
On THURSDAY. Mr.. JOHNSON resumed
ms argument, and occupied the whole
sitting IN further review of the subject
combating principally the accuracy of
the calculations Of his opponents. and
showing the fallacy of tho reasoning
based upon erroneous premises.
In the course Of Mr.. Nickham's
speech, on Tuesday, he introduced ma.
NY anecdotes, by way of enliyening his
auditory, in which he was very sue.
ccssful. Mr.. Johnson, whose forte is
entirely in the way of logic. seeing the
happy effect of this variety, threw in
two anecdotes, with very good taste
both simple in their character, but quite
applicable TO the points under discus
sion. For instance, in reply To branch
Of Mr.. Wickham' argument. which
was exceedingly plausible, Mr.. John
son remarked that he had lived long
enough 10 learn, that nothing was more
easy to mind trained in the subtleties
OF argument, than to mysfify hruIh or
conceal error, under the simplest and
plaincst form of words; and then he
gave tic puzzle. which he said was Of
ten given az the winter fire side. 10 A.
muse young FOLKS, and old folks too
broihcrs AM sisters have none.
bot that mans Jdfber - ny Elfle1's san. "
Here he said, was statement in
PLAIN words, yet So arranged ~ 10 be-
wilder the quickest apprehension. and
diver, the understanding from ready
conception Of the simple truth.
On FTisAay, the subject was resumed.
when Mr.. Gregory moved to recon-
mat the bill. with Instructions 10 the
committee 20 report a provision. that
the state should take the w4os Of the
stock remaining unsubscrbcd. Mr..
Johnson delivered some further views.
which he had omitted when last up
and Mr.. Colsion moved division Of
The question, - 81 10 commit the bill
generally. Mr. Wilson. Of Bottctoun.
had no objection to re-commitment.
though he was willing the CITY of
Richmond should tax itself 10 what
amount Il pleased. Mr.. CabcH. of