Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-03-16
Virginia LegisAatMre.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
NloSpAy, March z.


ear. Msssrs. John Wight, James G.. Spots,
ind James G. Watson were nominated. On the
our,h ballot, Mr.. Spots received 80, Mr.. Wight
70, scattering l. So James Z. Spotts (member [
rom Tazewell) was declared elected.
The Legislature then proceeded to the election
of Superintendent of the Peniten,iary--Charles |
5. Morgan being the only one in nomination.
Morgan received, the first ballot, 81, and Rich
ard Reins 90. Mr.. Morgan was, therefore, de-
clased elected.
The House ordered to an enurossment the bill
prescribing the mode of ascer,aising certain sub
jects Of taxation, after it had been amended in
various particulars.
On motion of MIR. Randolph, it was provided
that and sicianJ practising too ysdrs
should be taxed.
Mr.. Stanton moved TO include among those
who ought to be taxed, attorneys and physicians
of other States, who came into Virginia prac-
rice.
The amendment OF Mr.. Stanton was lost
Mr.. Gray called the ayes and noes on tho en-
gtossment Of the bill, which were ordered by tho
following vote-ayes 67, noes 81.
TUESDAY, March Z.
Message of the Senate was received, tina, they
have passed the bill entitled
An act authorizing the School Commissioners
county, from the Literary Fund to the trustees of
Little Levels Academy.
The Finances.
bill 'Prescribing the mode Of asccrtaining
certain subjects Of taXaton," next came up ON its
third reading.
Mr.. Williams Of Shenandoah opposed the BILL
stating his objection TO several sections.
MIR. Irving was also opposed to some o. the fea-
tlreS OF the bill, but expressed his dislike to
ting against tax bill. He congratulated the
gentleman from Shenandoah on the "change that
had come over the spirit of his dream," in now
being opposed to tax bill, when little while
since he for sinking fund, pay oil tho debt
of the State.
Mr.. Gray called the ayes and noes on the bill,
which was passed.
The t'bill imposing taxes on the sales of whole
sale and retail merchants and anctioneers, aud re-
gulating the collection thereof" was taken up on
its third reading.
The bill contained blanks, which Mr. Randolph
declined filling, as the items could be put in the
regular tax bill.
Mr.. STROLLER and hIr. McRae expressed their
opposition to this course, and Mr.. Strother moved
to lay the bill the table, it would be udi-
crous to pass bill with blanks. The motion to
lay on the table was negatived.
Mr. Randolph then proposed to fill the blanks :;
the first with the sum of SIS the lowest license
to merchants.
Mr. Blue thought $50 not too high, and would
not he objected to by merchants.
MIR. Edmunds, of H., opposed the filing Of
the blanks until the general tax bill should be
ted upon.
The motion to I'll the blank with $l5 was "a
ken by ayes and noes, on motion of Mr.. Powell
and negatved Ii to 90.
Mr.. Edmunds called the previous question on the
passage of the bl-susIained.
MIR. Bowden asked if the bill passed in
blank, when wou!d the blanks be filed?
"Never," was the response of several members.
The bill was then passed--ayes G7, noes IL.
The title amended, motion of MIR. Ran
dolph, to read "A Bill to ascertain the mode
of imposing taxes on licenses TO wholesale and
retail merchants and auctionocrs. and regulating
the collection thereof"
Collateral Inheritances.
On molten, of Mr.. Randolph. the House pro-
coded to consider the Bill "Prescribing the mode
Of ascertaning the Taxes On Collateral inheritan-
ces, and for other purposes" TWAS ordered to be
engrossed.
2pportionnienf Bill.
message was received from the Senate, an
nouncing The passage by that body Of the bill ar
ranging the Congressional districts, ,yiMout a.
amendment.
WEDNESDAY, March e.
Contention 10 amend the Consultation.
MI Smith, of. H., called up the bill to take the
sense of the people, the proprety Of calling
Convention to alter the State Constitution.
Mr. Smith supported tho bill at large. He
contended that the present Constitution inflicted
great injustice upon the people of the
tern portion OF tie State. 1T ithhed from then,
their due portion of Representatives. The white
population was the only true basis of representa-
tion--and the West would never be content until
htot 40 cStaoiiSuta' WI. =. pOiilttu Out various
other defects III the Constitution. 1t authorized
the ordinary Legislature to extend diminish the
right of suffrage, by taxing not taxing particu-
lar subjects-an authority, which mere Legis-
lature should possess. The Constitution ought
to be SO amended as to make all elections by the
people. The Governor, the Sherifls, the Ma
gistrates, ought all to be elected directly by
the people. The county Courts ough. to be
abolished, or reduced to mere police Courts. They
were the only arstocratic part of institutions,
&c. &c.
Mr.. s. after demonstrating the imperfectons Of
the CONSTITUTIONS contended thai there could be no
just objection TO submitting TO the people the
question whether or not they would alter or amend
their fundamental law.
Mr.. Brooke. and the people whom he represen-
ted, concUrred with thelr western brethren in as
sorting the great principle that representation
should be based upon white population. And il
the proposition now for re-arportionment of
representation, ho should go for it heartily, and
rest it upon the white basis. But TO change the
whole organic law, as now proposed, was very
different question--and one which he had no au-
thorty from his constituents TO support Flo be- |
lieved his constituents at this time opposed
10 Convention. They had voted for the prese mt |
Constitution, although opposed to the principle of
representation, on which II rested and the sub. !
joct had not been recently canva sseG among them
Until this was done, and his people had spoken (
out he felt constrained to vote against the call of
a Convention. He repeated, that il the PROPOSE
ton was for re-apportionuent on tic while basis
he would support it.
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