The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-02-10
GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

lRcpresentatiye ChamDer In Irovidence. On this
question, debate ensued which appeared to excite
feeling, originating in local interests.
The bone of contention was the sum of $500
from the U. s: Treasury towards thi; object, both
rooms being occupied by the u. S. Courts The
Newport members contended it was appropriated
for both Houses, and ought to be divided The
Pr evidence members contended that it was intend
ed to be expended the House in Providence.
The subject was referred to a select Committee
The bill for appointment of Bank Commission
ers read, and referred to a select Committee.
Mr.. Brayton proposed act in amendment of
an act imposing licences corporations, &c. to
raise the tax on banks to fifty cents each 500
capital paid in. Referred to the Committee on FL
nance.
Mr.. Curtis remarked that the old banks, so called,
were required to pay 2 1-2 per cent, additional
capital, while the new ones paid but l l-2. He
thought that the idea of saving per cent.
inducement for application for new banks, instead
Of augmenting the old ones. He wished therefore
that the committee on Finance might be instructed
to inquire into the expediency of reducing the bo-
nus additional capital III the old banks, to l-2
per cent.
On the other hand, Mr.. Simmons proposed to
raise the bonus on the new banks to I2 per cent.
instead of reducing that onthe old ones to L.
Mr.. Spencer thought the bonus law a bad one,
though Mr.. Simmons had just explained it to mean
IA good law.
Mr. Titus said the direct tendency of the bonus
act, was, to benefit the few, and keep out the many
that the people of the State do sell out their
principles, &C. He hoped the Committee would
be instructed to take up the whole subject, and on
motion of Mr.. Curtis so amended, and adopted
TUESDAY, Feb p Mr.. Atwell presented an act
extending the liabilities of stockholders of corpora
tions. The act makes the private property of stock
holders liable for all corporate debts, with certain
ma Ins A
long debate cnsued. The act finally referred
to special committee consisting of Messrs. Atwcll,
Simmons and Curtis, after motion to postpone had
been put and lost
Mr.. Field offered resolution to inquire into the
rates of interest taken by banks and what abuses of
chartered privileges were practised Referred to
special committee.
An act passed empowering the fire department to
enlist as many men members of Engine Compa-
MES, as the Town Council might deem necessary.
Mr.. Atwell presented an act proposing certain al
teratons in the Judiciary System. 1t provides for
the appointment of five Justices of the Supreme
Court in each county, each Justice to preside
in the Court of Common Pleas in his own county,
and the whole number to constitute the Supreme
Court.-Aso makes certain changes in the fee BILL
Referred to the committee on the Judiciary
Afternoon. The bill for act, in addition to an
act relative to poor persons, confined for debt was
called up; this act is to prevent people swearing
out of Jail, who have been committed for criminal
Offences in the civil form of an action of debt. 1t
was rccommttcd to the Judiciary committee.
The petition of Mrs. Ann p. Townsend, of New
port, for compensation for 50 feet of land which
is built the monument in memory of Commodore
Oliver ii. Perry. $3.50 were granted her.
WEDNESDAY, Feb 3. On motion of ~ A. Brown,
the charter of tho Pawtucket Savings Bank was
revived.
A resolution approving of distribution of the
Public Lands among the several States, passed.
An act passed to appoint auditors TO audit the
accounts, in lawsuits between partners.
The Bank Investigating Committee were author
lied to send for persons and papers.
Petition of Gorton Arnold, praying for an ex-
preston Of Legislative sentiment against the Abol-
itionists who were holding Convention IN Provl-
dence on that day, received
THURSDAY, Feb. 4. An act passed, after much
opposition, for the incorporation of EmanueIs
Church, in Evansville.
A committee appointed consisting Of Messrs.
Atwell, Randolph and Brayton, to investigate the
of the N. York, Providence and Boston
Rail Road Company, and send for persons and pa
pers if necessary.
Mr. Dorr for the Committee reported bill pro-
,iding for the appointment of Commissioners to IN !
quire into the alleged violations by the Banks of
this State, of their Charters; to examine the Off
GERS of Banks under oath that any one summoned
to attend before them shall forfeit - dollars if he
refuses to do so; and citation to ssne against the
Bank to show cause why injunction should not be
laid its further proceedings. The bill was post
poned the next session of the Legislature on mo-
ton of Mr.. Hazard.
A resolution passed appointing Messrs. Dorr, At
well and Curtis committee to examine the con- |
ditioc of the Banks, in the most thorough manner
FRIDAY, Fob. 5. The business which occupied
gost of the forenoon session, the report OF the
Committee on Finance, relative to sources of rev.
enue, with view to providing funds for the erec-
ton of State Prison.
The Committee recommended to raise $4,000
by direct tax on real and personal estatc.-To in
crease the Bank capital now 1S per cent to Id per
impose tax of per cent on the drvi-
dends of Incorporated steamboat Companies, and
the same amount on dividends of Insurance Com
panies. They also recommended Tint the bonus on
additional stock in old Banks, be reduced to l-2