Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-02-08

,he capitalists for their advances by means of which
The Theatre put in its present state of repair and
good order. MIR. ID. then into defence of dra-
n'a,c representations from the charge of immortality,
and commended that, the Theatre was row conduct
ed, It was benefit TO the community and its youth
Mr.. WALLACE was opposed 10 the bill. The gentle.
man from Richmond asked, what reason could be as
signed against ii: He would tell him. He was OPP
posed to shngling the State with corporations, unless
By their creation the public good was plainly and une
qn'vocally subserved. While he would not, as had
been done IN some States bring theatrical exhibitions
uhaef The legislative ban, being in favor Of unlimited
freedom OF personal actIon-he could not think of
corning TO them peculiar privileges in the shape Of
legislative boon-he would not grant to them or to as
sociaons TO hold race course the benefit of charter
individuals might attend them without restriction bat
while the public mind divided as to the benefit
likely to accrue from them the legislature should not
encourage aud sanction them by the advantage of =
charter.
MI DANIEL again rose in defence of the bill and of
the drama at large. He contended that if the House
refused to pass this BILL it might also refuse 10 imcorpo-
rate any company for painting sculpture or any Of the
hne arts-even school college.
Mr.. WALLACE replied. lie did not predicate his in.
dvldua action upon any peculiar opinions he might
haye-but he mi ght assal theatrical exhibitions upon
the broad ground of immortality.
lie was surprised to hear the gentleman from Rich
mond compare them TO our schools to exhibitions of
the fine arts, to sculpture &c. they could not be com
pared-even the plays of the immortal Shakspeare
sometimes called up the blush of shame not to the
cheek of the religious man. for he yer attended but
TO that OF the moalist aud the of elevated feel.
ing-but ewd farces improper plays and trifinc aud
disgusting exhibitions too often SEEN 10 corrupt
and pollute. The gentleman might dwell upon the
gorics of the DRAMA but the observation Of eyery
practical man, would at refute all that could be
called from those who have written in its defence TO
The pufihcatlon and ennobng of the minds of youth
scenes oil deoaucheFy and corruption passing before
his eyes would attest their deep injury of an a,ten.
dance at the theatre TO the morals of the community
MIR. McRAE advocated the bill. Gentlemen, he
thought had mistaken the issue. The bill did not pro
pretors to carry out their engagements and pay their
honest debts.
Mr. JACKSON called for the ayes and noes
The bill was then rejected--ayes "a noes r.
RESOLUTIONS.
resolution was offered by the following gentleman
and adopted by the House: BY Mr.. BYRD, that tine
COMMITTEE on Finance enquire how far consste n,ly
with the public interest, such system of reform and
economy IN reference to public expenditure can be de-
vlsed as will bring tend TO bring the same within the
amount OF the annual revenue of the Commonwealth
and thereby avoid, or diminish, the necessity of in.
creased taxation.
PETITIONS
Petitions were presented by the following gentle
men, and appropriately referred By Mr. MciLHAyEr.
OF citizens of Jefferson and Loudoun for the erection
OF toll bridge across the Shenandoah river at Har
pers Ferry-By MIR. ScorT, of F., of Adelaide Fran.
ces Nulkols for divorce from her husband-By Mr.
SPEAKER, OF VIM. III. Meriwether and Others, for the
neacment Of law the eifectuay 10 protect the
rights OF WIDOWS, !" to prevent the grinding of them
INTO dust by MIR. EDGISGroS, of the trustees of
bethany College, for legislative aid in behalf of tina,
insllutlon-By MIR. DoKMAS, Of the James River aud
kanawha Company, for n loan Of ss250,O0O
On motion OF Mr.. MORGAN the House adjourned