Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-12-05
EOR TIE ENQuLRER,
To The General assembly Of Firgiaia
al,rInv


Inc opinion prevails, not only extensively, but al
most unanimously, believe, that the sessions OF the
Legislature have teen too proracted for several years
past aud there is increased and increasing desire
the part Of the constituent body, tina: this ev be
reccd at an early day. This d-sre pervades the
try, Without distinction of party. Tire Coons have
condemned the Republicans for the long sessions and
sought to hold them responsible before the tribunal oil
public opinion; aud The latter have repealed the impua-
tlon and reored the charge upon their opponents
We have had great deal of elimination and recrimna
ton upon the subject, and shall not revive the I'M
pleasant and Improbable discussion.
As representatives of the Commonwealth, you have
had many opportunities of ascertlnng the ssntmen Is
OF your constitute nts and you are, doubtless, appraised
that the people, generally, condemn the length 10
which the sessions have been extended and that the
lock TO you, organs Of their WILL TO apply the appro.
pirate remedy The efforts made, during the two last
sessions, to reduce the pay Of The members, sprung
from the belief that if successful the sessions would
be cura'ed, anc rs necessary qusnce, the pub
lie expenditures diminished. Judging from the expe-
ence of the past, have no reason to expect that the
daily compensation oe the members will be reduced
during the present session. There are, however other
expedlent; 10 which recourse may be had, and it is
hoped they VIII receive from you candid consaera-
ton. The plan OF designating, at the commencement
of the session, the dag for adjournng sine die has
been advocated with much ingenuity, bu. it has not
very many supporters and is not, therefore, likely TO
prevail Or late years, the business Of the House OF
Delegates has been greatly increased, III consequence
of the presentation and reference of resolutions upon
almost every kind Of subject Are many of these
resolutions not only useless but actually injurious -
the interests of the Commonwealth : Have not hun
dreds of resolutions been entertained by the House. and
referred to the Committees from courtesy fashion,
and usage, by the voics often of those who have
the most remote idea Of acting rpor, or approving Of
any bill or report, which may be made by the several
Committees, in response to the several topics which
the resolutions allude | am aware, that highly bene
fetal and important measures fcquen y have their
gin in the shape Of resolutions nstrncting the Corr
mittee OF - {, inquire &c: bat il surely is the
duty of The House of Delegates 10 receive ard refer
resolutions to ts various Committees, without dscr-
examination, or reflection, and from mere
Difference 10 the individuals who offer them. When a
orty of the House ls of III, opinion tha. any resc-
luton which has been offered e if referred TO Com
m.ee, be- productive Of valuable result is it not
better a. to vote down the resolution and thus
lIsve the Committee, TO which the resolution would
otherwise 60 from the labor of investigating the matter
and making report or bringing in b the discussion
of which, must consume more Of the time of the
House 81 refusing 10 refer all unimporant resolu
iions-by frequent resort 10 the previous question
by meeting at or two O'Clock, for the first two
three weeks Of the session. thereby afordine more
time for the leading to discharge their d.
ties, would not both Houses be prepared 10 adjourn
much earlier than usual | respectfully throw out
these hints for your consideration, with confident