The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1841-02-03
RHODE-ISlAMD LEGISLATURE.
Tuesday MoRNIrC, Jan. 25th


United States, were referred to a committee.
Mr.. Simmons, for the Committee on the Lii
,ensc Law, made a statement to the House
hat il was the opinion Of that Committee that
legislation on the subjec had better be deferred
10 the next or some future session,
Mr. Hazard, of w. Greenwich, thought the
subject ought TO be taken up and actei on at
his session. There was now in some towns
law on this subject, in some no law. He thought
there ought to be a law that would operate
in all the towns in the State alike.
Mr.. Summons said the member frsm Wost
Greenwich appeared 10 have misunderstood the
meaning Of the Committee. The Committee
wished to be understood as saying that opinion
among the people was so much divided on this
subject It would be next TO impossible TO legis-
late on It so as TO give general satisfaction.
Mr.. Speaker interrupted the member from
Johnston, saying that though there were four
bills on this subject upon the table, there was
no motion before the House.
Mr.. Simmons then moved that these four
bills be referred to the Committee on Finance
with instructions to report bill thereirom at
the next Session.
Mr. Barber thought the state Of thinge could
be no worse IN relation to the license law than
il now was. lie wished either to have 10 law
on the subject, or a Judiclous uniform one.
Mr.. Spencer agreed with the member from
Hopkinton, (Mr. Barber) lie thought lsgIs-
ldllon would be eXpedent now. aud that IT
would not be difficult now TO make law that
could be enforced. II this House could not
make such Law, the members ought TO go
home, and let them come here who could make
such law.
Mr.. Gayir said it wa. time the House made
an effort to make an uniform general license
law. The town Of Charlestown, had tried for
three years to get on without granting any Ii
censes. In each OF those three years there had
been more selling, more drinking, and more
intoxcatOn Than in times when licenses are
granted.
Mr.. Simmons said il would bo impossible to
have uniform laws on the subject IN all the
towns, without compelling all the towns to
grant licenses when requested aud the people
vi all the towns 10 ASK for them. Gentlemen
ought instead Of complaining Of the present
state OF things, TO polut out how the laws they
suggested, would introduce better stale oi
things. lie thought Law ought to be enacted
which would in some way, enlist the sympathy
Of all classes OF the people, the dealers IN lquols
as well as any other persons. He was tired o'
contention Un the subject lie thought the
House ought TO deter their action uutl they
could satisfy tho public mind.
Mr. Hazard said, the member from Johnston.
had made the same speech on this subject now
Tor two years in succession. lie was tired
OF these dlssuasYes from action. lie thought
tho law OF 1929, was the best law that could be
devised. Now We have no law in fact This
was the most esscntl lal measure that would come
up this session.
Mr.. Spencer said he had seen cnongh OF vo.
I ting in towns on this subject, under the present
law Every man who voted for licenses was
Immediately put down for drnnkard. The
consequence was the ireemcn did not vote al
all.
Mr.. MathGwson thought il would DO better
to appoint 4 special Committee on this subject,
and 10 refer the whole matter TO them. They
would doubtless in good time. report a bill that
would be satisfactory to tue House and to the
people.
Mr.. Atwcll wouII have no objections to the
melton TO postpone # lie thought the House
would gain any new ligh; on the subject. He
saw no hope Of this Since the improvidcut
passage of the law giving the subject To the
votes Of the people OF the several towns, there
had been 4 continued agitation about il among
the people. He called the law mentioned i'm
providrnt, because il had increased the sale OF
liquors in some places (u the city OF Providence
iour fold. The trade in liquors ought to be Ic
stnCted and regulated BY law. 1T was destroy
inc the morals aud the health Of the people
There ought to be a good strong, uniform law
on the subject.
The question to postpone was decided in the
negative. and It was
Resolved, lhatlhc subject be referred to Sc
lect Committee, with all the bills on that sub
Jeci before the House.
Mr.. Atwell introduced bill providing, a
mong other things, that questions Of fact nigh
be tried IN the Supreme Judicial Court for the
County oI Providence. before a single Judge.
Upon the petition OF the society for the encour-
asement of domestic industry, praying Tor the
passage OF an act excmpting their property from
taxation. 1t was resolved that the prayer Of the
petition be granted.
bill for an act in amendments &c, &c 3,
regulating the manner of admittin. ireemen,
Nc., was taken up. Ii repealed the 81 section
OF The act, aud allowed person te be admitted
free, whose freehold lies out the tean in which
he resides.
Mr.. Hazard would prefer to admit every one
! over 2l years of age, rather than to admit ever,
one who states he is 81, and claims to Be the
Oldest son, and is taken on his oath. Ii was
very easy under this law, to admit iraudulen
votes, aud the bill WAS laid on the table ant
the House adjourned to o'clock.
afternoon.
Mr.. Clarke submitted Resolution that tn,
Committee on the Judiciary, be irs,ruets,
to bring in a bill abolshing imprisonment 70
all debts contracted after the 18th Of March
1871.
Mr.. Clarke said. the time has arrived Nhc
Imprisonment for debt should be abolishcd.-
Even the State of New Hampshire, which In
bten considered dark corner, has abolished
imprisonment, and Rhode Island stands almos
alone in regard TO this relict OF barhnrou
age. II the resolution did net prevail, h
) should bring in bill abelishin: Imprisonment
under $50.
Mr.. Simmons said il was making a crea
change in the relations between debtors au
creditors. lie was in favor of The abolshnicr
for small sums. II imprisonment was abolish
ed, the collection laws must be revised, an
personal nropcrty and Real Estate must be AZ