Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-01-26
Virginia Legislature.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
THE FINE.
MONDAY. Jan. l6, ls4a.


THE FINE.
The Speaker laid before the House the following
from the Hon. John Minor Bo,,s,
whlch was read and laid on the table:
WAsuiNoToN, Jan. 9th, lS43.
TO me Speohers and Members Of tie Senate and
House Of Delegates Of Yirgiaia.
have received through the Acting Governor of
the State, copy OF the resolution adopted nv
your honorable bodies, instructing the Senators
and requesting the representatives oil Virginia,
IN Congress, to use their best efforts to procure
the Immediate passage of bill refunding to Cen
erai jackson the amount Of fine, with interest,
winch was Imposed on him in the year 1915, by
the Judicial Tribunals of the country, for gross
contempt of Court, attended with violent as
sumption oil authority, and dangerous ufraction
oil the Cons,tutiop-declarpg martial law, and
suspending the witt Of habeas corpus, subsequent
to the period when the ratification of peace was
known to him.
My extreme reluctance to give any vote for
which should not be prepared to furnish plau
sieie reason II questioned by those who have the
right to inquire into all matters connected with
my legislative action here, together with an unaf.
fected disposition, on all suitable occasions, 20
comply with the reasonable desire of the people
OF my State, as furnished by q legislative express
sion OF the public will, induce me to inquire up.
on what ground this claim is intended by tho le-
gisiature TO rest.
If upon the ground of private claim, would
respectfully ask the favor to be furnished with
The testimony laid before your honorable bodies,
(Which must no doubt be ample) to have control
led your decision, so promptly, after the lapse of
seven and twenty years, on his part
III, on the other hand, it is intended to be pa-
ced on the ground OF mere gratuity, hope
Shall stand excused for hesita,ing long and con-
sioei'ng weii' before subject myself TO the I'M
measured eensure SO literally bestowed on those
who voted gratuity to the widow OF the late
PRESIDENT Harrison, who did not stand charged
with any offence against the Constitution and
laws of his country.
Ill labor under mispprehension in supposing
TUE cia,m 10 rest on either of the grounds above
referred TO, then know of none, other than tina,
OF political claim, upon which the legislature
could nave requested me TO vote for a remission
OF that fine; and in which event, as | could no,
approve or justify the object, should claim to be
excused from aiding in the accomplishment of
the end.
An inquisitvc mind might be excused for ask
ing why, after the lapse of so long period, this
question Is pressed on the fret Whig Conrress
that has convened for upwards Of onu-auarter of
century And why, when the power was in the
hahds OF Gen. Jackson's friends, they did no,
themselves exercise i'll and an uncharitable mind
might ascrbe it to party movement. 10 excite
'he sympathies of portion Of the community a.
gainst those who might not acquesce i'm your
views; but am neither so inquisilive nor un
charitable
know too well the high and patriotic considc.
ia,iohS which at all times govern your action, 10
InauI9e In an enquiry suspicion, so far removed
from your real objects, and so prejudicial TO your
patriotism.
But In any aspect of the subject i'm which i,
eau DO viewed, 1t is not unworthy Of remark that
there are five of my constituents to he found i'm
part composing your honorable bodies, and four
Oh these I'VE, u L am not misinlormed, voted a.
gainst the request you have made, from which |
might reasonably infer, unless they are to he
supposed as having misrcpresentcd their cons;itu-
ehtS, that'ln yielding 10 the very earnest desire |
Indulge to obiige SO large a number OF respecta
BILE gentlemen as have made the request MIGHT
run some risk OF disobliging, if not Offending, a
much larger number OF equally respectable ren-
tiemen, who have stronger claims on my services
ana votes In Congress; and take leave TO saw
'hat pave too much confidence i'll the genuine
ness Of your democracy, 10 suppose that you de-
sire me TO do what the constituents whom / renre
sent, wculd not sanction or approve. NV means
OF COMMUNICATING. however, with my cons,i,u-
ents, are abundant and convenient, and | shall
moi iail TO avail myself of them, 10 ascertain
whether 1t be agreeable TO them that | shonld
make this disposition of the public funds in
which event / will promise 10 give the subiec.
the most respectful and attentive consideration
And, in the mean time. | subscribe myself, with
sentiments OF The highest esteem, most respect.
fully, your ob't. sery't.,
INV. NJ. Bo -.
Zion. JOEL IIoLLEMAN, Speaker Of II. ID. Va.
Committees made reports.
The report OF the Committee of Finance, on
the debts, Liabilities and resources of the State
was taken up. This roper; concludes with TWO
resolutions, asserting, lst, .hata he raised
suhcient TO meet the wants of the Government
adnInstered-to pay the interest on
the public debt--and create sinking fund for the
redemption OF the principal in certain nun.ber
OF years ;-2nd, that taxes existing subjects be
raised for that purpose, and in addition, that Tic
taxes on merchants licenses be graduated capital
be included. which has heretofore been exempt
and contributions be required from persons not
possessed Of capital, but enjoying incomes from
other sources.
ne question was upon agreeing TO these reso-
iuuohs. NAT. Lewis moved TO recomnt the re-
port, with instructions to the committee 10 rcport
schedule OF taxation, including all the new sub
!ects which, In their estimation, ough, TO be ir-
Guided.
ms motion was supported by Messrs. Lewis
Daniel, OF H., Brosdus, and VERIFY, and opposed
by Messrs. Randolph aud IalafeIro.
The discussion lasted till a late hour. and the
''ouse adjourned without taking the question up
Dill either OF the propositions.
az The Richmond Enquirer Is greatly fretted
by MIR. Bots letter TO the General Assembly, on
the subject Of Gen. Jackson's fine. 1t does not
pretend 10 say what its party friends in the House
will do with it-(and that, indeed, is real diff
Guilty, and makes the thing so vexaiious, but
suPPoses they will reciprOcate the COURTESY in