Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-03-23

experiment, we would probably have now b en-
hanging around the precincts OF Eden, an pretty
much the gaTb. in which, according to holy writ,
they stood before the tree. and in pretty much the
| same Intellectual condition.
Sir, the enthusiast who has faith in the gradual
advance OF human nature towards peTfeeubilty, Is
~ some sort justified, by reference to the immense
progression we have already made, from the condi.
on OF the savages, who skirt western frontier;
anu which Is the consequence Of mans ability aud
inclination, TO make experiments and profit by them.
And, Sir, 1t would be proper TO male an expert
men,, so entirely justified by tho principles OF
political economy, and the plain dictates Of common
/ sense But, Sir, this is no experiment. There
Will De no adventurng into unknown worlds, and
| no cropping in Cimmerian darkness, after dseose-
sies aud results, IN adopting this amendment. All
that IS to be done, 10 benefit by the experiments
successful and wise experiments-of our sister
Siates-to walk in the light that shines on from
inc NORM, West or South, to guide us TO correct
action on this subject | will agree, Sir, that we
can teach the Yankees the true principles of Fede.
raj constitutional construction; but this question
'hey have shown more wisdom than we have as
yet displayed. Twenty years continuance Of the
system, hope TO see adopted in this State, by a
People whose energetic astu,encss has enabled
them TO IND wealth in every nook and corner Of
THIS Globe, is sufficient proof that it is wise,
Just and practical. Virginia never has yet acted
upon correct principles, in the laying Of the
ourthen OF her support upon her people. The
hnance committee, while acting under strong ne.
eessiiy IN proposing subjects OF taxation, have
not looked to first principles. Instead of ascertain
ing the classes OF productive capital nov un,axed,
anu calling upon them 10 make their Just and pro
per contributions TO the expenses Of the State, in
the msde adopted in other States, 1t has selected,
oy arbitrary rule, and upon mere superstition, GER
'an articles of property, as the new subjects Of tax
alton, which certainly DO not pay any profit to their
owners- Pianos, Watches, and Clocks, certainly
are unproduetive of any profit, OF which to pay
the tax. They can only DC regarded Ms evidence
OF me AGILITY To pay-ofthe possession of other pro-
perry out OF which profit arises sufficient to pay
inc TAX Perhaps the individuals may have the
means OF payment and perhaps they may be able
10 pay the tax without selling the property for that
purpose; and thus the committee OF finance rest their
hopes oil revenue, upon perhaps. upon n mere
possibility, when II in its rowe, 10 have rem
dered the paymon, OF the additional revenue certain
a"d unattended with sny risk OF inability in the per.
son taxed TO pay H. by selecting for the purpose the
mH''ons OF capital, yieldisg large profits which sp-
psaEs on every side, and which pays no tax what
ever. The failure OF that committee TO make such
proper selections Of subjects OF taxaon is no in.
tlheaton for our refusal 10 do So The rights o. all
the citizens OF the State require us do so. Tbs
interest OF the State requires II. The pros1c-itv
OF The State is made up of the aggregation of the
prosperity Of Us individual citizens aud is 10 I've nd
vauecd 10y due protection Of the niercsts of each
And, SIR, It Is our duty 10 commence the adoption o,
measures which will equali.s the Jur,hous of tho
ot1tei ana place every portion Of the community
upon the same level.
The amendment WIS opposed by Mr. Kinney.
VINO regarded u as proposing an infraei.on of the
contract between the State and the Stockholders.
under winch the State received bonus from each
osnk Tor the privileges conferred UPON it.
Mr Hoiemau contended that there would be no
breach OF contract IN the matter at all as the banks
had violated their charters, and were at the mercy
OF the State, which could wind them up 10 morrow
If II chose.
After further remarks by Mr. STROLLER in answer
TO MIR Kinney,
Mr. Mei'heney demanded the previous question.
Mr. To'er begged the gentleman TO withdraw it.
10 allow him 10 propose an amendment taxing ali
per cent '''
hr Brcadus made similar appeal to allow him
stocks. O'S
MIR MeIlhaney persisted, and the HOUSE ordered
the main question.
=, Mr. Stother's amendment was then agreed to
The hour for the recess stopped the proceedings.
IN THE EVENING.
On motions sevetally made, the blanks in the
OH were h!led with amounts corresponding with
The rates OF taxation as before prescribed upon old
suoJects-wiih few exceptions: one of which was
tax OF Sl0O, upon pedlars; and another, $1,000.
upon the Vendors OF lottery tickets.